DIY radio control toys. Do-it-yourself radio-controlled car Homemade models of radio-controlled cars

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 models of aircraft reaching the size of a car. In this article, I want to talk about a part of the RC world called car modeling, what classes of models are, what categories 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 technology 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 ski jumping, slides and just for fun in the country.

buggy

Usually four-wheel drive. Able to overcome any type of surface, while riding on densely 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 base and rear wheel drive.
It has a great similarity (copy) 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 various obstacles, jumps, uneven ground, while handling is worse than that of a buggy, but better than that of a monster.
An excellent compromise.

Crawlers

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

Drift

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

Rally (rally)

Along with crawlers, a rather rare class of car.
As a rule, all-wheel drive cars. Differ in copy. Designed for rolled soil.

Trophy

Differs in high copy number, full wire - often with continuous bridges, low speed, soft tenacious tires.
Designed to slowly overcome a variety of obstacles in the form of puddles, mud, swamps.
For popular models, a huge amount of tuning is sold in the form of canisters, wheels, bodies, etc. to create an exact copy of real trophy cars.

Scale Models

Models vary in scale from micro (1:18) to huge 1:5 or 1:4 up to 1 meter long.
Scale models 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 main part of the competition and the greatest variety of models are held.
Models of scale 1:10 and 1:8 can reach 50 cm in length and are not intended for rides in yards and crowded places, since they can reach very high speeds (up to 117 km / h HPI Vorza), and coupled with a mass ( about 4-6 kg) can cause serious injury.
The largest 1:5 scale models have, in the vast majority, an engine internal combustion with a volume of 24-28 cm3 and actually repeat the design of real cars.

Engines

At the moment, car models have four types of engines:

• Electric commutator motor. Electric motors of a completely standard design with a coil, brushes. It is characterized by low power, often poor reliability and is generally not interesting. Applicable on low cost 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, noticeably pushing aside traditional models with internal combustion engines, since it produces similar power and, unlike internal combustion engines, is much easier to operate.
• Glow carburetor engine. Used in models from 1:12 to 1:8 scale. Refueled with fuel containing from 16% to 30% nitromethane. A very moody engine that needs fine tuning of the carburetor. 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 shoot several Horse power and reach 30,000 - 40,000 rpm.
• Gasoline internal combustion engines. Used in 1:5 scale models. Refuel with AI 92-95 gasoline. Engines are much less capricious than small displacement glow motors.

Prices

Prices for car models, unlike aircraft models, have their own clear framework. So prices for Chinese 1:18 models with brushed motors start at 3000 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 1:5 scale models, prices can reach 40 - 70 thousand rubles (1200 - 2000 usd).

Complete sets (delivery options)

There are two types of delivery models:

• RTR - ready to run. This equipment means that the model is assembled and completely ready for races. However, it must be taken into account that the batteries Charger and so on may not be included. 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 glow plugs, 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 receiver), wheels, an engine speed controller, and so on. Kits are designed for athletes and are not intended for beginners. Such kits are usually supplied in the maximum tuning and it is understood that the athlete already has all the additional body kit.

Hardware (appa)

One of the most important parts in the RC hobby is the equipment: 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 heaped 4-channel, with telemetry, a bunch of settings and other chips and a price of 600 usd:

The design of the car model on the example of my internal combustion engine truggy

General picture from the official site:

All wheel drive model. three differentials. Engine 4.6 cm3, 2.9 hp Two universal joints diverging from the center differential to the front and rear. The center differential has two disc brakes. The glow-type engine, which means that to start the engine, the spark plug must be heated with a special glow, and then the spark plug coil 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 starting table.
Front suspension design:

The design of the front suspension, in fact, is 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 coups, as a rule, for a car model pass without any breakdowns.

Which model to 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 models, jump from trampolines and just have fun, then your choice is a monster - for example HPI Savage. If you are interested in large machines of the 5th scale, then you can look towards the HPI Baja 5T. On a number of forums there are special topics for beginners dedicated to the choice of technology - links at the bottom of the article.

Brands (manufacturers)

At the moment, there are a large number of manufacturers on the market. They can be divided into three categories:

• Purebred Chinese: Iron Track, Himoto, BSD Racing, VRX Racing, HSP. Favorably differ in price, while the 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, to 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, "according to the hospital" they have greater reliability and reasonable design than the Chinese at a slightly higher price. In the case of manufacturers from middle group it is necessary to consider each model separately, since each brand has both high-quality successful models and not high-quality ones
• Kits from Xrax, KYOSHO, Durango, Team Associated. Uncompromising models for athletes in full tuning. One 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, and so on. With an average cost of an RTR model of 20 thousand rubles (600 usd), a prepared version for competitions based on a whale can cost up to 60 - 70 thousand (2000 - 2300 usd).

Competitions

For fans of the RC hobby, competitions are held both at the regional level and all-Russian. Competitions usually 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 is necessary to make a reservation that the classes described are some 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 a whale-based competition can cost 60 - 70 thousand rubles. Used can be found for 25-35 thousand.

Nitro or electro

Before the advent of BC systems, internal combustion engines ruled the world of car modeling, since brushed 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 an internal combustion engine have a number of advantages, such as silence, reliability, no need to set up, run in, no need to start, maintenance is an order of magnitude easier and so on. At the same time, there is a disadvantage in the form of the need to charge the batteries and swelling the batteries at sub-zero temperatures.
From myself, I can say that when I was choosing a serious model, the choice was on the ICE version, which I later repeatedly regretted, since maintenance, tuning, etc. take a lot of time, but you can ride while there is fuel, and the frantic roar of the engine, coupled with a cloud of smoke does not leave indifferent any passer-by.

How to start?

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

Buying a radio-controlled device today is not a problem. And a car, and a train, and a helicopter, and a quadcopter. But it is much more interesting to try to create a radio-controlled car with your own hands. We will provide you with two detailed instructions.

Model #1: What will we need?

To create this radio controlled model will need:

• A model car (you can even take an ordinary Chinese one from the market).
• ARU auto.
• Solenoid for opening the doors of a VAZ car, battery 2400 A / h, 12 V.
• A piece of rubber.
• Radiator.
• Electrical measuring instruments.
• Soldering iron, solder to it, as well as plumbing tools.
• Reducer.
• Collector engine (for example, from a toy helicopter).

Model No. 1: instructions for creating

And now let's start creating a radio-controlled car with our own hands:

Model No. 2: necessary components

To create a car you will need:

• Automobile model.
• Spare parts from an unnecessary collection machine, printer (gears, traction, iron drives).
• Copper tubes (sold in hardware stores).
• Soldering iron.
• Autoenamel.
• Bolts.
• Necessary electronics.
• Battery.

Model #2: Creating a Device

We begin to make a radio-controlled car with our own hands:

In conclusion, we present to you one of the drawings for radio-controlled car models - a receiver diagram.

Homemade Radio-controlled car- this is reality. Of course, making it from scratch will not work - develop your experience on simpler models.

Becoming a happy owner of a powerful and reliable toy controlled from a distance is a dream not only for many children, but also for 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 maintained, it can last quite a long time.

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

What is a remote control petrol machine?

First of all, it is worth saying that such a product is almost complete, but only a reduced copy of the usual vehicle. These cars also run on gasoline, while the maximum speeds are really impressive: some models easily accelerate to 80 km / h. However, it would be useful to note 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 only be appreciated in open areas, for example, on paved roads.

The main characteristics of petrol 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 machine with a gasoline engine has its own characteristics.

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

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

If we compare radio-controlled gasoline cars 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 determine the choice of a gasoline radio-controlled car?

In order for the purchased equipment to bring only joy, you should first carefully study the entire range of products and stop at the most suitable one. When choosing a typewriter for a child, it is necessary to be guided primarily by his age, but you should also think about how he will use the toy. If the main requirement for the 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 manage. 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, attention should also be paid to the size of the product, since some radio-controlled gasoline cars are quite voluminous, which can be very inconvenient for a small child. Large models are ideal for adults.

Proper operation of a gasoline machine on a remote control

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, so it is better if there is always an adult nearby. Of course, all repair and maintenance work (changing fuel, oil, lubricating parts, etc.) should also be carried out 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 unassembled, so it is extremely important to follow the attached instructions when assembling such products. In addition, safety rules exclude any play near fire sources and open water.

Characteristics and advantages of radio-controlled cars for drifting

As mentioned earlier, fuel-powered equipment powered by a remote control may differ depending on its purpose. So, radio-controlled gasoline cars for drifting are very popular among consumers. Both adults and children like these models, 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 equipment from impacts;
• the special design of the suspension allows you to perform various technical elements.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a gas drift car?

Radio-controlled toy cars designed specifically for such purposes are not worth buying at all. little child, since the minimum age of the owner must be 3 years.

In addition, it should be remembered 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. The radio-controlled gasoline car used for drifting (photos of various samples can always be found in specialized 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 machine 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 design of these toys is in many ways similar to the structure of a standard car, so for many drivers the installation process will be clear.

To figure out how to do petrol machine on radio control, you should initially decide what parts will be needed 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

Do-it-yourself gasoline radio-controlled cars are easy to make. After acquisition necessary materials should do the installation.

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

The body for the car can simply be purchased at 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.

Of course, one of the most important components of the machine is its engine. Gasoline samples require careful maintenance, but their power ratings are the highest.

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

This article is a modeler's story about making a homemade radio-controlled model of a four-wheel drive car range rover from a plastic model. It reveals the nuances of manufacturing axle drives, installing electronics and many other nuances.

So, I decided to make a car model with my own hands!

I bought an ordinary bench model Range Rover in the store. The price of this model is 1500 rubles, in general it is a little expensive, but the model is worth it! Initially I thought about making a hammer, but this model is much more suitable in design.

I had electronics, well, I took some parts from a trophy called "cat" which I had not needed for a long time and was disassembled for parts!

Of course, it was possible to take other prefabricated models as a basis, but I wanted just such an off-road jeep.

It all started with bridges and differentials that I made from copper pipes and soldered with a regular 100w soldering iron. The differentials here are ordinary, the gear is plastic, the rods and drive bones are iron from the trophy.

These tubes can be purchased at any hardware store.


I took the differential gear from a regular printer. I didn’t need him for a long time and now I decided that it was time for him to rest.

Everything turned out pretty reliably, but it’s rather inconvenient to work with a soldering iron!

After I made the differentials, I had to close them with something, I closed them with pill caps.

And painted it with regular car paint. It turned out beautifully, although beauty is hardly needed for a trophy.

Then it was necessary to make steering rods and put bridges on the frame. The frame was included and to my surprise it turned out to be iron, not plastic.

It was not easy to do this, since the scale of the parts is very small and it was not possible to solder here, I had to bolt it. Steering rods I took from the same old trophy that I dismantled.

All parts of the differentials are on bearings. Since I made the model for a long time.

I also ordered a gearbox with a reduction gear, the gear will be switched on by a microservo machine from the remote control.

Well, in general, then I installed a plastic bottom, cut a hole in it, installed a gearbox, cardan shafts, a home-made gearbox, an ordinary collector engine for such a small model, it makes no sense to put a bk and the speed is not important to me.

The engine is from a helicopter, but in the gearbox it is quite powerful.

The most important thing is that the model does not move in jerks, but smoothly without delay, the gearbox was not easy to make, but I had a heap of details, the main thing is ingenuity.

The reducer was screwed to the bottom, it kept perfectly, but to attach the bottom to the frame I had to tinker.

Then I installed electronics, shock absorbers, battery. At first I installed the electronics rather weak and the regulator and the receiver were a single unit, but then I installed everything separately and the electronics were more powerful.

And finally, painting, installation of all the main components, decals, headlights, and more. I painted everything with regular plastic paint in 4 coats then painted the fenders brown and sanded the parts to give a shabby and worn look.

The body of the model and the color are completely original, the color was found on the Internet and the photo real car everything was done according to the original. This color combination exists on a real car and was painted in this color at the factory.

Well, here are the final photos. I will add a video with the test a little later, and the model turned out to be very passable, the speed was 18 km / h, but I did it not for speed. In general, I am satisfied with my work, and it is up to you to evaluate it.

The machine is not large, the scale is 1x24 in size and there is the whole point of the idea, I wanted a mini trophy for myself.

The model is not afraid of moisture! Germetil himself simply varnished the electronics, very reliably, no moisture is terrible.

Servo machine micro park from the aircraft for 3.5 kg.

The battery lasts for 25 minutes of riding, but I will install more powerful electronics and a battery, because this one is not quite enough.

Even the bumpers are the same as on the original. And fastenings on them too. The drive on it is not 50-50%, but 60-40%.

In general, the Range Rover turned out in a rustic style, I didn’t even think that it would turn out to be so high-quality to paint because I really don’t know how to paint, although there’s nothing difficult!

I forgot to add for the sake of beauty, I also installed a roll cage and a full spare tire. Spare wheel and frame were included with the kit.

More about radio-controlled models:

Misha comments:

Tell me how the four-wheel drive is arranged, what is inside the bridge besides the transfer case? There must be a steering knuckle after all.

Some people, even as adults, have not lost interest in different games. Someone collects a designer, someone plays board games, and someone really likes cars on the remote control. Of course, this hobby has a more adult character, compared to children's. And many fans of cars dream of getting into their collection such an exhibit that no one else in the world will have. Nothing is easier! Learn how to make a car on the remote control yourself.

First, you need to decide what parts will be needed to create a machine. So that you do not miss anything, below is a list of the necessary components:

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

By making a machine 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, you can make good money on it. First decide on the amount of money you can spend to buy car parts. 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 car on a remote control with a wire or on a radio control? Here, when choosing, you need to consider that parts for a wired remote control will be somewhat cheaper.

Wheels and Chassis

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

Engine

Now you need to choose the engine of the car, and this is perhaps the most important thing, because the engine is the heart of the car. You can use an electric motor from some kind of equipment, 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 him, buy gasoline, and it costs an order of magnitude more expensive. So it is worth choosing an electric motor, and it will save you money and time.

Remote Control

Now it's time for 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 as far as 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 buy it, as this will allow you to control the machine at a fairly large distance that the antenna covers.

Body

The next step 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, accessories are attached detailed instructions. The whole sequence of actions is described there. Then start 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 car on the remote control.