Your guide
to radio-controlled vehicles

Radio-controlled (R/C) vehicles

Radio-controlled vehicles should not be confused with remote-controlled vehicles (vehicles controlled with a transmitter attached
to the vehicle by a wire). They are controlled with a handheld transmitter that is not attached to the vehicle but communicates
through radio frequencies. R/C vehicles therefore have much greater range and flexibility.

Just as a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio frequency that you can tune into, a R/C transmitter sends radio frequency
signals that tell the vehicle how to perform.

Frequencies
The signals are sent to the vehicle's receiver on one of the frequencies below:

• 26.96 - 27.28MHz - general use
• 40.66 - 41.00MHz - surface use only (cars and boats)
• 458.5 - 459.5MHz - general use
• 35.305 - 37.945MHz - air only

In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, they must operate on different frequencies. It is
not possible to change the frequency of a vehicle unless it is a more expensive item that has a removable frequency band crystal.

Some larger items have a removable frequency band crystal that can be changed to allow the vehicle to operate on up to six
different bands within the 27MHz frequency. This allows for competitive racing of up to six different vehicles.

R/C functions R/C items are single, full or multi-function. Single-function vehicles gor forward in a straight line and turn to the left when going in reverse; they do not have a stop feature, but can be stopped by turning the power switch off. Full-function vehicles can move in forward and reverse, make left and right turns in forward and reverse and stop. Multi-function vehicles usually have a full-function controller that has other added functions. Control range The range can be anywhere from 10 to over 300 metres and varies from vehicle to vehicle. It can be affected by weak transmitter batteries or interference from other items that emit radio frequency signals, such as another R/C item on the same frequency, CB radios, cordless phones, high-voltage transfromers etc. For best results, hold the transmitter so that the antenna is directed straight up, rather than toward the vehicle and operate the vehicle away from any interference.

Vehicle scale The scale indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actul vehicle of that type. It is determined by the length of the chassis. A vehicle that is 1:24 scale has a chassis that is 1:24 the size of an actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the fraction, the smaller the item. Steering Most R/C items have regular steering - one position for right turns, one position for left turns. The turning radius is always the same. Many higher end items have a digital proportional steering; similar to that of a real car. The steering is very precise and allows for a sharp or wide turns.This sensitive steering system is necessary for larger, high-performance vehicles, to keep them from flipping over or losing control.

Batteries Most vehicles have different battery requirements based on their size, features and performance. While some of the smaller vehicles require AA batteries, larger vehicles may require one of four rechargeable NiCd (nickel cadmium) battery packs. Transmitters usually require either one 9V battery or six AA baateries. It's a good idea to have an extra battery pack on hand to increase usage time. Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. If the battery is continually over charged (more than four hours) of if the battery is recharged before power is completely drained, the battery life may be shortened. Run-time will vary according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size and performance level of the vehicle and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Average run times are as follows: 4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes 6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes 7.2V vehicles: 10. to 15 minutes 9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes