 |
|
Radio Controlled Cars, Planes, Boats and Helicopters
Tips in this guide include technical radio details, along with tips on selecting the radio controlled model that is right for you. In the UK: Specific features for each type of radio
controlled model: Planes: Boats: Helicopters: If you wish to purchase radio
controlled cars, planes, boats or helicopters, we recommend
Amazon.com
or HobbyTron.com
|
This
site is intended to provide a guide to the major types of radio
controlled models. While it is not an extensive list, it is hoped
that this will provide the beginner with a useful point from which
to start learning about radio controlled vehicles.
Radio
controlled vehicles tend to operate around the 49 MHz band, however there
are a range of other frequencies that are available for use. Specific
areas of the band are set aside exclusively for surface and air radio
controlled models respectively. This is to prevent possible interference
if these models were sharing the same band. If separate bands were not
in place, the likely result would be radio controlled planes crashing
out of the sky after having their signals inadvertently interfered with
by surface based RC models.
Usually
a little more difficult to get the hang of, but once you do, well worth
the effort. Planes for beginners usually operate at speeds of around 25
mph, however more advanced models can operate at speeds of up to 200 mph.
Most radio controlled planes can operate over a distance of around 1 mile.
However you need to bear in mind that you need to be able to see what
direction the plane is pointing and what it is doing - rather than setting
it pointing away towards the blue yonder.
There
are several types of boats available. These typically include sailboats
and racing boats. Sailboats operate by catching the wind in their sails.
The radio control operates the boat's rudder. Racing boats have an inbuilt
electric engine. Usual running times are between 1-2 hours for many models.
Radio
controlled helicopters are usually the most challenging RC models to operate.
For this reason, standard types of radio controlled helicopters are not
recommended for the novice. This said however, the are now a few models
on the market which are much more stabilised (however do not physically
resemble a helicopter that everyone knows and loves). Traditional radio
controlled helicopters can do a large number of aerial aerobatics - including
flying backwards, sideways, upside-down, hovering and much more.