Friday, March 27, 2009

Radio Control Car Video

What's a fun thing to do with a radio-controlled car other than to race it? Well, one can make it into a spy camera. RC cars make good stealth vehicles. They can be used for surveillance or simply for fun.

Different models of mini-cameras can be installed in radio-controlled cars. Perhaps, this innovation will be seen in the race tracks in the future, where drivers will be able to get a first-hand view of the tracks as if they were inside their radio-controlled cars. But for now, radio-controlled cars with video capabilities can be used as toys.

There has been a toy that was released recently which caters to the inquisitive and adrenaline-packed attitudes of children who are into spy games. The "Spy Video Car" was released by the toy company Wild Planet at the San Francisco Toy Fair. It is currently priced at $50.

It has a digital camera that is incorporated into the body of the car. The camera itself rotates in wide angles which can be controlled via a remote control. The cool thing about this toy is that it features an eyewear where the video from the camera can be viewed. This adds up to the illusion that one is really into a spy game. The video is empowered with infrared technology so that one can use it even at night.

The sunglasses are impact resistant and can store up to twenty digital images. The images can then be transferred to an ordinary computer through a USB cable. However, the images generated from the video car are somewhat low in resolution, 640 by 480 pixels at the most.

One can definitely innovate and attach an ordinary mini-digital camera into his radio-controlled car if he would want to experiment on something new. A wireless digital camera can be purchased from specialty stores and can be installed in most RC vehicles.

This would entail some kind of expertise in terms of setting up the cameras and the viewing mechanism. The video cameras can usually be directed into personal computers and one can have the option of recording or capturing the video. Getting a video of the race track can be a good way of learning the tracks and getting ahead of the competition.

A video mechanism on an RC vehicle is a great innovation and a whole lot of fun too.

Little Known Ways in Buying Petrol Radio Controlled Cars

Once upon a time, radio controlled cars were fairly simple. With a superior electrically powered engine, primary radio controlled cars are nothing more than just toys.

A small enough number of radio controlled cars existed in the market that even the broadest market criteria returned a manageable number of potential sales.

As time goes by, more and more radio controlled car models have been manufactured and distributed. Among the widest and the most innovative creations were the petrol radio controlled cars.

Petrol radio controlled cars differ from the typical electrically-powered radio controlled cars because these cars are powered by fuel. They use gasoline as the main source for their kinetic energy.

One of the greatest advantages of petrol radio controlled cars over electrically-powered radio controlled cars is that they can arrive at remarkable speeds; with greater maximum speeds compared to most electrical cars.

Full power optimization is expected with most petrol radio controlled cars. The only problem with these fuel-powered radio controlled cars is that they produce more dirt from the burnt fuel than the other models.

Moreover, because petrol radio controlled cars have greater speeds, chances of crashes and smashes are more common. Hence, safety must be considered when driving these fully-powered petrol radio controlled cars.

Alternatively, if you wish to buy petrol radio controlled cars, you must try to consider these factors first:

1. Your budget

Like any hobby, you must have a well-planned budget for your petrol radio controlled cars. These diminutive almost-real cars may cost you a fortune especially if you want them fully-powered and with the best repair and maintenance kits.

2. Choose your model

Petrol radio controlled cars come in composite and "ready-to-run" models. Composite petrol radio controlled cars may come in kits or as partly assembled radio controlled cars.

On the other hand, "ready-to-run" petrol radio controlled cars are already available in the market in a "pre-tuned" condition. This means that you can readily operate them and start using them without earlier modifications.

Hence, it is best to decide which petrol radio controlled car you would like to start with as a hobby or as a racing model.

3. Establish a definite time for your hobby

Operating petrol radio controlled cars is no joke. You really need to set aside a good schedule for it. The upgrade, maintenance, and repairs can really take most of your time because the operation is more like it is in a real car.

In short, petrol radio controlled cars are one of the best buys you can make as long as you keep these tips in mind.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Radio Controlled Cars As Toys

Roger was fascinated about automobiles. Since this teenager neither had the money nor the experience needed to compete in NASCAR or in the Indy 500, the parents decided to give him the next best thing - which is a radio controlled car. This will allow the boy to race just like the experts without the risk of getting hurt should the vehicle get bumped or fly out of the control.

A radio controlled car is made up of a remote and the model vehicle. By turning or pushing the joystick up or down and left or right, the person is able to let it go in any direction.

There are many models out there in the marketplace. The basic ones can only travel a few feet. Those that want to experience the real deal should purchase the model that has to be assembled and modified.

Radio controlled cars are categorized either as electric or nitro powered. The nice thing about those that use electric motors is that the battery is rechargeable. Those that use fuel have to be refueled and oiled after some time, which is very similar to regular vehicles.

These toys are used by people of all ages. The specialty store has models similar to those used in NASCAR and monster trucks that are often seen in the demolition derby. This just shows that people can enjoy remote controlled vehicles both on and off the road.

Do these toys require a lot of maintenance? Yes they do. The owner should check the battery, the shock absorbers and the tires regularly. This will ensure that the car is able to maintain its speed and efficiency every time it is taken to the race track.

The hobbyist must be aware that not all of the parts can be repaired. This is because toy manufacturers have designed these to function until the parts simply fail. Those that want to enjoy the toy will either have to replace the parts which are sometimes hard to find or buy a new unit.

Radio controlled toys don't only apply to cars. There are also planes, ships and helicopters available in the toy store.

Parents and children alike who are curious and have never done this before should probably stick to the basic model(s) then upgrade later if the individual is really serious about it and wants to participate in racing competitions.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Satisfaction In A Radio Control Car Kit

Once you've been caught in the excitement of the RC hobby, many times there is no turning back. Many people start out with cars that are ready to race or run out of the box. For the more adventurous, they would rather buy car kits that they can assemble themselves. Of course, once you buy a kit, you'll need the tools, a toolbox, and the list goes on and on.

If you've seen an RC hobbyist hard at work on one of his car kits, you would note the image of a watchmaker hard at work on his instrument. These hobbyists have these kits down to a science, and if you're raring for the excitement of assembling your own RC, then you've just been bitten by a very infectious bug.

Although there are some RC car kits, mostly for kids, that cost just about $30, the serious enthusiasts should expect to shell out between $100 - $500 or more per kit, not counting initial investment of tools, consumables, and or course, the labor.

The kits can be categorized as follows:

Radio Control (RC) Car Kits - Electric

Most reasonably priced and with the widest variety in this category is the Tamiya America, with prices ranging from just below $100 to their top of the line products priced around $600. The products range widely as well, from a Mini Cooper Car Kit to Storm Racers.

Similarly priced as Tamiya but not as wide a range of products would be DuraTrax. Mid-priced electric car kits are Team Associated and C+M/Team Cobra with prices within the $200-$300 range. Also popular are HPI ($400++) and Hot Bodies ($400++).

Radio Control (RC) Car Kits - Nitro

For the nitro-powered kits, the minimum price would be higher - just below $200 for the cheapest ones. More brands compete at this category such as Mugen ($550-$1000), OFNA ($200-$600), and Thunder Tiger ($450-$800).

Of course, the classic RC kit brands such as Tamiya, Team Associated, and HPI all have their Nitro Car Kits; which are the most popular.

Whatever type of car kit you choose, remember that once you get started, more than the kit itself, it is the time you have to invest in constructing the car according to the specifications you want that will warrant the most fun, and the most cost as well.

The idea of constructing your own RC from scratch may seem daunting at first, but as many car kit enthusiasts know, there is something very satisfying about constructing something with your own hands - and that is exactly what RC kits are all about.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

What Is The Best Radio Controlled Car Model?

There are a lot of radio controlled cars (RCs) and a lot of RC aficionados out there. Across the United States, there are hundreds of RC competitions of all kinds, attracting both young and adults. The RC industry is one that does not look to be out of business in a while.

As such, RC manufacturers are trying to outdo one another by trying to come up with innovations relating to their products. This translates into totally new RC models that are said to be faster, sturdier, and more powerful in general. To the RC competitor, that is music to his ears. However, the question remains, what exactly are the best RC models out there?

There really isn't a perfect model that would fit all of the details that an RC owner would want. If you are a competitor and want speed, then the model for you would be one powered by fuel instead of the electric-powered ones. The top speeds reached by gas-powered RCs would be far higher than one powered by an electric motor.

However, the disadvantage that a gas-powered RC would bring up is its high maintenance. Gas RCs produce internal dirt that requires constant cleaning, also to maintain high performance and to lessen breakdowns.

Also, due to the high speeds that are brought about by gas-powered RCs, crashes are likely to happen, and we know that high speed crashes result in disaster.

Maintenance is the advantage of an electric-powered RC model. They don't require as much maintenance as gas-powered RCs, since they don't have an internal combustion system.

Even though not much maintenance is required, they tend to last longer than gas-powered models, since they don't experience as much wear and tear with a lightweight vehicle, a motor, and electric batteries.

If you're after speed, then the big truck models are not for you, as they are more suited for rough terrain racing. What would be best is to get a gas-powered lightweight vehicle in order to achieve a lot of straight line speed.

Likewise, a lightweight vehicle is not fit to go on the rough terrain since it normally has small wheels and a lower body that would only be damaged should you attempt to use it.

The best RC models are the ones that are suited to the type of racing you desire to participate in. If you're simply going to buy one for a hobby, try to get an all-terrain RC with speed, like a Cyclone, which is like an all-purpose vehicle.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Fuel Powered Radio Controlled Cars For Beginners

If you are looking for a more realistic and thrilling radio controlled car, fuel power is for you. The engine bellows like that of a real car, there are at least two gears available, and you can smell the familiar tang of gas fumes. Some racers claim that it makes you feel like you are really inside the car driving and maneuvering.

For a newbie in radio controlled car racing, below are some of the qualities of fuel powered R/C's that you need to take note of.

1. RTRs or ready to run fuel powered cars are available for purchase. These have not only been assembled by the manufacturers but tuned as well. You can buy one and take it directly to the race track for your speeding pleasure.

2. They can reach awesome speeds. This is much better than the speed you get from an electric powered R/C, which is mainly focused on its instantaneous throttle. You can take advantage of this during distance races where acceleration is not as important as the maximum speed attained.

3. Cleaning a fuel powered radio controlled car requires a bit of effort. You usually need to use solvents and air blowers to get rid of the stains caused by fuel combustion. Aside from that, polishing is also required to remove track dirt and dust.

4. Fuel power provides better performance and longer running times. For a dedicated racer, these are the qualities needed to top distance races and conquer outdoor tracks.

The stronger engine is able to hold up longer and pulls through tough dirt roads. This is also beneficial in the long run as it defends better against normal wear and tear.

5. Skill as a technician is needed to keep your model car in top form. It is much like being your own mechanic. Competent knowledge of the car parts and how they work is needed to maintain maximum performance, fuel efficiency, and full power.

6. Extra precaution must be undertaken with fuel powered radio controlled cars. Because they are heavier and faster than electric powered R/C's, collisions are more fatal.

Real damage can be wrought on you car; ending up with a heap of wreckage is not a fun idea. Along with its greater power comes more force in hits and clashes, bringing more harm not only to your car but also to the other car that it will hit.

For a more lifelike and convincing racing experience, fuel power is recommended. It is like a real car in almost every aspect, except it is scaled down.

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