How Are Remote Control Cars Made?

How They Work

A remote control car (also known as a radio-controlled car) works as a powered car that is controlled via radio signals. There are two parts to remote controlled cars: the joystick and the car itself. The joystick (which in some cases is a wheel and a trigger) sends off radio signals. These signals are interpreted by the car's receiver, which then sends signals to the motor.
Remote control cars can vary from a simple car that can merely stop and go to ones that are very complex and can be raced and controlled on complex tracks. The building, modifying and racing of remote-controlled cars is a popular hobby in the United States.

Types of Cars

There are two main types of remote control cars. The first is the "toy grade." These are pre-assembled and are often found in discount and electronic stores. These types of cars are generally electrically powered and are often referred to as "Radioshack" cars. They are difficult to repair and are meant to be driven until they break.
More complex and serious cars are called hobby-grade. These cars can be either purchased already assembled or in parts. Already assembled "Ready-to-Run" cars typically come with minimal setup required, but often lack motor or speed control. Most hobby cars are built piece by piece, which allows for customized controllers and parts to be added. One advantage of customized control is that the radio signal can be as simple or as complex as the user desires, allowing for radio signals to be sent to individual wheels for competitive performance.

Types of Engines

The basic engine of a remote-controlled car depends on the desired performance. Predominantly, toy cars run on an electric motor, which sacrifices power for more sensitive response. Nitro-powered cars are common among hobbyists, which operate more like life-size cars. There tends to be a slightly larger period of time for the engine to engage, and the maximum power occurs at medium and high speeds. Nitro-powered cars do not need any cool-down or recharging time, except for refueling. Gasoline-powered cars run on a mixture of gasoline and oil and are typically more expensive. They also need larger tracks, and tend to have slower top speeds. However, they require less fuel compared to nitro and electric models. They are also more reliable and require less maintenance and tuning than competitive nitro models.