Archive for April, 2010
Making my first choice of a first RC airplane was really fun but I was aware that this could be a difficult task and something to be taken very seriously. While not filled with dramatics, hopefully my research will be filled with good advice for new RC airplane hobbyist. I tried not to get myself too hyped and guarded my actions to keep me from running out and buying the first airplane that looked cool without understanding it features. Remember that choosing a RC airplane can be a simple process of research but recognizing your skill level is the key to enjoying your RC airplane journey. Having no experience, I chose a basic, beginner-oriented RC airplane plane, because anything more complex would ruin my RC airplane adventures. Like most new RC airplane hobbyist, I wanted to fly a sharp looking airplane plane with the capability to do all sorts of wonderful tricks and maneuvers. Yet being realistic, I knew that something smaller with less capability was the best way to go for enjoyment and success. Here are the things too consider for a Beginners RC Airplane:
(RTF) Ready to Fly RC Airplane Kits:
RTF RC airplanes are just about ready to go straight out of the box; you will probably have to attach the wings and tail, but since it was intended to be easily constructed there is nothing overly technical about getting it together. There are (ARF) Almost Ready To Fly RC airplane kits, but unless you are really sharp on physically building RC airplanes or adding your own special components to it, I would suggest that you start out with a RTF RC airplane kit.
Electric Powered RC Airplanes:
Electric powered RC airplanes are less expensive than gas powered RC airplanes. Just charge up the batteries, turning it on and you are ready to fly. Gas RC airplanes require special fuel, and it’s more difficult to maintain and fly. This is the primary reason why electric RC airplanes are a better choice for beginners.
Slow Speed RC Airplanes:
RC airplanes that travel at slower speeds are r easier to correct in flight, saving you the horror of veering off course and crashing into who knows what. You get more time to think and find out which control does what.
Choosing 2 or 3 channels RC airplane controls:
Get less with respect to the number of channels you consider for your RC airplane kit. Each channel controls a certain directional movement of the plane. 2 channels will allow you to control altitude (up and down) as well as turning to either side. 3 channels include the first two but also allow you to control the throttle or the speed your plane is travelling. RC airplanes also come with 4 channels, but as a beginner, stay with less and enjoy your flying time more. 3 channels should be adequate and more than enough to keep you on your toes.
RC Airplane Anti-Crash Technology:
There is a wonderful Hobby Zone invention that beeps as soon as its sensors detect that the plane is diving dangerously or out of control. The system takes control and adjusts the plane’s altitude giving time to regain control and avoid that big crash. It’s a great feature when you’re a beginning RC flyer and your reaction time has not been tested.
Your first consideration should be your budget or the amount of money you are willing to spend in pursuit of your new found RC hobby. Your first RC airplane does not have to be top of the line expensive and you will want to look into the cost of replacement parts. There will be hard landings and crash at some point so be prepared. If you can, go to a RC flying field and get some help. This will increase your chance of success. After you gain experience start shopping for an RC airplane upgrade. Hope this helps. Blue skies and happy flying!
As I left my favorite Chinese Restaurant, I heard and saw a wonderful RC truck bashing event was beginning to unfold. I rushed to observe the happening and noted that it involved one of my favorite RC trucks, the Traxxxas Revo 3.3. Along with a gathering crowd, I made it closer to the action. The event was taking place in an empty shopping center parking lot with grooves and dips that transitioned into smooth surfaces and up hill grades. I checked out the Traxxas Revo 3.3 nitro’s involved and knew that this was going to be exciting. What a wonderful performance the four Revo’s gave us. With top speeds of up to 45 mph the tough Traxxas Revo 3.3 demonstrated its capacity to awe the crowd with a great performance. The run was about 50 yards which caused a momentary lost of view at some points and routes that would challenge the best RC truck drivers. What a joy to behold as the drivers delivered with sights, sounds and unbelievable action that lasted about 45 minutes. At the end, the crowd exploded with cheers and applauses. What a show! I admire RC Racers, because of their skills and creativity for finding a place to race their RC jewels.
The Traxxxas Revo 3.3 nitro is a very durable and stable RC truck with all the power and toughness you will need for an exciting day of RC racing or bashing. The Traxxas Revo 3.3, can handle the tough runs and still maintain fantastic speeds of over 45 mph. We are talking about a RC truck that will set the standard for RC truck experiences for years to come. I’ve bashed the Revo, taken jumps crashed it and it still works! It is the best all around RC truck on the market in my opinion. The RC nitro Revo has an additional 30 mm of chassis length to provide additional support around the engine mount. This longer wheelbase is combined with installed progressive 2 suspension rockers to stabilize the vehicle. The great stability along with the tough mud tires are what you need if you need to run hard on the roughest track or terrain. The Traxxas Revo 3.3 offers one-handed operation with a complete on-board, push-button electric starting system. The Traxxas EZ-Start system lights your glow plug and starts the engine quickly and smoothly with the push of a button. I am convinced that the Traxxas Revo 3.3 nitro is a very versatile RC monster truck that can handle any RC truck task with ease! Especially empty parking lots!
Finally, spring has arrived and RC boating season has begun. RC boating you say? Yes, RC boating! RC boating is not for everyone but it is growing in popularity with RC hobbyist as technology continues to make RC boats more reliable, easer to operate with more choices available than ever before. We had beautiful weather yesterday, with little wind so, I decided to go out and run on the lake with my RC boats. During these long winter months, I have done the proper maintenance, see http://www.rc-carsinfogarage.com/rc/498-caring-for-your-rc-boats/ and replaced or upgraded some of the batteries. This made any break in the weather welcomed for some long awaited check out runs. What a day, all boat systems were functioning properly and I had a chance to show of a bit with my Aquacraft Super Vee 27 RC (vee hull) RTR and Traxxas Villain EX RC electric race boat. With the admiration came questions and one that I was trilled to answer since, I love talking RC. The question, what are your favorite RC boats?As I reflected over the years of RC boating enjoyment, it was easy to conclude that today’s RC boats have to be among my favorite choices. Ok, here we go.
Aquacraft Super Vee 27 (vee hull) RTR= Brushless electric. Out of the box it will run 30+ mph. comes with Grimracer hardware. With a few modifications, new prop and good batteries and a scuffed hull bottom) you can reach a speed of 40+ mph.
Aquacraft Miss Vegas Hydro (Hydro boat style hull) RTR = Nitro boat. The U-18 get’s you ready race-ready fast and delivers mind blowing speed and style! Aquacraft makes it also comes with Grimracer hardware.
Traxxas Villian (Vee hull) RTR = Brushed electric. Ok boat from what I’ve heard but it nowhere near as fast as the SV 27. Twin motors that are counter rotating so the boat is pretty stable.
Aquacraft Nitro Hammer (vee hull) RTR = haven’t heard any reviews only people sarcastically talking about this boat, whatever they mean by it? I don’t think this is faster than the SV 27? Aquacraft makes this boat;
For what it’s worth, these are my selections; I hope this helps you in your search for an RC boat. Remember these are hobby grade boats that demands your attention. If you are looking for a toy RC boat, then these recommendations are not for you. Go to a toy store and buy a plastic boat that looks like a Fountain or Donzi? You’ll still be at or below your budget and have a boat that looks good. Not fast though. I not trying to discourage you, I am just relaying some real time facts.