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