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What is the benefit of an FM radio?
A standard radio system that usually comes in a Ready To Run (RTR) kit transmits it's signal on an AM band. You've experienced AM radio signals in your car - the reception usually contains some static and does not provide the clear sound quality of an FM station. FM radios provide a much clearer and cleaner signal, translating into increased range for your model as well as drastically reduced chances of getting any interference from outside sources. Pulse Code Modulating (PCM) radios are the ultimate choice for safety. PCM radios contain a system that returns all servos to a pre-set, user-determined position if any interference is detected. In the case of an rc car, that position would be set to full brake.
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What does that LCD screen do besides look good?
Computer radios, whether for a plane, car, boat, or helicopter, can be tailored to your model to suit all of your needs and driving/flying preferences. Here are just a few examples of customized functions:
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Limit how far each one of your servos move in either direction. This is extremely helpful in setting-up the throttle linkage on a nitro powered model. You can set the brakes on a nitro car so that they don't just lock-up the rear tires when stopping, and some radios even have an anti-lock brake setting!
Trim settings, usually analog on standard radios, are now all held digitally in the radio. You can't accidentally move settings out of adjustment.
Store multiple model settings in one radio. If you have started a collection of more than a couple of models, you can run all of your models from just on radio controller.
For RC airplane pilots, toggle switches can be programmed to perform aerobatic maneuvers, like snap rolls.
How will a performance servo help my model?
Standard servos that come in most models share the same characteristics. The internal gears in the unit are plastic, have a response time of approximately .25 seconds and have very little torque. Standard servos are adequate for low stress applications, however if you are a pilot pulling stunts, or a driver bashing around, standard servos will not hold-up to the abuse.
A metal gear servo is vital for strength and performance. Good servos, like those offered from Airtronics, Futaba, JR, and Hitec, offer up to 5 times the amount of torque of standard servos, react up to 3 times faster and have metal internal gears that will not strip out.
Specialty servos are made for a variety of applications such as the tail of a helicopter, micro servos for small park flyers, sail winch servos for sail boats, and ¼ scale servos for those large cars, boats and planes.
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