About R/C
Radio Control vs. Remote Control
Radio controlled (R/C) vehicles are controlled with a hand-held transmitter that is NOT attached to the vehicle - it communicates with the vehicle through radio frequencies. All items are radio-controlled. Remote controlled vehicles, which we do not carry, are controlled with a transmitter that is attached to the vehicle by a wire. R/C vehicles therefore have much greater range and flexibility. Look for ?R/C? - it always means ?radio-controlled.?
Frequencies
Just as a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio frequency that you can tune into, an R/C transmitter sends radio frequency signals that tell its vehicle how to perform. The signals are sent to the vehicle?s receiver on one of two frequencies in the U.S., , 27MHz and 49MHz (megahertz), that the government has designated for use in R/C toys. (All kinds of things communicate through radio frequencies, so different items are assigned different frequencies to avoid interference in the communication.)
In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, the two vehicles must operate on different frequencies. Each item is sold on one or the other frequency - check the front of the gift box for a sticker that says ?27MHz? or ?49MHz.? In most cases, the same vehicle or one of the same size and with the same features is also available for purchase in the other frequency. It is not possible to change the frequency of an item unless it is one of our larger & more expensive items that has a removable frequency band crystal.
Some of our larger items have a removable frequency band crystal that can be changed to allow the vehicle to operate on up to six different bands within the 27MHz frequency. This allows for competitive racing of up to six different vehicles. Look for the statement ?Removable crystal for competitive racing? on the gift box. These vehicles are sold with only one pair of removable crystals (the pair includes one for the transmitter, one for the vehicle?s receiver); additional pairs of removable crystals may be ordered from our Customer Service Department (1-303-423-8971).
Function
R/C items are either single, full, or multi function. Most 1/24 scale items are single function, which means they go forward in a straight line and turn to the left when going in reverse. Single function items do not have a stop feature, but can be stopped by turning the power switch off. Most other items are full function and go in forward and reverse, make left and right turns in forward and reverse, and stop.
Range
The range is the area in which the R/C vehicle can receive the radio frequency signals from the vehicle?s transmitter. The range can be anywhere from 30 to over 180 feet and varies from vehicle to vehicle - see the back of the gift box or the instruction manual for specific information. The range can be affected by weak transmitter batteries or interference from other items that emit radio frequency signals such as another R/C item on the same frequency, CB radios, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc. For best results, hold the transmitter so that antenna is directed straight up, rather than toward the vehicle, and operate the vehicle away from any interference.
Scale
The scale indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actual vehicle of that type. The scale is determined by the length of the chassis. So, a vehicle that is 1/24 scale has a chassis that is 1/24 the size of an actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the fraction, the smaller the item. Some of our smallest vehicles are 1/32 scale, and the largest are 1/10th scale. We also carry extra-large 1/10th scale or 1/8 scale vehicles.
Steering
Most R/C items have regular steering - one position for right turns, one position for left turns. The turning radius is always the same. Many higher end items have digital proportional steering, which is similar to that of a real car. The steering is very precise and allows for sharp or wide turns. This sensitive steering system is necessary for larger, high-performance vehicles, to keep them from flipping over or losing control. Look for ?Digital Proportional Steering? on the gift box.
Battery Requirements
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All R/C items have different battery requirements based on their size, features and performance. Look for the battery requirements on the front of every box, or item's description to determine what batteries are required and whether or not they are included. While some of the smaller vehicles require AA batteries, most vehicles require one of four rechargeable Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium) battery packs - 4.8V (blue), 6.0V (black cassette or clip type), 9.6V (red) or 7.2V (yellow).
Many consumers are unsure about whether or not they need to purchase batteries separately. Following are some general guidelines:
AA batteries always need to be purchased separately.
All required batteries are always included for all 4.8V items - no separate purchase is required.
6.0V and 9.6V items may or may not include batteries - check the front panel of the gift box or the item's description.
Most 7.2V items do not include batteries - battery packs with chargers and transmitter batteries must be purchased separately.
Battery packs are available for separate purchase with and without their chargers. Even if your R/C purchase comes with batteries, it's a good idea to have extra battery packs on hand to increase playing time.
Again: ALWAYS check the gift box or the items descrition for battery requirements - consumers do not want to make an extra trip to the store for batteries.
Transmitters require either one 9V battery or six AA batteries.
Battery Charging
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All battery packs must be charged before use. Four-hour battery chargers are included with all items that are sold with battery packs and are also sold separately with battery packs. For best performance, use up all the battery pack's power before recharging.
Battery pack and charger safety tips:
Read instructions before using battery pack and charger.
Do not overcharge the battery pack.
Do not charge a damaged battery pack (rusted, torn, dented, with loose wires exposed, etc.)
Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
Use the battery charger indoors only.
Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle - use care when handling.
Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.
Battery Life
Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. If the battery is continually overcharged (more than four hours), or if the battery is recharged before power is completely drained, the battery life may be shortened.
Run Time
Run time will vary according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Average run times are as follows:
4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes
6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes
9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes
7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes
Boats
We offers the largest and most unique selection of R/C boats available, including the Sea Wolf Submarine and the Mariner Sailboat. Following are some special selling features, specifications and safety tips that are specific to R/C boats in general:
* Nikko?s R/C Sea Wolf Submarine dives and surfaces like a real sub, and has digital proportional steering. Alkaline batteries for the sub must be purchased separately (six ?C? and 10 ?AA?).
* Nikko?s R/C Mariner Sailboat actually depends on the wind for speed. The 4.8V battery pack, which is included, powers only the steering rudder and provides an extremely long running time.
* The range of R/C boats is generally greater than that of R/C land vehicles. It is best, however, to operate your boat with 100 feet of your transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water.
* R/C boats should only be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water - salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode, unless they are designed for salt water.
* After use, allow any water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.
General Safety Tips
* Read owners manual before charging battery pack and before operating vehicle.
* Do not overcharge the battery pack.
* Do not charge a damaged battery pack.
* Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging.
* Use the battery charger indoors only.
* Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle - use care when handling.
* Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.
* Do not mix rechargeable batteries with alkaline batteries; do not mix old batteries with new batteries.
* Do not get vehicle wet or run vehicle in water.
* Always turn transmitter OFF before handling the vehicle.
* Do not use vehicles on the same frequency at the same time.
* Do not try to upgrade a vehicle?s circuit board or motor - this will cause the circuit board to burn out.
* Take note of the age-grading given on the gift box. Children under 8 should have parental supervision while operating R/C toys.
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem: Vehicle does not respond, or responds erratically, to transmitter commands.
Likely causes:
1) Weak transmitter batteries, weak or uncharged vehicle batteries, low-quality battery packs and/or alkaline batteries.
2) Incorrect battery installation.
3) Vehicle is beyond range of transmitter.
4) Radio frequency interference from R/C vehicle on same frequency, CB radio, microwave transmitters, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc.
Solutions:
1) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
2) Ensure that alkaline batteries are installed correctly and make good connection with battery terminals. Ensure that battery packs are plugged in to vehicle.
3) Make sure transmitter antenna is fully extended. Walk toward vehicle with the transmitter to come within range (anywhere from 30 - 100 feet).
4) Turn off transmitter of vehicle on same frequency; move to location with less interference.
Problem: Extremely short run time.
Likely causes:
1) Vehicle and or transmitter have been left on when not in use.
2) Weak or old batteries.
3) Battery pack has not been properly charged.
Solutions:
1) Turn transmitter and vehicle OFF when not in use.
2) Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Use high-quality battery packs (if vehicle requires rechargeable battery pack). Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries.
3) Ensure battery pack is always completely drained of power before recharging. Avoid overcharging battery pack. Replace battery pack.
If the suggested solutions do not remedy the problem, contact our Customer Service for assistance. Be sure to have your item's number and vehicle name at hand.
