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A radio-controlled car (R/C car) is a powered model car driven from a distance using a radio control system. Inputs from joysticks (or a wheel and a trigger) on a transmitter are sent to the car's onboard receiver. more...

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The receiver interprets the radio signals and sends electrical pulses to the servo and electronic speed controller, making the model turn its wheels and the motor run. Radio-controlled cars can range from simple "stop and go" toys to competitive racing models, which feature all the complexity and adjustability of their full-size counterparts. Building, driving, and modifying radio-controlled car kits is a popular hobby.

Types of cars

Radio-controlled (or R/C) cars are usually categorized as either "toy" or "hobby" grade. Remote-controlled vehicles differ from radio-controlled by the presence of a wire cable connecting the transmitter and the car, limiting their movement. This article focuses on the radio-controlled vehicle category, both toy and hobby grades.

Cars are powered by various sources. Electric cars are powered by small but powerful electric motors and rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lithium polymer cells. There are also brushed or brushless electric motors. Most fuel-powered models use glow plug engines, small internal combustion engines fueled by a special mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil (in most cases a blend of castor oil and synthetic oil). These are referred to as "nitro" cars. Recently, exceptionally large models have been introduced that are powered by small gasoline engines, similar to weedwhacker motors, which use a mix of oil and gasoline. Electric cars are generally considered easier for the novice to work with compared to fuel-driven models, but can be equally as complex at the higher budget and skill levels.

In both of these categories, both on-road and off-road vehicles are available. Off-road models, which are built with fully-functional off-road suspensions, can be used on various types of terrain. In comparison, on-road cars, which generally have a limited or non-existent suspension, are strictly limited to smooth, paved surfaces.

Toy radio control

The term "toy" or "toy-grade" in regards to radio control cars is used to describe vehicles of the pre-assembled type generally found in discount stores and consumer electronics stores. They are often colloquially referred to as "Radio Shack cars". Some toy-grade R/C models may also be found in hobby shops in an attempt to appeal to young users. Generally speaking, a toy R/C is meant as a child's plaything. Though sometimes derided by users of more expensive and sophisticated hobby-grade equipment, toy R/C is an excellent way to teach a youngster basic vehicle control and to hopefully spark his/her interest in the hobby at a very reasonable price. Modern toy R/C vehicles are flashy, stylized and often somewhat more durable than hobby-grade vehicles. A toy R/C Lincoln Navigator brought to market in 2005 featured scale detail, full interior, chrome "dub" spinner rims, working show car lights, and even a fully programmable, built-in mp3 player used to emulate a high-powered stereo system. One of the largest R/C car models of any type is the 1/4-scale Cadillac Escalade from Columbia Telecommunications Group with its working FM radio. A Humvee less the broadcast receiver is built on the same chassis. Both are powered by a large, heavy 12-volt gel cell of the type often found in electric riding toys. A model of a Chrysler 300 SR/T from Planet Toys is a full 1/5 scale, twice the size of many hobby-grade R/C vehicles. Jada Toys has introduced 1/6-scale R/C cars influenced by full-scale vehicles featured in DUB City magazine. The "Shell Shocker" is a spherical, paddle-driven, all-terrain vehicle whose configuration can be changed by radio control. It was inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise and is sold by Tyco R/C.

Read more at Wikipedia.org