Electric R/C cars and trucks have several advantages for new hobbyists. They're clean-running. They make relatively little noise. They're easier to operate than nitro models. You don't have to buy fuel or glow plugs, or fuss over engine adjustments. Just charge your batteries, plug them in and off you go.

You have a huge variety to choose from: trucks, buggies, sedans, stock cars and more. Many cars come in "sport" and "team" versions. First-timers might prefer the sport models for their lower cost and simplicity, though if you're set on racing, you may want some team features, such as ball bearings and aluminum or titanium parts.

When you choose a car, make sure you understand what it does and does not include. Some kits already come with the motor and a mechanical speed control. Competition-level cars provide the basic rolling chassis, but often require you to purchase everything else (motor, battery, electronic speed control, body) separately.

Speed Controls

Speed controls are the part of your radio system that controls how much power is going to your car's motor. Simply put, they're what gives you command over when and how fast your model moves, and whether it runs in forward or reverse.

Mechanical vs. Electronic

There are two kinds: mechanical speed controls and electronic speed controls. Most models designed for newcomers include a mechanical speed control. They work fine, but require occasional maintenance, as well as a servo, linkage and resistors for operation, all of which increase your model's weight.

Electronic speed controls are more precise, provide smoother control, and allow longer run times and faster speeds. When R/C modelers begin adding options and upgrades to their machines, an electronic speed control is often near the top of the list. Electronic speed controls also replace all of the dead weight in the servo, resistors, and linkages needed for a mechanical speed control.

Motors

In R/C, there are two basic classes of motors: Stock and Modified. If your model comes with a motor, it's most likely the stock variety. Stock motors are classified by the number of turns (times the wires are wrapped around the commutator). Stock motors are typically 27 turns. Motors that are ROAR legal (legal for competition) also have fixed timing, typically at 24 degrees. Adjustable timing (found on modified motors) can allow the motor to turn more RPM's and gain more power.

Modified motors require additional current to operate and should be used only with an electronic speed control. Equipped with such features as ball bearings and adjustable timing, they generally offer more power and greater torque than stock motors, but also drain your battery pack faster.

Batteries & Charger

A rechargeable battery pack is required to run virtually all electric cars and trucks. These are typically made of 6 or 7 individual NiCd cells, wired together and wrapped in a plastic film. Most drivers keep several packs on hand, using one to race while another is recharging (which usually takes about 20 minutes).

Various types of chargers are available for R/C car batteries. Most beginners choose a "dial" charger (one that operates for as long as its timer has been set) that can be powered either from 110V AC household current or from a 12V DC car battery at trackside. You might also look for a charger with a "trickle" charge mode, these let you charge packs slowly overnight. Competitors often use a "peak detection" charger. These units have electronic circuitry that can detect when a battery has reached its maximum charge, then automatically switch off. Peak detection chargers are nice because you will not need to worry about over- or undercharging your packs. These types of chargers are also becoming easier to afford.

Radio System

Many competition-level kits will require you to buy a radio system. Refer to the radio basics page for details on this. Many of the ready-to-run cars will come with the radio system. Most even come pre-installed. The radios that come with the RTR cars are not going to be the best equipment available, but they work well and are all the beginning R/Cer is going to need.

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