| -link"> | | | | from 2 to 10 channels. |
| | | | What comes with the radio |
| The radio system is to connect between you and | | | | Transmitter: The transmitter is the control box |
| your model rc toys (remote control toys) such as | | | | which you hold that converts your human control |
| rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, | | | | movements into electrical impulses and sends |
| remote control helicopter, remote control car etc.. | | | | them via radio waves to the receiver in your |
| It looks like a bit complicated at the very | | | | model. |
| beginning but with some study, all aspects of the | | | | Receiver: The receiver is the small electronic unit |
| radio system can be easily understood. | | | | in your model which converts the radio signal |
| We will introduce you to the radio system here | | | | from your transmitter into electrical control signals |
| and explain a few of the features found on many | | | | which can be sent to your servos. |
| of the systems available today. | | | | Servos: Servos are the devices in the model |
| Radios are separated into two groups, those used | | | | which actually produce the control movements. |
| for model aircraft and those used forsurface | | | | They convert the electrical signals from your |
| models. Although the operation, electronics, and | | | | receiver into physical movement to control your |
| mechanics for both types of systems are virtually | | | | model. A different servo is required for each |
| identical, they operate on different sets of | | | | control function or radio channel. |
| frequencies. The separation is stipulated by law | | | | Batteries: Virtually all 4-channel and greater |
| and it is to protect the safety of the modeler and | | | | systems come complete with rechargeable |
| those in the vicinity. | | | | NiCdbattery packs for both receiver and |
| A flying aircraft can be dangerous if it becomes | | | | transmitter. |
| uncontrolled and the frequency separation helps | | | | Dual Charger: A dual charger will come with any |
| avoid an aircraft being interfered with by | | | | system that is complete with NiCd batteries. |
| someone operating a car or boat. In addition to a | | | | It will charge both the receiver pack and the |
| difference in frequencies, some surface radios are | | | | transmitter pack at the same time. |
| also available as a pistol grip control which is | | | | Switch Harness: A switch harness is provided to |
| ergonomically easier when controlling cars and | | | | turn off the power to the receiver and servos in |
| boats. A pistol grip for aircraft would be | | | | the model. It goes between the battery pack and |
| impractical. | | | | receiver and also has a lead for charging. |
| The first criteria one usually looks for when | | | | Servo Accessories: Most radio systems will come |
| choosing a radio is the number of control | | | | with additional servo arms and hardware for |
| functions or channels. (Note that the term | | | | mounting them. |
| channels here refers to the number of controls | | | | P.S. Common rc toys (remote control toys) and |
| and does not have anything to do with the | | | | hobby items: rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc |
| frequency on which the radio operates.) Generally | | | | gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote |
| modern radio systems are available with anything | | | | control car etc. |