FAQs About Remote Control Vehicles

Remote control vehicles are more than toys. They are sporting vehicles, of various sizes from small to scale care to larger models which are controlled remotely. Though signal types and power sources vary widely, the fun and competition they inspire is always the same .

Q: How are RC vehicles3 different than robotic vehicles?

A: Remote control vehicles differ from robots in that their every move is controlled by a human with a controller. A remote control vehicle can make no movements on their own, while a robotic device contains some artificial intelligence and can move independently.

Q: What are the basic control types?

A: Different remote control cars are equipped with different signalling systems which link the vehicle to the controller. The most common remote type is the radio signal. Radio control vehicles are typically set to different channels so that more than one car can drive in an area without remote interference. Other, less common, control types include infrared controllers and blue tooth controllers. Inexpensive remote control toys may also have cable controllers which are actually affixed to the back of the vehicle.

Q: What are common power sources?

A: Remote control vehicles are most commonly either gas or battery powered. Standard alkaline batteries are used in smaller remote control vehicles. Larger vehicles often come with a rechargeable battery and a wall charger that plugs into any standard outlet. Faster, more powerful remote control vehicles, such as those that are used in competition are powered by gas. Remote control vehicles are also experimentally powered by solar cells.