Getting Started With Radio Controlled Hobbies
Remote controlled hobbies come in many different forms. No matter what kind of model you build, you are almost sure to have a great time controlling it and enjoying the work that you have done. The thought of putting the whole thing together seems very daunting to some people, and exciting to others. The key to having a great time with radio controlled hobbies is to embark on a project that fits with how much you want to work. You can buy remote controlled vehicles in varying states of completion, from completely together to “no two pieces are connected”. Read on to find out about how to choose which one will be right for you.
Casual hobbyists or beginners will usually start with cars that are assembled at least most of the way. These usually only require a quick installation of a few batteries in order to get going. They can be fun to fly / drive around for a little bit, but usually they aren’t a good choice if you want to get into more competitive areas such as races or exhibitions.
Some people decide to begin their radio control hobby with easy toys like these, since they allow you to familiarize yourself with the layout of the vehicle of choice. While you become more familiar with them, you still don’t have to pay very much money, since those ones are often significantly cheaper. Just avoid buying a kids toy, and aim for something that is meant to be a more hobby grade version.
The next option is to buy model kits that come with all of the parts needed to put together the model. They are all perfectly measured, and all of the design has been done for you. All you have to do is pop the pieces out and glue them together. This is the most popular option, since it provides a lengthy challenge without getting too ridiculously complicated.
These kits can be bought all over the place. They can be found in the average hobby store. If you look at the hobby stores and you aren’t able to find the type of car that you want, then you should look at some online specialty shops to see if they have anything to offer that would better suit your needs.
The final, and by far the most difficult option is to build a remote control project entirely from raw materials. This requires immense planning and effort. To accomplish this, you first need to find plans for whatever you want to build. You will want to find very detailed diagrams and lists of what you need. Next you will buy all of the tools and parts from their corresponding stores, and get started!
Building a remote control project from scratch requires very detailed measurements, so you will have to measure down to the very last millimeter before you cut the wood or plastic. Oftentimes your first project won’t turn out good unless you are very skilled. However, you will gain more talent with every piece you add.
If you were still on the fence as to whether or not you would get started with radio controlled hobbies, hopefully you have made up your mind by now. It is a quite enjoyable hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. As you can see, the amount of effort required to enjoy the hobby can vary widely. Young children can drive radio controlled cars around, and it only takes a minimal amount of money and effort.
At the same time, the serious hobbyists can spend hundreds of dollars, and hours of time putting together cars that will beat all of the competition in looks, speed, and handling. So, if you want to get started with radio controlled hobbies, all you have to do is choose a project that fits with how much you want to commit.
The Tools Needed For Radio Controlled Hobbyists
Building a radio controlled project requires a huge amount of time and detail when you are putting the pieces together, or even cutting the pieces out to be assembled. Most people who do it as a hobby will have many different tools that they use throughout the course of assembling a radio controlled project. If you want to build something for the first time, you will need some materials that will come in immensely handy throughout the process. Here I will name some of the main ones, but you will most likely need to find some more specific tools to fit your personal needs.
Of course, the first thing you need is the raw material that will be used to construct the project. Most radio controlled projects are made out of wood. If your plans don’t call for a specific type, you will have to choose it yourself, which can be tough. Balsa wood is the most popular choice, especially for toy airplanes and helicopters. It is extremely light, while maintaining a good level of solidity. You can build an entire airplane frame out of it, and it will have a minimal amount of flex. IF you are building a larger model of an airplane or other vehicle, then balsa may be too soft, in which case you will want to look for other woods.
The radio and motor equipment is the 2nd most important part. If you are a really enthusiastic radio controlled hobbyist as well as an engineer of some sort, then you may consider making it all out of the various components. It is possible to buy all of the electric components of the radio and motor systems separately. However, if you do this you will have to deal with all of the electrical concepts and parts including transistors, resistors, and all those other things that make it so daunting. There is no shame in buying transmitters or motors pre-assembled and just gluing them wherever they need to go. It will definitely save you some time.
The first tool that should never leave the arsenal of a radio control enthusiast is a good old X-Acto Knife. Even if you are buying a kit that allows for easy assembly, you will still need the X-Acto knife to shave off any bumps or extra pieces of wood / plastic that are getting in the way. If you are building it entirely from scratch, the knife will be perfect for cutting outlines from thinner pieces of wood, cutting notches for the electrical equipment to keep steady, or just getting everything to the exact shape that you want it. You can buy them for just a few dollars at your local hobby store, or home improvement store.
Depending on the material that you are using to build your project, you will need some type of tack or glue to hold it together. There are many different choices for this area. You can use superglue, wood glue, or epoxy, and each one will hold fairly sturdy. Look up the type of wood or plastic that you are using, and see what type of tack is recommended to fasten it. If you are building a remote control boat or even a submarine, you will have to consider the matter of waterproofing it to avoid ruining the electrical components when you first put it in the water. This is usually accomplished through some sealing putty for cracks and a spray-on sealant to keep the wood from soaking.
At some point you will have to cut all of the wood into the segments that you require to piece together the final product. While it is possible with a handsaw, it is definitely not the best choice. A table saw works best for larger pieces, but for finer details you would be hard pressed to find a better tool than a Dremel Tool. They look like electric toothbrushes, and have quickly rotating heads that can grind away balsa wood in a matter of seconds. They allow for maximum accuracy, whether you are shaping a piece of wood or making holes for wiring.
