How to Get Started in Radio Control

Radio Control vehicles such as boats, cars, helicopters and planes are definitely a hobby and should not be thought of as toys. Today there are massive numbers of cheaply priced radio control products on the market, which tempt and lure both adults and children into the world of RC (radio control). However, it is definitely buyer beware when it comes to purchasing a RC product that is not a recognised brand name within the particular sector of the hobby you are interested in. But how do you know what is a recognisable brand? What makes a vehicle good and another bad? Hopefully these and more questions we will answer for you.

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Steps

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    Radio Control vehicles such as boats, cars, helicopters and planes are definitely a hobby and should not be thought of as toys. Today there are massive numbers of cheaply priced radio control products on the market, which tempt and lure both adults and children into the world of RC (radio control). However, it is definitely buyer beware when it comes to purchasing a RC product that is not a recognised brand name within the particular sector of the hobby you are interested in. But how do you know what is a recognisable brand? What makes a vehicle good and another bad? Hopefully these and more questions we will answer for you.
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    Firstly, “do not buy anything spontaneously!” There are many temptations presented before us by major chain stores, shopping centre kiosks, local markets and online. There is nothing necessarily wrong with these products they look fantastic in their packaging, there might even be a person operating one - it seems to work well, looks easy to use and best of all the price is right!
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    “Beware of Imitations.” Most manufacturers have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars over many years to develop and build a range of quality products and therefore establishing a good name for themselves within the RC industry. Because of this investment it is in their best interest to continue providing quality Radio Control products and service. New companies are emerging almost daily offering “new” products some of which over time may become really successful. Unfortunately most are often nothing more than copies of successful originals. If two items from two different manufacturers look identical and there is a difference in the price then quality has almost certainly been sacrificed.
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    “You get what you pay for!” Everything we buy as consumers is manufactured for a price. In Radio Control this is no different and as a general rule the cheaper the product is to purchase the more likely it is to be a disposable item rather than a repairable one. Because “cheaper” RC products are manufactured for a price and a target market, rectifying a design fault and supplying individual spare parts are just not part of a manufacturers overall marketing strategy. Alternatively you may find spare parts are available and reasonably priced. A couple of clicks over the internet and the parts are on their way. The issue is that you may find yourself “clicking” very often and/or replacing the same part over and over. Aside from failures due to poor design, the quality of the plastics and metals can be too soft (flexes), too hard (brittle) and too thin. Electronic/electrical components are often very basic, poorly made and their ability to power and control your RC vehicle are borderline at best (power versus weight versus environment). The biggest 3 enemies of any electronic/electrical component are water, vibration and impact. Experience has shown cheaper manufactured components are much more susceptible to failure when exposed to any of these elements. Replacing any electronic/electrical component is almost never a cheap exercise.
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    “Technology is always changing make sure you are buying today’s technology not yesterdays.”
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    “Do your homework.” Visit hobby stores, buy a hobby magazine or two, talk to local hobby clubs or enthusiasts and check out the internet. Go to manufactures websites and read forums about the product you are interested in. It is important to ask questions and satisfy yourself that you are making the best and most informed decision you can. Most people who are in a hobby are more the willing to share their knowledge, experiences and assist you. But most will not tell you what you should buy!
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    It is not our purpose to recommend any particular manufacturers/brands within these pages, however there is a lot of choice out there and many good reputable manufacturers. Their products typically range from a medium to high end range, they have full spare parts backup, technical support and if you purchase from within Australia are backed by an Australian warranty.