| What is R/C? RC is Radio
Control or Remote
Control
hobbies.

RC is one of the most
exciting hobbies you can take part in. Enthusiasts of the hobby can enjoy
both the artistic and technical side. Hobbies offer a great way to expand
imaginations and creativity. The only limit to what you can experience is
your imagination. Hobbies also can help create an activity that the entire
family can experience. There are an incredible amount of projects
available to all levels of interests. Chippewa RC Hobby can provide you
with the RTR (ready to run) Kits, or the materials you need for your hobby to
take off!
No other hobby involves
you with such areas as electronics, aerodynamics (RC planes) woodworking, small
motors, mechanics, and even the ability to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you want to enjoy
a relaxing afternoon getting away from it all or a hot race, there is an RC
model for you! We put fun in your hands!
What is the difference between our RC
products and the ones you find at the retail stores?
Our products are considered the
hobby-grade.
Essentially, you can modify, upgrade or fix the hobby grade r/c
products. You cannot do this with the toy versions.
Are there local RC clubs
I can join?
Yes! One of the
most rewarding aspects of RC modeling is the social interaction with other
hobbyists. Many people especially enjoy the thrill of competition and gain
valuable life-long mechanical and physical skills in building and maintaining
their models.
Participation in
local clubs or regional and national organizations also helps develop social
skills, good sportsmanship and a sense of responsibility. It makes RC modeling
the ideal hobby for young people, and one they’ll never outgrow.
What
do you carry besides RC products?
There
are numerous hobbies that the entire family can enjoy. In addition to the
RC products, we have a selection of miscellaneous hobbies from which you can
choose from. We carry a variety of parts for planes, cars, boats and
rockets from such names as DuBro, Hanger 9, Losi, TRAXXAS and many more. We have
Rock Tumblers, Models, and Metal Detectors. If there is something that you
need and I do not have it in stock, rest assured I can order it and have it at
the store within 2-3 business days. I also carry a full line of radios, motors,
servos and batteries i.e. JR, OS and High Tech. I welcome your questions and
requests for information, Please ask anything you want to know more about.
What’s the
quickest, easiest way to
get started in RC?
If you hear the word “model” and picture a box filled
with small parts, you haven’t seen a “Ready-to-Run” (RTR) model. Some RTR
cars, trucks, and boats come so complete, you just add fuel or a battery and
you’re ready to race. “Ready-to-Fly” (RTF) planes are also available that
take as little as 20 minutes to make flight-ready!
For first-time hobbyists,
RTRs offer many advantages in addition to saving time. For example, you know
your model has been assembled correctly. It looks like something a skilled
hobbyist put together... you’ll be proud to show it off. And key accessories,
like the engine and radio, are usually already included... so you have almost
everything you need, in the right sizes and styles, with just one simple
purchase.
You can expect to buy a
few small additional items when you choose an RTR, such as fuel or batteries.
But you won’t need a well-equipped workshop, special building tools, or
mechanical know-how... just the urge to get out and have a great time!
Terminology to get
you started
Radio Control vs.
Remote Control
Radio controlled (R/C) vehicles are controlled with a hand-held transmitter not
attached to the vehicle and communicates with the vehicle through radio
frequencies. Remote controlled vehicles are controlled by a wire attached
to the vehicle. We do not sell this. Radio control offers a much larger range
and flexibility.
ARR - almost ready
to run
ARF- almost ready
to fly
Battery
Requirements
Many consumers are unsure about whether or not they need
to purchase batteries separately. Here are some guidelines:
*AA batteriess always need to be purchased separately.
*Most 7.2V items do not include batteries-battery pack with chargers and
transmitter batteries must be purchased separately.
* Battery packs are available for separate purchase with and without their
chargers. Even if your R/C purchase comes with batteries, its a good idea to
have extra battery packs on hand to increase playing time.
*Transmitters require either one 9V battery, or eight AA batteries.
Battery Charging
All battery packs must be charged before use. For best
performance, use up all the battery pack's power before recharging.
Battery Pack and
Charger Safety Tips
*Read instructions
before using battery pack and charger
*Do not overcharge battery pack
*Do not charge a damaged battery pack (rusted, torn, dented, with loose wires
exposed, etc.)
* Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
*Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle so use
care when handling.
* Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before
charging.
Battery Life
Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. If the
battery is continually overcharged (more than four hours), or if the battery is
recharged before the power is completely drained, the battery life may be
shortened.
Boats
The range for R/C boats is generally greater that that of
land vehicles. It is best, however, to operate your boat within 100 feet of your
transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water. R/C boats should only
be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water
-salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode. After use, allow any
water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.
Fun - any RC hobby
Frequencies
- Just like a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio
frequency, a R/C transmitter sends radio frequency signals that tell its vehicle
what to do. The signals are usually sent on one of two frequencies, 27MHZ or
49MHZ. These are designated by the government for toys. In order for two R/C
vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same place they must be operating
on two different frequencies.
Glow plugs- The
heat source for igniting the fuel/air mixture in the engine.
Nitro
- Nitromethane, a fuel additive which increases a model engine's ability to idle
low and improves high speed performance.
Relaxation - any
RC hobby
RTR - ready to run
Run Time
Run time will vary according to the type and age of the
battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and
the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time.
Average run times are as follows:
*7.2V vehicles: 6 to 10 minutes
Servos - The
electro-mechanical device which moves the control surfaces or throttle of the
airplane according to commands from the receiver. The radio device which does
the physical work inside the airplane.
Scale
The scale indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actual
vehicle of that type. The scale is determined by the length of the chassis. So,
a vehicle that is 1/24th scale has a chassis that is 1/24th the size of an
actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the fraction, the smaller the item.
Trainer System
- This effective method of training allows two transmitters to be connected by
means of a trainer cord. The instructor can pass control over to the student's
transmitter so that he can fly. If the student gets into trouble, the instructor
can regain control instantly.
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