Radio control hobbies are varied from classy yachts gracefully sailing on lakes to silent gliders and on to noisey drift cars and even huge model jet airliners. The common trait being they are all controlled remotely from a handheld radio transmitter.
RC models have been around since the fifties and with improving technology allowing more dependability and control. The miniaturisation of electronics has made it possible to do more with lower power requirements. Modern RC models use 2.4 gigahertz transmission systems which makes them less prone to interference from other radio sources.
Before you leap into a purchase however there are a few things to think about and clearly these vary with the particular flavor of RC you are keen on. The idea of getting airborne fast is an attractive one but without the right preparation and training it could well prove to be a short and expensive flight.
It really is best to learn to fly with someone else, better still with an instructor who can start you off with a simulator before moving on to a buddy box system, which is really a dual control system, one for you the student and one for the instructor to get you out of trouble.
The same consideration applies with an RC car - where can you best use it? There really is no point in getting a screaming drift car without somewhere suitable like a basketball court to use it. A monster truck on the other hand would be boring to use on such a surface, you need some rough ground for that baby.
Then you need to think whether electric or gas powered models are going to be right for you. There are pros and cons to both. Remember that gas models tend to be more powerful and noisier but need tuning. This is not as onerous as it sounds, just something to get used to. Electric models are quiet and lighter but batteries can be expensive, even allowing for the re-use you get with rechargeables.
Don't forget, you will need to be able to get spares too as you are likely to suffer accidents no matter how careful you are! Chat with other hobbyists and the staff at a good hobby store. The guys there are always keen to chat about their hobby because they’re keen hobbyists themselves and they really want to further their field by bringing newcomers into their hobby, the wonderful world of radio control.
Sydney residents might like to check out the RC Cars or RC Planes at Hobby Heroes in Sydney, run by a dedicated hobbyist who likes nothing better than to help newbies into the hobby!
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