Do-it-yourself radio-controlled car from scratch. DIY radio-controlled car

I must say that in the modern market for radio-controlled cars today there is an overabundance, but it is filled with models, as a rule, of Chinese production, although among them you will find a product for almost every taste. However, there are always craftsmen who are not satisfied with the current proposals or they believe that a radio-controlled machine, assembled with their own hands, will always be better than even good conveyor copies. It is for novice craftsmen that our article today is written. Let's start with the tools you need, then describe how to work and give some helpful tips.

How to assemble a radio-controlled car: tools

So, we need the following:

  • model of any car, the simplest one can be, any production - even Chinese, even domestic, American or European;
  • VAZ solenoids for opening doors, 12-volt battery;
  • radio control equipment - AGC (not to be confused with Automatic Gain Control, since the abbreviation is the same);
  • batteries with chargers;
  • radiator;
  • electronic measuring equipment;
  • soldering iron and metalwork tools;
  • a piece of rubber (needed to strengthen the bumper).

Radio-controlled car diagram

Well, now we turn to the scheme, that is, to the process of creating a high-quality model of the RU-machine. First, we assemble the suspension - for this, we need a base model and a 12 V battery. It will look something like this:

Now we take VAZ solenoids and plastic gears and assemble the gearbox. We cut threads on the studs and the body so that gears and solenoids can be hung. Everything should look something like this:

Now we connect the gearbox to the power supply and check, after which we install the gearbox in the car, if it passed the test. We install a radiator in order to protect the circuit from overheating. The radiator plate, by the way, can be very securely fixed with bolts. After that, we install the power driver and radio control chips. They can be clearly seen in this photo:

Well, then we completely assemble the body of our car. After that, you can proceed to test runs of the car. Now for a few tips.

So you have a radio controlled car, how do you make it maneuverable and reliable? First, don't overload the model with unnecessary parts and systems. Sound signals, illuminated headlights, opening doors - all this, of course, is good and beautiful, but creating a radio-controlled car is a rather difficult process, and its further complication can negatively affect the basic "driving" qualities of your model. Therefore, the main thing to focus on is to make a good suspension and ensure reliable signal transmission. Well, in improving maneuverability and optimizing speed characteristics, fine-tuning the systems during test drives will help you. As for specific schemes, it is simply not possible to describe even the hundredth part of them in this article, therefore I refer you to

Greetings!

There are a lot of various radio-controlled (RC) equipment in the world, from very simple children's cars on the control panel to huge aircraft models reaching the size of a car. In this article, I want to talk about a part of the RC world called auto modeling, about what classes of models there are, what categories they are divided into, where to start, and so on.

Details under the cut. Beware, a lot of traffic.

Model types

Monsters (Monster Truck)
The most popular class of equipment for entertainment.
It is a model with high ground clearance, huge wheels, high center of gravity, and therefore very unstable.
Able to overcome any type of surface, ideal for jumping from trampolines, slides and just for fun in the country.

Buggy
As a rule, four-wheel drive. They are able to overcome any type of surface, while driving on tightly packed soil will be the most optimal.
It is this class that is most widely represented in competitions.

Short Course
It is a pickup truck with a short wheelbase and rear wheel drive.
Has a great similarity (copy number) with real cars. Designed for the same surface as the buggy, that is, rolled soil.

Truggy
Something between a buggy and a monster.
It is characterized by the presence of large, widely spaced wheels and low ground clearance. Accordingly, in this class, you can perfectly overcome a variety of obstacles, jumps, uneven ground, while handling is worse than that of a buggy, but better than that of a monster.
An excellent compromise option.

Crawler
It is characterized by huge ground clearance, the same huge suspension travel, low speed.
Designed exclusively for accurate and leisurely overcoming obstacles.

Drift
Exceptionally road car.
Designed, as the name implies, for drifting on asphalt.

Rally (rally)
Along with crawlers, a rather rare class of cars.
As a rule, four-wheel drive vehicles. Differ in copies. Designed for rolled soil.

Trophy
Differs in high copy number, full wire - often with continuous bridges, low speed, soft, tenacious tires.
Designed for unhurried overcoming of various obstacles in the form of puddles, mud, swamps.
On popular models, a huge amount of tuning is sold in the form of cans, wheels, bodies, etc. to create an exact copy of the real trophy of cars.

Scale models

Models vary in scale from micro (1:18) to huge 1: 5 or 1: 4 up to 1 meter long.
Models of scale from 1:18 to 1:12 are actually toys and do not participate in competitions, while they are not suitable as a gift for small children and are not intended for riding at home, as they are capable of speeds of 30-35 km / h.
The most interesting and popular scales are 1:10 and 1: 8. It is in these classes that the bulk of the competition and the greatest variety of models are held.
Models with a scale of 1:10 and 1: 8 can reach 50 cm in length and are not intended for riding in yards and crowded places, since they can reach very high speeds (up to 117 km / h HPI Vorza), and in combination with a mass ( about 4-6 kg) can cause serious injury.
The largest models of 1: 5 scale have, in the overwhelming majority, an internal combustion engine with a volume of 24-28 cm3 and in fact repeat the design of real cars.

Engines

Currently, car engines are of four types:
  • Electric brushed motor. Electric motors of a completely standard design with a coil, brushes. It is characterized by low power, often poor reliability, and generally not interesting. It is used on inexpensive small and micro scale models. For 1:18 scale models, it can reach speeds of 25 km / h.
  • Electric brushless (valve) motor (BC). It appeared in RC relatively recently, significantly pushing aside traditional models with internal combustion engines, since it produces similar power and, unlike an internal combustion engine, is much easier to operate.
  • Glow carburetor engine. Used in 1:12 to 1: 8 models. Fueled with fuel containing from 16% to 30% nitromethane. A very moody engine that needs fine tuning of the carburetor. It is highly not recommended for beginners or those who do not like to tinker with technology. The engine is low-volume (several cubic centimeters), but at the same time it allows you to remove several horsepower and reach 30,000 - 40,000 rpm.
  • Gasoline internal combustion engines. Used in 1: 5 scale models. Fueled with AI 92-95 gasoline. Engines are much less capricious than low-volume glow motors

Prices

Prices for car models, unlike aircraft models, have their own clear limits. So prices for Chinese models 1:18 with collector motors start at 3,000 rubles (~ 80 usd). With a more powerful brushless motor, the price reaches 4500 rubles (~ 130usd). The price range for hobby models (not sports) of a more interesting scale (1:10, 1: 8) varies from 10,000 rubles to 25,000 (300 - 700 usd). The most expensive are models of scale 1: 5, prices can reach 40 - 70 thousand rubles (1200 - 2000 usd).

Configuration (delivery options)

There are two types of delivery of models:
  • RTR - ready to run. This configuration means that the model is assembled and completely ready for rides. But it should be borne in mind that batteries, charger, and so on may not be included in the kit. Usually they are included in the kit only for very budget devices. Also, if you buy a model with an internal combustion engine, you will definitely need to buy a glow plug, batteries, fuel, a thermometer, and so on.
  • Kit. Such a complete set means that for the final assembly of the model, in addition to batteries, chargers, etc., you will need an engine, equipment (remote control with a receiver) wheels, an engine speed controller, and so on. The whales are for athletes and not for beginners. Such kits are usually supplied in the maximum tuning and it is assumed that the athlete already has all the additional body kit.

Hardware (appa)

One of the most important parts of an RC hobby is hardware: remote control, receiver, telemetry. There are a large number of options on the market from very simple and budget options for 2-channel equipment for 15-20 bucks:

Up to a fancy 4-channel, with telemetry, a bunch of settings and other chips and a price of 600 usd:

The design of a car on the example of my traggy ICE

General picture from the official website:

The model is all-wheel drive. Three differentials. 4.6 cm3 engine, 2.9 hp Two cardan shafts diverging from the center differential to the front and rear. There are two disc brakes on the center differential. A glow-type engine, which means that to start the engine, the candle must be heated with a special glow, and then the candle spiral keeps the temperature itself.
Bottom deck:

The bottom deck is a 4.5 mm thick aluminum plate with holes for starting the motor using the starter table.
Front suspension design:

The design of the front suspension is in fact not much inferior to real cars in complexity and greatly surpasses them in terms of reliability, so falls from a height of 2 meters onto the ground with a dozen overturns, as a rule, pass for a car without any breakdowns.

Which model should I buy?

The question is complex, and as in the case of computers, you must first decide on the budget and tasks. So for example, if you just want to drive on the model, jump from trampolines and just get fun, then your choice is a monster - for example, the HPI Savage. If you are interested in large scale 5 cars, you can look towards the HPI Baja 5T. A number of forums have special topics for beginners dedicated to the choice of technology - links at the bottom of the article.

Brands (manufacturers)

A large number of manufacturers are currently represented on the market. You can try to divide them into three categories:
  • Purebred Chinese: Iron Track, Himoto, BSD Racing, VRX Racing, HSP. Favorably differ in price, while reliability and reasonableness of the design may suffer. You can buy as the first model in order to understand whether you like it or not, gain experience in repair and operation.
  • RTR models from US, UK and Japan manufacturers: HPI, KYOSHO, Team Associated, HOTBODIES, Traxxas, Maverick, Team Losi. On average, "hospitals" are more reliable and well thought-out than the Chinese at a slightly higher price. In the case of manufacturers from the middle group, each model should be considered separately, since each brand has both high-quality successful models and not high-quality ones.
  • Whales from Xrax, KYOSHO, Durango, Team Associated. Uncompromising sports models in full tuning. A whale alone can cost more than the same model in the RTR version and do not forget that you need to buy an app, an engine, wheels, a speed controller, etc. With an average cost of an RTR model of 20 thousand rubles (600 usd), a prepared version for a competition based on a whale can cost up to 60 - 70 thousand (2000 - 2300 usd).

Competitions

For RC hobby lovers, competitions are held both at the regional level and at the national level. Competitions, as a rule, have strict regulations and are generally divided into the following classes:
  • Buggy 1:10 4wd electro
  • Buggy 1: 8 4wd electro
  • Buggy 1:10 4wd nitro
  • Buggy 1: 8 4wd nitro
  • Hobby unlim 1: 8
It should be noted that the classes described are a certain convention and may vary from city to city, depending on the popularity of certain models.
If you decide that you want to participate in competitions, think carefully about whether you need it, because like any sport, RC racing requires a lot of time, money, knowledge and patience. As I mentioned above, preparing a new model from scratch for whale-based competitions can cost 60 - 70 thousand rubles. A used one can be found for 25-35 thousand.

Nitro or electro

Before the advent of BC systems, ICEs ruled in the world of car modeling, since collector motors have much less power. With the advent of brushless (valve) electric motors, the scales swung in the opposite direction, since electric motors, with a power comparable to that of an internal combustion engine, have a number of advantages, such as silence, reliability, no need to adjust, run in, no need to start, maintenance is much easier, and so on. At the same time, there is a drawback in the form of the need to charge the batteries and swelling the batteries at sub-zero temperatures.
From myself I can notice that when I was choosing a serious model, the choice was made on the ICE version, which I later regretted more than once, since maintenance, tuning and so on take a lot of time, but you can ride while there is fuel, and the frantic roar of the engine in a compartment with a cloud of smoke does not leave indifferent more than one passer-by.

How to start?

In order to understand whether you like it or not, he will decide on the model and, in general, I advise you to come and look at the competitions, pokatushki. The people are usually responsive and sociable, they will help and prompt, because they themselves once started like this. It's also worth asking questions on the RC hobby forums.
In St. Petersburg, you can come and chat on the race track called "Under the Bridge":

And I decided to repeat it. From the beginning I ordered the equipment, servos, shock absorbers, which are less in front and large back. Photo not very



found a chainsaw engine of 45 cc and 3 horsepower.
And I started making the frame. The first pancake turned out to be lumpy because I made it from a metal profile and the frame turned out to be heavy and flaky, which did not suit me.
Then I decided to try to make something lighter and stronger. I came across a sheet of aluminum from it, then I decided to make a frame. Firstly, light and durable (to some extent) one of its minuses is that it bends, but it does not matter. In order for it not to bend, I strengthened it in the center by installing 2 strips of aluminum profile. The frame turned out to be surprisingly strong 32 kg weight that can withstand how hello, and this is what I need. The length of the frame is 73 cm, width is 25 cm, thickness is 2.5 mm. Here is the actual frame.

Then I thought about how to make a chassis, how to install the front wheels, from the beginning I wanted to use an aluminum U-shaped profile to install a suspension on it, but I couldn't find it anywhere (never thought that it was such a deficit of D). I had to buy an aluminum corner of 25 mm, but then I found out that the rophil could be bought in castorama but it was too late, that's what happened




the height of the corners turned out to be 6 cm. At the back, I am still thinking how best to do it, because the model will be rear-wheel drive and such a scheme will no longer work and I do not risk making the rear suspension without the main parts, because I need to make estimates. And while I am waiting for the main package without which this machine is not when it will not budge. It comes with a set of drive axles

the receiver is like a native, because of my stupidity burned out

and wheel adapters

By the end of the first part, I want to show approximately how my model will look, I will say right away the photos are not mine, I found them on the Internet. To be continued.



Some people, even as adults, have not lost interest in different games. Someone collects a constructor, someone plays board games, and someone really likes the cars on the remote control. Of course, this hobby has a more adult character than that of children. And many fans of typewriters dream of getting such an exhibit in their collection that no one else in the world will have. It couldn't be easier! Learn how to make a remote control typewriter yourself.

First, you need to decide what parts will be needed to create a typewriter. So that you don't miss anything, below is a list of necessary components:

  • Electric motor or gasoline engine
  • Body
  • Chassis
  • Wheels
  • A set of screwdrivers in different sizes.

By making a car with your own hands, you can control the entire creation process, which means that you will get exactly what you intended. Plus, you will save money, and if you put the business on stream, then you can make good money on this. First, decide on the amount of money that you can spend to purchase parts for a typewriter. The cost of the same types of components may vary depending on the material and quality of the product. Do you want to make a typewriter with a remote control with a wire or a radio control? Here, when choosing, you need to take into account that parts for a wired remote control will be somewhat cheaper.

Wheels and chassis

Now you need to provide the car chassis. You can try to make it yourself, but it is better to buy it ready-made in the store. Moreover, wheels are sold together with the chassis. When buying, pay attention to the quality of the product. The front wheels should turn easily, and rubber tires are the best choice because they give the best grip.

Engine

Now you need to choose the car engine, and this is perhaps the most important thing, because the motor is the heart of the car. You can use an electric motor from some kind of technology, and if there is none, then go to the store again. There you can also buy a gasoline engine, which is much more powerful. True, you need to take care of it, buy gasoline, and it costs an order of magnitude more. So it's worth choosing an electric motor and it will save you money and time.

Remote Control

Now it's time to get to the control panel. If you decide to make a car with a wired remote control, do not forget about its main drawback - the car will only move at the distance that the length of the wire allows. If your choice fell on radio control, then you need a radio unit to assemble the remote control. Despite the fact that it is not so cheap, it is better to purchase it, as this will allow you to control the machine at a fairly large distance that the antenna covers.

Body

The next item is the body. Here you can show all your creativity and make it yourself, having previously drawn sketches. Although, this part can be purchased at the store.

Assembly

Now we have all the necessary parts, and you can start assembling. As a rule, detailed instructions are attached to the accessories. The whole sequence of actions is described there. Then take care of adjusting the motor and installing the batteries and antenna, and only then you need to attach the body and chassis.

Now you know how to make a typewriter on the control panel.

To become the happy owner of a powerful and reliable toy controlled from a distance is the dream of not only many children, but also some parents. Today manufacturers are ready to offer a variety of entertainment that can surprise even the most sophisticated young consumers. Radio-controlled equipment can be a wonderful gift, and if properly used, it can last for a long time.

Among the large number of models, radio-controlled gasoline cars deserve special attention, since the power and reliability indicators of these products are among the highest. The features of these popular toys, their technical characteristics and types will be discussed further.

What is a Remote Controlled Petrol Car?

First of all, it should be said that such a product is almost complete, but only a reduced copy of a conventional vehicle. These cars also run on gasoline, while the top speeds are really impressive: some models can easily accelerate to 80 km / h. However, it is worth noting the fact that such mechanisms periodically require repair, just like ordinary cars, so the process of "driving" should be approached with all seriousness.

Of course, it is not recommended to use such toys indoors, since their full potential can be assessed only in open areas, for example, on asphalt roads.

The main characteristics of gasoline cars on radio control

There are many varieties of these models: these are cars for road racing, and buggies, and samples designed exclusively for drifting, which will be discussed a little later. This or that radio-controlled car with a gasoline engine has its own characteristics.

So, a distinctive feature of these models is the remote control. For radio-controlled samples, its maximum range of interaction with the machine is usually about 150 m.

Another unique detail is the gasoline engine, which can vary in power output. The scope of its operation depends on what type of motor is installed in a particular model.

If we compare gasoline cars on radio control in size, then we can safely distinguish both children's reduced products and large toys that are more suitable for adult lovers of such equipment.

What should the choice of a gasoline radio-controlled car depend on?

In order for the acquired technique to bring only joy, you should first carefully study the entire range of products and focus on the most suitable one. When choosing a car for a child, you must be guided primarily by his age, but it is also worth thinking about how he will use the toy. If the main requirement for a product is speed, then it is best to choose a road model, and an off-road model is ideal for overcoming obstacles.

The younger the child, the easier it should be to operate. It is better to refuse to purchase highly sensitive devices so that the owner of the machine does not experience problems. At the same time, one should pay attention to the size of the product, since some gasoline cars with radio control are quite voluminous, which can be very inconvenient for a small child. Large models are ideal for adults.

Correct operation of a remote controlled petrol machine

In order for such a toy to last as long as possible, you need to responsibly approach its content. Do not forget that it is very problematic for a child to cope with such a technique, therefore it is better if an adult is always there. Of course, all repair and maintenance work (changing fuel, oil, lubricating parts, etc.) must also be performed by parents, not only because of the risk of equipment breakdown, but also because harmful fuel vapors are dangerous for the child's body.

Many radio-controlled gasoline cars are sold disassembled, so it is extremely important to follow the instructions provided when assembling such products. In addition, safety rules exclude any games near sources of fire and open water.

Features and Benefits of RC Drift Cars

As mentioned earlier, remote-controlled fuel-fueled vehicles may differ depending on their purpose. Thus, radio-controlled gasoline drift cars are very popular among consumers. These models are liked by both adults and children, and their difference from ordinary high-speed toys lies in the following technical characteristics:

  • such gasoline cars are equipped with special shock absorbers with drift springs;
  • the tires of these products do not have a tread pattern and are more rigid than conventional models;
  • as a rule, the basis of the body of such a toy is shockproof plastic, as well as a durable bumper that protects the equipment from impacts;
  • the special design of the hangers allows for various technical elements.

How not to be mistaken when choosing a gasoline drift car?

Radio-controlled toy cars designed specifically for such purposes should not be bought for a very small child, since the minimum age of the owner should be 3 years.

Also, remember that there are no completely universal models. This means that when purchasing a toy car for drifting, you should not expect any other properties from it, such as high speeds or high cross-country ability.

Another important point is the type of built-in motor. A radio-controlled gasoline car used for drift (photos of various samples can always be found in specialized printed publications) must have a very powerful motor so that the loads exerted on the model do not harm it. The complete set of a new product, as a rule, assumes that the toy is ready to ride without the need to purchase additional parts.

The main parts of a gasoline car on a remote control

Parents do not always have the opportunity to buy an expensive toy for their child in a store. But if we talk about gasoline cars, then such products can be made independently. The structure of these toys is much like the structure of a standard car, so for many drivers the installation process will be clear.

To figure out how to make a radio-controlled gasoline car, you should initially decide what parts you need for this work. So, the following structural parts are included in the package of a standard toy:

  • shockproof body;
  • gasoline engine of the desired power;
  • strong wheels;
  • chassis;
  • a set of tools in the form of screwdrivers of different sizes.

Assembly features

It is not difficult to make radio-controlled petrol cars with your own hands. After purchasing the necessary materials, you should start the installation.

When attaching the front wheels to the frame, make sure that they turn easily. It is best to choose rubber tires, since it is this material that has the highest quality grip on the road surface.

The body for the car can simply be purchased in the store, but many owners want to create a unique toy and come up with their own sketch of the body, which is subsequently made with the help of a specialist.

When choosing a radio unit for control, you should not save on it, since the quality of this part directly affects the convenience of controlling the vehicle.

By far one of the most important parts of a car is its engine. Gasoline models require careful maintenance, but their power ratings are the highest.

Thus, we can say with confidence that it is quite possible to assemble a radio-controlled car, operating with fuel, with your own hands, the main thing is to have a desire for this and the entire list of necessary parts.