I wrote this one a while ago, and have since amended it.
A list of 'common Rc items'
Electric Motor :- converts electricity to mechanical work.
Two different types in this group.
Brushed:- Dc (Direct Current) Motors, Commonly used in most boating & Rc car applications (2 wires)
Brushless:- Ac (Alternating Current) Motors, commonly used in many RC electric race boats, cars, Aircraft & Helicopters.(3 wires)
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) :- A type of speed control which regulates the speed by PWM. This method of control is highly efficient and results in smooth, proportional throttle control, greater speed and longer run times.
Three types in this group:-
A mechanical ESC:- which is done via an adjustable series resistor, which in turn is controlled proportionality using a servo giving 'limited' speed control, usually speed was in 'steps' rather then a gradual increase. Used with Brushed motors only. 'Bob's Boards'
A Digital ESC for Brushed motors:- Modern CPU based speed controller designed to be used with brushed motors. (DC Current)
A Digital ESC for Brushless motors:- Modern CPU based speed controller designed to be used with brushless motors.(AC Current)
Servo:- A servo is a small motor that is wired to the receiver. If given instructions to do so by the transmitter, the servo moves a certain amount, which also moves the connected item control surface that is mechanically connected to it.
Two types in this list.
Analogue Servo (most commonly used servo):- the servo motor is controlled via the circuit board (amplifier). The motor of an analog servo receives a signal from the amplifier 30 times a second or at 30Hz. This signal allows the amplifier to update the motor position.
Digital Servo ( Most recent, not common place yet):- Digital servos use a high frequency amplifier that updates the servo motor position 300 times a second or at 300Hz. By updating the motor position more often, the digital servo can deliver full torque from the beginning of movement and increases the holding power of the servo. The quick refresh also allows the digital servo to have a tighter deadband.
Transmitters:- A hand held (generally) device that is the 'control center for your model', comes in two common formats, 'stick' Or 'steering' A basic transmiter will have 2 channels which generally controls forward & backwards motion and steering left/right.
The more channels on the Transmitter/receiver allows more more functions with in your model.
Receivers:- A small 'box' which 'receives' the signals sent by the transmitter and converts it into an electrical output to which source is plugged into that particular channel.
Both Transmitters & Recivers Come in 5 Groups.
27mhz:- (crystal based) using the 27mhz Frequency , there are 6 basic frequency's within this wave and 6 further frequency's using 'split crystals' (a mix of two frequency's)
40mhz AM:- (crystal based) using the 40mhz AM frequency, (amendment needed on how many frequencys in this range)
40mhz FM:- (crystal based) using the 40mhz FM frequency (amendment needed on how many frequencys in this range)
35mhz:- (crystal based) using the 35mhz band, predominantly used for scale air craft only.
2.4Ghz:- No crystals needed for this type of controller as it is 'Digitally binded' at first operation to your receiver, there are no clashes of channels using this new digital system, allowing for unlimited users operating at any given time. Not functional with any craft that can be submerged, as this frequency finds it difficult to penetrate below the water surface.
Batterys:- An electrical battery is a combination of one or more electrochemical cells, used to convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy.
Several types in this group.
AA, AAA, C, D & 9v cells are most common in every day use.
Ni-Mh:- usually 7.2v in a range of 'mAh' sizes most common in basic models and rc cars.
LA (lead Acid):- Comes in a range of voltages and Ah from 2v, 6v, 12v up to 24v generally
'Lipos':- Lithium Polymer battery ( i have limited knowledge on lipos), Generally used with fast electrics / Brushless motors.
I think i have covered the 'basic's,' i have missed out on IC engines on purpose as they are banned on the majority of lakes/ponds, i have also missed out Steam Engines as i have no clue what so ever about them.
If anyone wants to fill in the gaps about steam, and IC engines feel free to do so.
Roadrunner
Home 
Portal 
