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Please remember not all radio controlled cars are suitable for
racing, some are only suitable for the Novice class and others are
suitable from the Novice level up to an intermediate level.
When purchasing your 1st car, things to consider are:
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Availability of spare parts, cause you are bound to break something
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Can the gear ratio (Spur/Pinion) be changed
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The weight of the complete car – anything over about 1700g (ready to
run) is far too
heavy for the small motors to propel the car at
racing speeds and be competitive
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Are upgrade parts available to make the car more competitive, at a
reasonable cost
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): This is the electronic device in the
car that provides power from the battery pack to the motor and Radio
gear. They range in price from about $40 or $50 to many hundreds. Of
course, there are significant differences between the cheaper versions
and the competition units. The cheaper versions can be limited to a
certain motor spec/capacity (Turns) whilst the more
expensive units can handle any motor that is available. Current output varies
significantly between ECSs, therefore be sure you select the right unit
for your use. There are also differences between "Brushed" and
"Brushless" ESC's, so be sure the ESC you plan to purchase can operate
the motor you will be using .
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Brushed ESC
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Competition
Brushed ESC |
Brushless ESC
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Competition
Brushless ESC |
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Hobbywing
13T Combo |
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ESC Program Card |
Battery Packs: When purchasing your 1st battery packs
for racing, we suggest you look
at the latest technology Lithium Polymer (LiPo) packs. Be sure to check
the STMCC Regulations regarding the types of LiPo packs allowed to be
used and the special conditions regarding chargers and charging
LiPo's. LiPo's are an almost fool proof type of battery pack and
with proper care, will perform at their peak every use.
The older style
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) packs are
still available for RC racing, however special care and attention is
required to maintain the packs at their peak.
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| Basic LiPo Pack |
Quality LiPo Pack |
Hi Performance LiPo Pack |
Please note: Rechargeable batteries can explode if over charging occurs.
Therefore, in the interest of safety, battery chargers that rely on a
timer mechanism to stop the charge cycle are not permitted to be used at
the track on race days. All chargers in use at the track must have an
inbuilt Peak Detection circuit that stops the charge cycle when the
battery pack reaches its peak capacity.
Battery
Charger: 240V power is available at the track on race days. Some
chargers work off 240v AC and 12v DC power. Some work off 240v AC only
and others work off 12v DC only. If purchasing a 12v DC powered charger
you will need either a 12v car battery or a 240v power supply that
supplies a 12v DC output to power the battery charger. Ensure you
purchase a charger capable of charging the type of packs you plan to
purchase. Most chargers will charge NiCd and NiMH packs. Others will
charge NiCd, NiMH and LiPo packs.
The last but most important piece of equipment in the car is the lap
scoring Transponder. Most racers use the AMBrc transponder that is
designed and manufactured for RC Racing. There are also some after
market brands available that work with the AMB decoder system.
Also, before making any purchases, carefully read the technical
specifications contained in the rules and regulations, to ensure the
equipment you plan to purchase does comply. A good source of information
is the club members. Feel free to discuss your proposed purchase with
any of the racers. They are only too happy to guide you in the right
direction and help you with car set-up when you first commence racing.
Locally, McCann’s Model World in Elizabeth Street Hobart and Nick's
Hobby Shop (Sorell and Moonah) can supply a
good range of cars, from the budget priced Novice ready to run car
through to the advanced level chassis kits, radio equipment, battery
packs, chargers, spares and accessories.
A ction RC, Feral Batteries, RAB Hobbies and
Harris RC are 4 Australian internet based RC businesses that are
involved in RC racing, so they stock and sell the latest equipment for
serious racing. Check out the
Links page for
website links.
EBay and general internet searching can also reveal some good priced
purchasing, however be sure you know what you are purchasing.
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EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW
