HorizonRC.com How To - Take Your First Steps in RC

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Getting involved with RC cars and trucks is an exciting time, especially now. There are so many different vehicle types, classes, sizes and shapes that the ways to get involved with the hobby are almost endless. Taking those first steps can be somewhat challenging with so much to learn. Never fear, as just about anyone can be successful with an RC car or truck.
For those of us who have been around forever-and-a-day we may forget how many things we had to learn to get where we are now. What exactly is this big straw that came with my car for? What battery does my truck need? And why does the car go left when I am clearly turning right??? We've all been there, felt those growing pains and learned from our mistakes. We're hoping to help make your introduction into RC a little easier with some basic tips and tricks. We explain how to get up and running, what you'll need to get up and running, how the control works and more.


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[horizonhobby]

Ossie has nailed it and, as I said, it's my opinion. I have seen and had countless Sub-C batteries go off over the years. In the 4 years I have been using LiPo I have never seen one go off personally. That doesn't mean they don't go off, but like I mentioned in the video I have seen people get hit by exploding casings and seen the center of the cells embedded over an inch into drywall that was over 6-feet away to begin with. Yes, I personally feel LiPo's, when used properly, are MUCH safer.

[horizonhobby]

I know many manuals now say that but it's still a good practice to turn the radio on first and off last.

[geekkrew]

Getting a traxxas slash today.. Great advice for beginners much appreciated

[horizonhobby]

They are called receiver packs. I don't personally recommend using AA-receiver packs as this becomes expensive, doesn't supply enough voltage and the batteries can pop out of the holder. I would recommend a rechargeable pack and a fail safe. A fail safe returns the throttle servo to a preset position if the radio signal is interrupted. You also need a throttle return spring which will close the carb in the event that the radio system dies completely.

[aldenasuncion]

My rc truck is on the way now and just in time I came across your video. Though I'm into electronics, hobbies like these need a good tutorial. Some videos I've seen never dealt about transmitter remote control function. Now I know. Very good explanation about it and the battery. Thanks a lot.

[horizonhobby]

The 2 easiest things to do would be to upgrade to the 15T Motor (DYN1172) and install a LiPo or 7-Cell battery pack. From there you could install a brushless motor system and that will also increase the speed of the car.

[horizonhobby]

Correct. NiMH and NiCD packs used in 1/10-scale RC cars and trucks are also called Sub-C's.

[horizonhobby]

@956Joeboy The LOSB9524 will allow you to use 2.4Ghz and brushed or brushless motors.

[steves]

So many RC videos show them unceremoniously tossing out the manual/instructions.
But you nailed it on the info being good, I've used the exploded parts view to dial in on the exact part number when ordering spares.
Can't agree more, fixing it after a really good crash is half the fun!

[horizonhobby]

@thelongboarder10 It depends on what car you have. Normally there's a screw on one side of the diff that you insert a wrench into while rotating the wheel on the other side in the opposite direction. You want it tight enough to not slip but not so tight that it doesn't have a free range of motion.

[horizonhobby]

Couple reasons:
1) if you remove your battery you make sure that it's unplugged
2) If you don't use your car or truck for some time prevents leakage from cells (sub-C) which can happen.
3) In the event that something happens during storage and you have a cell or pack go up it won't take the vehicle with it.

[horizonhobby]

Is it a brushed or brushless ESC? If brushless is it a sensorless ESC? If so just swap two of the wires between the motor and ESC and it should be fine. You may also need to flip the throttle reversing switch on your transmitter too.

[horizonhobby]

Any of the ECX vehicles. The Torment Short Course Truck is what my daughter is starting with and having a lot of success with.

[horizonhobby]

You have telescoping driveshafts, not axles. As I replied on your other post check to make sure your tires are still glues up to the wheels properly too, that could cause an issue.

[horizonhobby]

Drop a couple more teeth on the pinion or go up on the spur. You could possibly install an external fan on the ESC too.

[horizonhobby]

YouTube doesn't allow links in comments but if you search for the ECX channel they have tutorials and one of them shows you how to replace the motor.

[horizonhobby]

@MrJoker8027 It all depends on the battery pack and charger. I would check the manual the comes with both for guidelines.

[horizonhobby]

@FLUFFINATORofCA Here's a few things to check:
Go to a grippier front tire or softer front insert
Lean the top of the shocks in or the bottom of the shocks out
Give the front more toe-out
Increase the front camber
Move the battery forward

You've actually inspired me to do a video about basic chassis tuning. Look for something in the coming weeks.

[RMJ]

Very good video, should do alot more of these. Very informative.

[thejoseandresshow]

Very educational!!! Thanks for the video!!