New RC hobbyists, driven by the thrill of starting their RC journey often tend to overlook some important guidelines. These involve mistakes that must be avoided if you are looking for a streamlined RC journey.
This article will take you through the most common mistakes that new RC hobbyists make with their RC cars, boat, and airplanes.
Don’t Go All Out with Your First RC Vehicle
Although there are plenty of options when buying your first radio-controlled vehicle, the top-tier ones are usually high-performing and complex to understand. Therefore, if you’re new to the RC hobby, we recommend starting with a beginner-friendly RC vehicle. Use an intermediate-friendly vehicle only when you know you are fully capable of understanding and handling its complexities. Use an intermediate-friendly vehicle when you know you are fully capable of understanding and handling its complexities. Starting with something that is very high-end and complex would only waste your time and money.
RC Boat Example of What Not to Do When You Are New
For instance, for your first radio-controlled boat, don’t buy a massive electric outrigger style hull, like the one shown below. These high-performance hulls are suited for those with years of experience as they are very difficult to set up and require a well-selected power system to operate properly.
RC Car Example of What Not to Do When You Are New
Similarly, for a radio-controlled car, be careful not to buy a model that exceeds 80 mph (140 km/h). These types of radio-controlled cars are quite challenging to accelerate up to speed and to be at top speed. One wrong move and you will be out a lot of money. This I’ve seen this happen firsthand, and it wasn’t pretty. Not to mention that the RC car was a lot slower than 80mph.
A 1/10 scale or 1/8 scale vehicle around 40mph is plenty fast enough. When you gain some experience, you can upgrade the power system or even change gearing to increase the top end of the vehicle. This process will become addicting, I can assure you.
RC Airplane Example of What Not to Do When You Are New
Lastly, don’t go overboard with your radio-controlled airplane either. We don’t recommend buying a jet turbine-powered radio-controlled airplane – not for a newbie. This might be quite obvious to you but what may not be so obvious, is that it is absolutely best to start with a high wing trainer style airplane. This type of model will increase the chances of success ten fold, give you the confidence to fly and save your wallet.
Learn as much as you can about RC vehicles
As a beginner hobbyist, it is better to learn as much as you can, but not from one source only – yourself. This is indeed one of the biggest mistakes RC hobbyists make. Restricting yourself to learning from only one source can be detrimental in any domain. Therefore, we recommend using informative resources like our website, and YouTube channel. What’s even better is joining a local club.
Joining a local club is the best thing you can do
For new RC hobbyists, it is highly recommended to get yourself over to the local club of your choice. You don’t need to become a member on the first day. Feel it out first and see if you like the community, people and location. If it is a good fit for you, it is highly recommended to join the club. Doing so can prevent a lot of mistakes, it will allow others to take a look at your model before you run it for the first time. A must do for anyone flying a model airplane for the first time. Being under the guidance of experienced RC hobbyists would make your journey smooth and more successful than if you are out on your own.
The cool part of being in a local club is that you are able to see so many various models. Models that are out of your comfort zone, models that may be over your budget or even models that are neat but just not something you would get.
Care for your RC vehicle’s battery
A brushless power system within radio-controlled models typically comes with a lithium-polymer battery pack and this requires the utmost attention. It is highly recommended to read and follow the guidelines mentioned on the battery pack, but that’s not everything to consider.
If you have to select an RC battery for your vehicle make sure to match the correct voltage with your vehicle. Using an incorrect cell count can cause instant destruction of your ESC if the system is over volted.
When it comes to using your battery in a model, there are a few simple points that will help you out. One highly recommended item to do is to check the temperature of your battery and the ESC plus motor. Make certain that your battery is under 55°C or 131°F. Your motor and ESC should be under 65°C / 150°F. Avoid discharging your battery all the way to voltage cut off. Instead, leave enough battery capacity in the pack to maintain an absolute minimum of 15% state of charge.
When you are done running your radio controlled vehicle, store your LiPo battery at 3.80-3.85 volts per cell. Do not leave the battery empty or fully charged for more than a day. This will help maximize the lifespan of your battery so that it does not become damaged quickly.
Kv Selection of an RC vehicle
This last mistake that must be avoided at all costs is regarding building a radio-controlled device. Now, this may not be your first RC vehicle but might be your first time building one. We get bombarded with messages every month where people inquire about the Kv value of the motor. Truthfully, before even building one, you must understand what value of Kv is required for your application.
The Kv you select depends on the application and the battery pack as well. Therefore, you can’t just go and buy any motor. The exact process to make this happen is quite detailed, but for now just remember that Kv selection is very important and the result of many blown motors every year. Don’t make this mistake when you challenge yourself at your first build.
Wrapping it Up
In conclusion, starting your journey as an RC hobbyist can be an exhilarating experience,. But it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your progress and enjoyment. By opting for beginner-friendly models, seeking diverse learning resources, and joining a local RC club, you can navigate the complexities of this hobby more smoothly. Additionally, taking proper care of your RC vehicle’s battery and making informed choices about motor specifications are essential steps to ensure a successful and rewarding experience. Remember, patience and continuous learning are key to mastering the art of radio-controlled vehicles. Happy driving, sailing, and flying!