Radioshack mini RC car question

[PaPaPeng]

I'd like to convert the RC unit from a mini rc car to run a scale
plastic ship model.

Radioshack has such a toy
http://www.radioshack.ca/estore/cat...alog=RadioShack&category=ZipZaps_SE&pagenum=1
with fwd/reverse dc motor and a servo for the steering the front
wheels . The guts should convert easily to the propeller drive and
the rudder control. There's plenty of room in the hull to add a
battery pack for longer run time than the 10 minutes available on the
mini car.

There is a even simpler mini rc car on sale now at $49.99 for a two
car set. I tried it out at the shop and it works great but has a rc
range of only 5 feet or so. The operator then has to walk closer to
restart the toy which will run another 5 feet before stopping again.
This is rather strange as I would expect the signal to fade out not
stop suddenly. What limits the range and is there a way to extend
it?

 

[jtaylor]

I'd like to convert the RC unit from a mini rc car to run a scale
plastic ship model.

I did this, but it wasn't much fun because the range was so short.

For a cheap one day project it's ok, but you can get real r/c stuff used for
not much more money, and you get some _serious_ improvement in range and
control.

 

[Tim Shoppa]

but you can get real r/c stuff used for

not much more money, and you get some _serious_
improvement in range and control.

New stuff for about the same money: 2-channel proportional-control
radios with servos start around $40 at RC sellers (e.g.
www.towerhobbies.com ).

Tim.

 

[Genome]

I did this, but it wasn't much fun because the range was so short.

So? Most people don't have big baths!

DNA

 

[martin griffith]

So? Most people don't have big baths!

DNA

You are not supposed to be in the bath at the same time. The prop
would chew up all your little bits


martin

After the first death, there is no other.
(Dylan Thomas)

 

[Rich Grise]

I'd like to convert the RC unit from a mini rc car to run a scale
plastic ship model.

Radioshack has such a toy
http://www.radioshack.ca/estore/cat...alog=RadioShack&category=ZipZaps_SE&pagenum=1
with fwd/reverse dc motor and a servo for the steering the front
wheels . The guts should convert easily to the propeller drive and
the rudder control. There's plenty of room in the hull to add a
battery pack for longer run time than the 10 minutes available on the
mini car.

There is a even simpler mini rc car on sale now at $49.99 for a two
car set.

Fifty Bucks!!!!???!?!??!?!?!!!

You were robbed!

Two bucks:
http://www.neodruid.net/images/ToyCar.jpg
(well, $1.99, plus tax)

I tried it out at the shop and it works great but has a rc
range of only 5 feet or so. The operator then has to walk closer to
restart the toy which will run another 5 feet before stopping again.
This is rather strange as I would expect the signal to fade out not
stop suddenly. What limits the range and is there a way to extend
it?

Sure. Use a proper antenna.

Just FYI, it stops because it's bang-bang control, i.e. either on or
off. When the signal gets too weak to resolve, it just quits. Hundred-
dollar Futaba RC servos simply hold their position, which can be a
bitch when the servo is a motor speed control.

Cheers!
Rich

 

[Pig Bladder]

You are not supposed to be in the bath at the same time. The prop
would chew up all your little bits

Some marketeer should jump on this - how to deal with that pesky
bikini line without actually touching yourself "down there"...