How Does an RC Car Work?
RC cars are available in a variety of formats designed for both on and off road use. Whether you build your RC car from parts or purchase a pre-assembled model, these offer a fun and exciting hobby for people all ages. With the near limitless options available, having a basic understanding of how RC cars work can help you make an informed decision when purchasing your first RC car.
Mechanical Overview
On a simple level, RC cars are much like their full-sized counterparts. All models will include a body shell made from ABS plastic or fiberglass, a gas or battery-powered engine and a means of applying that power for movement. This can include a wide array of things such as wheels, tank treads or hover pads. For higher-end models, the shell is replaceable and may include additional features such as working doors, lights or windows. Off-road models often include full suspension systems or roll bars to better help off-road functionality.
Controlling RC Cars
RC cars are controlled using dual-transmitter radio frequency remotes. Two popular controller formats include the trigger controller and the traditional stick-based controller. Most controllers are powered with a rechargeable battery pack or 9-volt batteries.
The trigger controller consists of a pistol-grip style body with steering knob and throttle trigger. The trigger is pressure sensitive, allowing for fine control of the RC car’s speed. The control knob is mounted above the trigger and is spring loaded. This causes the wheel to return to center when released, much like the steering wheel of a full-sized car. Unlike a full-sized car’s steering wheel, the degree of rotation on the RC remote's control knob is limited, allowing you to make tight turns and maneuvers with as little as 45 degrees of rotation.
Stick-based controllers typically have two sticks that are used to control the throttle and steering of your RC car. These sticks are typically spring loaded and return to center when released. In common configurations, the throttle stick will be limited to vertical movement, while the steering stick is limited to horizontal movement. In advanced systems, there may be more sticks or buttons to control additional features on the car.