A guide to purchase and install rc cars

Purchasing rc cars can be an entertaining procedure. You can select the best engine according to your needs. Take for example a model motorized sport that weigh a total of 1.1 kg takeoff. First, calculate the motor input power will be: 1.1 Kg x 200W/Kg = 220W (minimum). Then, if we used 3 series Lipo, this motor consumes a current of: 220W/11, 1V = 20A, so we should use a 25A or 30A ESC.

In models of more than 2.5 kg, we need to consult the standard motor configurations to select the ESC and Lipo, since in these sizes oversize equipment involves a significant extra cost. We used as the rc cars propeller first configuration specified by the manufacturer and, if possible, a smaller one that requires the maximum power the engine. After a few flights if we see that the temperature is not excessive, we can change by a larger propeller. Another important consideration is trying to standardize the type of Lipo pack that we use, this will allow the same pack may be used in several models.

The rc cars installation is an interesting process, too. First we must consider that the whole should be well ventilated (motor, ESC and Lipo), especially the drive (ESC). The further away from the ESC from the receiver and its antenna cable, the better. If we are converting a glow model to electric, we must pay special attention to the location of the center of gravity. It is safer to stop using some ESC switches bring and directly off the battery after each flight. To do this simply cut the 2 wires from the switch, join (or preferably welded) and isolate the conductive part, see photo.

Here's the detail of an ESC where the switch has been removed leaving an isolated junction, and on the other hand, that the power cord is separate and isolated tab. In large rc cars models it is advisable not to use the BEC (feed circuit that allows the pack to the radio lipo) and place the classic pack of 4.8 V to power the radio. If the ESC has BEC and want to use a separate pack for the computer, the cable that carries the positive power of ESC to receiver (Futaba red) should be cut or removed from the connector, see picture.

Inside, to prevent accidents and as a golden rule, we must not connect the ESC without having removed the propeller. Electric rc cars motors, unlike the glow, not dependent on external elements to boot. If you accidentally move the throttle stick the motor begins to rotate. This accident is typical when testing the course of the servos.