RC Hobbies2u

It's Time to Get into Business

2009-02-02T09:49:00.004+08:00

I'm in the midst of developing a website for one of the RC club in Malaysia. I'll be the administrator for the team's website as well as a distributor for RC cars i.e. chasis, bodyshell, spare parts, and etc. The website will complete within 2 weeks from now but if everything move smoothly, I guess I might able to make it earlier. I also plan to put some products in this blog for RC lovers to shop around. The shopping method already decided and I can guarantee everybody will find it user-friendly.

Talking about the products, I guess the first thing that will come across your mind would be the $$$ :-) I've put some efforts to get the best supplier with the best price. So, don't worry so much about the price and quality, dude! You will get the most reasonable price for all items and customer satisfaction is my priority. You can call it online shopping but it might not be 100% operated by the system because no checkout function available at this time. The website will show list of available products and buyers require to send an email or SMS (thru mobile phone) to purchase. Once finalized and buyers paid the price, the purchased items will be sent directly to your door. It's so simple that you can even order items and receive them while you hang out with other RC buddies.

Anyway, just wait for the announcement from this blog and by that time, you will get more excited to explore more about RC vehicles.

Collecting Old RCs

2009-02-01T23:18:00.005+08:00

Sometimes you can find RCs in unlikely places. Shopping for some second hand furniture this week I ran across some vintage RCs, most notably a couple of huge airplanes. If you have a passion for radio controlled vehicles and collecting, then collecting old RCs is something you might want to look into:

About Collectibles Guide Barbara Crew has sound advice for anyone on how to start a vintage collection of any kind.

eBay is popular way to add to any type of collection, including vintage RCs. About Antiques Guide Pamela Wiggins has advice on eBay bidding.

At Vintage RC Web the focus is on classic cars with pictures, video, and a few manuals too.

If Tamiya RCs are your favorite, the Tamiya Club is where you can hook up with collectors of vintage and modern Tamiya Radio Controlled Cars.

The Vintage Radio Control Society aims to preserve radio control history using model RC airplanes from before 1970.

If you like new that looks old, RC builders can get plans for making their own airplane models based on vintage fliers at Vintage R/C Plans.

Talk with other collectors in the Vintage & Antique RC forum of RC Universe. They have a thread that discusses exactly (or inexactly) what "vintage" means in the world of RCs.

Promote Your Products Here!!

2009-02-01T13:59:00.008+08:00

I'm pleased to announce that this blog is open for any promotion on RC stuffs. If anyone has an RC event in plan and looking for place to advertise it, do contact me at eja_macho@hotmail.com. I'll response to your request and will advise on the next step to proceed about.

I know that RC is still something new to some Malaysians and that's one of the reason why this blog was developed for. We can together make it a great hobby for others to spend their free time and apart of that, we can have a huge community link through out Malaysia - probably can go across the boundary.

Opportunity is already there and it's our job now to decide how to make it a success. Let's take this as a starting point to move ahead and get the world to know who we are. Together we unite!!

RC Planes - Tips and Guide to Buying RC Model Planes

2009-02-01T10:34:00.001+08:00

Learn about the fun hobby of flying rc planes and an overview to the exciting world of radio controlled air planes.

Electric rc planes are best for beginners. These are powered by small electric motors and rechargeable batteries. Choose from kits, almost ready to fly (ARF) and ready to fly (RTF) models. The easiest way to get started would be to get the RTF rc planes.

You can also choose to buy rc jet planes which are electric ducted fan or with gas powered engines. Jets are fast and best suited for experienced hobbyists.

Gas rc planes are also commonly called nitro planes. These models use special hobby fuel that is a mixture of methanol, lubricant and nitro methane.

There are also specialty model kits such as rc float planes that take off and land in water. Taking off and landing in the sea or lake adds to the realism of the hobby.

If you live in the city or crowded areas, you will love the micro or mini rc planes. These small and light models are designed to fly indoors, in your garage or living room.

And for buyer's, there are plenty of rc planes for sale. If you are looking for a great deal, used models (i.e. second hand) can be found from buy/sell forums.

For brand new units, there are plenty of online hobby shops that usually sell at discounted prices.

Have fun flying!

P.S. Some of the most popular brands are GWS, HobbyZone and Megatech. Try their cheap starter planes.

P.P.S. There is also an articles and tips section to help you learn more about this fun and relaxing hobby. Subscribe to magazines to keep you updated on the latest model plane reviews. And watch videos to get you excited about the hobby.

Step By Step Guide On How To Build An RC Car Track

2009-01-31T10:47:00.002+08:00

Ok, so you have your own RC car and you've driven it around on the road or at a field - but now you want to put it to the test - right? This guide will teach you how to build your own RC car track. Tracks are built in various sizes which include standard, medium and wide. But, when it comes to building your own RC track, the sizes, shapes and variations are really up to you - it's your track - build it the way you want!

So first thing's first. When it comes to building your own RC car track, make sure to take your budget into consideration. You also need to determine what type of track you really want. So, ask yourself this question: Do I want a pro race track or do I want something casual for at home use? If you said pro- you'll be in for a bigger, more expensive and time consuming project. If you said casual, which most people are, then this task won't be too difficult for you.

Building An At-Home RC Car Race Track

Plan Your Race Area

Ok, lets get started. The best way to go about doing this is to build it in your garage, driveway, basement or backyard. I recommend leaving it to the basement or garage because then you won't have to worry about rain, snow, mud and all that other grossness that will come on your track from nasty weather (unless you live in Hawaii of course). The maintenance factor will also be easier in a covered area, so anything undercover would be best.

Prepare Yourself For Fun!

Surface Area - Don't Look Over This Step

Before you even get on to constructing your masterpiece, you'll need to take a look at the floor conditions. Depending on where you want to have your race track, you'll need to make sure that the surface you're going to build on is durable and flat. If it's not, you might have to make some changes to the original surface - like pouring concrete to make the surface flat. Pouring concrete doesn't have to be a scary word for those of you who can't even build a birdhouse - just go down to your local hardware store and ask for some help!

I recommend making the surface to your track carpet. A thin, low-friction carpet is best (not the kind that you keep in your living room!). You can find this at a local shop that sells carpet.

Design It For You!

Proper Measurements

Grab yourself some graph paper here so you do it right from the beginning. Don't just do this on a whim. Measure out the space you're going to build in with a measuring tape - then transfer that on to your graph paper. If you only have 16 feet by 16 feet to work in, make sure that on your graph paper you properly measure out each foot so that you aren't over/under sizing your track.

On To The Design

Ok, so there's no real set rule on how your track should look. No matter what anyone tells you, it's your track - make it look however you want it to look. Make turns wherever you want - have some fun and be creative. Just keep in mind this: make sure you leave enough room for your RC to turn corners, etc. If you're planning on racing a couple RC cars on it, then you'll need at least 4 to 7 feet of space from wall to wall (lane width). If you draw it out on your graph paper, with the right measurements, there's no reason why you can't have the track designed the way you want.

Sizes

Depending on the size of your vehicle, you'll need to make your track accordingly. If you have a 1/5th-1/10th scale RC car or truck - these tracks below generally aren't suitable for your vehicle - you'll need more space, and a more 'custom' design on your part.

Standard - These tracks have 20 inch lanes, and are more suitable for micro RC cars & trucks (about 1/24th scale)
Medium - These tracks have 33 inch lanes, also for smaller RC vehicles. Usually fits into a 12 x 14 foot space if you make it into an oval shape.
Wide - These tracks have about 4 feet lanes (44 inches) - better for vehicles a little bigger than usual. This is probably your best bet size (or bigger, depending on the size of your vehicle).

These are just sizes that other people use to build their tracks. Like I said, you don't have to follow these sizes, just make sure that you build lanes and tracks big enough for whatever type of vehicle you have.

Constructing Your Masterpiece - Putting Your Design To Life

Using Concrete

Ok, this is not that difficult - don't stress! If you've chosen to use concrete, then I'm assuming you've already laid it over the old surface and is now flat and smooth. All you need to do now is make the outline of your track by using garden hose (thicker than just regular house hold garden hose). It's really as easy as that! Just super glue the hose to the concrete, and voila - an easy- low cost - RC car track! Just make sure you get a hot air glue remover for when you want to remove the hose from the ground. If you don't want to use garden hose, you can also use plastic piping or wood for an outline.

Using Carpet/Other Surfaces

So you don't want to use concrete and re-lay a new floor? No problem! Here's what you'll need:

Carpet (low-friction, thin)
Plywood
Garden Hose (thicker than usual), Plastic Piping, or Wood

Build it!

Cut individual pieces of plywood to the shape of your RC track. Look at your design, and measure out the width, shape and length of your pieces. I recommend cutting out the straight-aways, corners and jumps all separately (make sure they are properly measured). Then, super glue all the pieces of plywood together, basically creating the base of your entire RC track.

Next, roll out your carpet. Cut your carpet to the size and shape of the plywood base. Using a staple gun, staple the edges of the carpet to the plywood. Make sure you pull real tight on the carpet so there's no rifts or lines in the carpet.

After you've done that, simply out line the edges of the plywood with plastic piping or garden hose (or wood) by gluing them to the sides of the plywood. Now your RC cars wont go flying off the track. I recommend using garden hose because it will be soft on your RC car. If you use wood or plastic piping, you can outline the insides with a grassy mat material (like fake golf grass mats) or something soft so that you keep the front and sides of your RCs protected.

Total Supplies Needed

Graph Paper + Pencil
Measuring Tape
Table Saw (or hand saw)
Staple Gun (or industrial hand stapler)
Concrete OR Plywood and Carpet
Garden Hose / Plastic Piping / Wood
Super Glue / Industrial strength glue

If you follow these steps - they don't have to be exact. Use common sense, go down to a hardware store and ask for help if you need it! Have fun racing on your new at-home RC car track track!

How To Build Your Own RC Car

2009-01-31T10:26:00.005+08:00

How does one go about building a dream rc car? Here are a few tips about how to build your own rc car. Radio controlled cars come in different varieties such as electric or nitro - while electric cars are recommended for beginners as they are easier to build and maintain. Advanced modelers prefer to build nitro cars as they provide a greater challenge. RC cars come in various shapes and sizes from battery powered microsizers to the 1/5 scale model DuraTrax FireHammer. Even though rc cars are smaller than full size cars some of them contain sophisticated engineering and they can provide a great building challenge. An important point to keep in mind while building rc cars is the speed one hopes to achieve. While cars with slower speeds are better for beginners, there are many models which cruise at speeds beyond 50mph.

Kits, RTR or ARR

Remote control car kits are the best bet when building a custom rc car. Almost all rc car manufactures provide kits and ready to run (RTR) cars. Very often, the same models offered in kits are also available as RTRs. Kits provide a greater challenge when it comes to building a car as they require the most amounts of effort and time. This can be viewed as an advantage by an avid rc car fan as it can award him with unbeatable experience. This experience can help when upgrading the car or repairing damaged parts. RTR models can be used almost immediately; sometimes the wheels have to be glued on.

ARR models are identical to RTR models but are sold without a radio so you can choose your own.

On Road Kits

The Nitro RS4 3 18SS kit from HPI Racing caters to the experienced builder. Kits such the Nitro RS4 3 18SS do not come with radio or electronics so the builder can customize the car with their favorite radio system. The electric 1/18 scale Micro RS4 kit from HPI Racing is one of the electric car kits available on the market. It comes with an HPI TX-2 radio system. The strong steering servo and Micro Pro Control ESC are already plugged into the AM receiver. Another electric rc car kit is the Ferrari F430 from Tamiya RC cars America, Inc.

Off Road Kits

Off road cars and buggy’s are the most popular rc cars. The main features of off road cars are big tires, full travel suspension and high ground clearance. These features allow off road cars to go almost anywhere. Most off road cars are 1/10 scale, have either four wheel or two wheel drives and can reach speeds of 15-30mph. Electric off road car kits include the 4wd Racing Buggy Dark Impact from Tamiya America, Inc. The HPI Hellfire SS is a nitro off road kit and is targeted at experienced rc modelers.

Everything You Need To Know

2009-01-31T00:19:00.007+08:00

If you're new to radio controlled cars, then we'll cover the basics for you here. There are three main types of RC cars available:

Electric
Nitro/Gas
Truck (they come in electric or nitro)

There are RC cars that you can get a local store - which are called 'toy grade' RC cars, and then there are the 'hobby grade' RC cars. Hobby grade, which are featured on this website, are used by both beginners and professionals because they offer quality, durability and will last you a lot longer than any toy grade RC car.

In addition, you can get remote control cars in two ways:

assemble it yourself, which leaves room for complete customization.
RTR (ready-to-run). Quick and simple right out of the box.

If you're looking on how to build your own RC car, it’s a common preconception that having custom built RC cars are faster than the RTR vehicles. RTR cars come in either electric powered or nitro fuelled and can reach speeds of well over 80 miles per hour! In fact, they are the standard. If you're new to RC cars, then Ready-To-Run is what you want. RTR cars and trucks are great for the first-time remote control car buyers as well as professionals since they require little additional work to make them ready for on-road or off-road operation. If you do want to build a custom RC car though, we suggest getting remote control car kits to start you on your way.

If you are looking for a remote control car that you can full-out customize though, you should consider choosing a car that has a wide variety of RC car parts and accessories that will allow you to create a car to your own specifications. You might want to choose the following brands if you’re looking to do just that:

Traxxas
HPI Racing
Tamiya RC Cars
Kyosho

These brands are used by both professional RC drivers, as well as just home users seeking some good afternoon thrills because they allow for optimal customization. We recommend going with Traxxas or HPI Racing if you're new to radio control cars, they're the more popular brands.

Don't Know A Thing? Get Started Right Here!

2009-01-31T00:09:00.005+08:00

Absolute Beginner and Noobie's Guide To RC Cars!

Is there any better way to get your adrenaline pumping than behind the controls of an RC car? Perfect for you speed demons out there, remote control cars are capable of racing at surprisingly quick speeds and doing a huge range of tricks! Some of these vehicles can reach speeds of over 75 mph!! I mean, that's faster than you would drive a normal vehicle! Technology is advancing (and quickly) which has made the RC world evolve from what it used to be just a few years ago.

There's now RC racing and showcasing events that are similar to Nascar, a number of different RC car magazines, and not to mention a wide selection of RC cars and trucks available.

So, if you’re just sitting there looking for something new, or something that’s actually fun and worthwhile - you might want to read on about this great hobby!

Welcome Everybody!!

2009-01-30T15:45:00.014+08:00

Welcome to the discussion board of radio control (RC) Hobbies. In this board room, everybody is most welcome to share anything about RC hobbies that had been part of your interest. I believe this board can be a great platform for everybody to share their thoughts, experiences, and etc.

Besides sharing stories, you also allowed to promote your products for sales i.e. used/new RC cars, spare parts, events, and many more!! I'm not going to put limits for discussion and everybody is free to talk about their RC stuffs.

Just a brief introduction to this board and wish everybody will enjoy every single minutes spend in this blog. Thanks for your great support!!!