Radio Control info Radio controlled (R/C) vehicles are controlled with a wireless, hand-held transmitter which communicates with the vehicle through radio frequencies, providing the advantage of long-range control. The following page provides information on their use.
Just as a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio frequency, an R/C transmitter sends radio frequency signals that tell its vehicle how to perform. The signals are sent to the vehicle’s receiver on one of two frequencies (27MHz or 40 or 35MHz) designated for use in R/C toys.
In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, the vehicles must operate on different frequencies. Our higher-end R/C vehicles come with a removable frequency band crystal that allows you to operate the vehicle on up to 6 different bands within the 27MHz frequency, e.g., for competitive racing.
Our R/C vechicales are either Full Function or Multi-Function. Full Function land and water vehicles have standard forward, reverse & stop features, and can make left and right turns in both forward & reverse. In addition to these capabilities, Multi-Function R/C vehicles have features such as a Differential Gear for better traction, Trim Adjustment for enhanced steering, working headlights, etc.
Multi-Function Airplanes can turn left and right, have engine cut-off switches for powerless gliding, elevation (rudder) control, and so on.
The range of a vehicle is the area in which the R/C vehicle can receive the radio frequency signals from the vehicle’s transmitter. The range can be anywhere from 50 to over 1500 feet and varies from vehicle to vehicle. Planes have the greatest control range. The range of R/C boats is generally greater than that of R/C land vehicles; however, it is best to operate your boat within 100 feet of your transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water.
Range 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 transformers, 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 likely source of interference.
The scale size, e.g., 1/16, indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the scale fraction, the smaller the size of the item. For example, a 1/16 scale is much smaller than a 1/10 scale vehicle.
R/C items have regular steering - one position for right turns and one position for left turns. The turning radius is always the same. Many of our higher-end items have digital proportional steering, which is similar to that of a real car. Digital steering is very precise and allows for sharp or wide turns. This sensitive steering system is necessary for larger, high-performance vehicles in order to prevent them from flipping over or losing control.
R/C items have different battery requirements based on their size, features and performance. Look for the battery requirements under the individual vehicle description to determine what batteries are required and whether they are included. Whereas some of our smaller R/C vehicles require AA batteries, most other vehicles come complete with a rechargeable Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium) battery pack, charger, and a 9v battery for the transmitter.
All battery packs must be charged before use (charging time is approximately 4 hours). Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. However, if the battery is continually overcharged (more than four hours) or if the battery is recharged before power is completely drained, the battery life may be shortened. It’s a good idea to have an extra battery pack on hand to increase playing time. Extra battery packs are available for purchase by special order.
Run time varies according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Some vehicles, such as the Cessna & Windjammer Planes and the Mariner Sailboat, use wind or thermal power and depend on batteries only to power their steering. These vehicles have an extremely long run time. For other vehicles, average run times are as follows:
- 4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes
- 6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes
- 9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes
- 7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes
R/C boats should only be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water, since salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode. After use, allow any water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.
READ OWNERS MANUAL BEFORE CHARGING BATTERY PACK AND BEFORE OPERATING VEHICLE.
- Do not overcharge the battery pack.
- Do not charge a damaged battery pack.
- Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
- Use the battery charger indoors only, unless your vehicle includes a portable field charger.
- Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle. Use care when handling.
- Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.
- Do not mix rechargeable batteries with alkaline batteries, and do not mix old batteries with new batteries.
- Always turn transmitter OFF before handling the vehicle.
- Do not use vehicles on the same frequency at the same time.
- Do not try to upgrade a vehicle’s circuit board or motor: this will cause the circuit board to burn out.
- Take note of the age-grading given on the gift box. Children under 8 should have parental supervision while operating R/C toys.
Problem: Vehicle does not respond, or responds erratically, to transmitter commands.
Likely causes:
1) Weak transmitter batteries, weak or uncharged vehicle batteries, low-quality battery packs and/or alkaline batteries.
2) Incorrect battery installation.
3) Vehicle is beyond range of transmitter.
4) Radio frequency interference from R/C vehicle on same frequency, CB radio, microwave transmitters, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc.
Solutions:
1) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
2) Ensure that alkaline batteries are installed correctly and make good connection with battery terminals. Ensure that battery packs are plugged in to vehicle.
3) Make sure transmitter antenna is fully extended. Walk toward vehicle with the transmitter to come within range (anywhere from 30 - 100 feet).
4) Turn off transmitter of vehicle on same frequency; move to location with less interference.
Problem: Extremely short run time.
Likely causes:
1) Vehicle and or transmitter have been left on when not in use.
2) Weak or old batteries.
3) Battery pack has not been properly charged.
Solutions:
1) Turn transmitter and vehicle OFF when not in use.
2) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
3) Ensure battery pack is always completely drained of power before recharging. Avoid overcharging battery pack. Replace battery pack.
If the suggested solutions do not remedy the problem, contact us for assistance. Be sure to have your item number and vehicle name at hand.
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