| RC Hobbies and Toys for Recreation or Gifts | | | | For outdoor use. |
| Topic: Indoor - Outdoor. | | | | RC airplanes for outdoor use range from very small |
| What type of RC (Remote Control or Radio | | | | and inexpensive to very large and expensive. The |
| Controlled) vehicles are right for indoor and outdoor | | | | choice of "gas" or electric is determined by your |
| use. | | | | budget and the amount of flying time you want. With |
| General considerations: | | | | the vehicle running on "gas", more time can be spent in |
| Only electric RC vehicles should be used indoors. All of | | | | the air. Because the battery only has to power the |
| the "gas" powered RC vehicles produce toxic exhaust, | | | | flight controls, they retain a charge much longer, and |
| which can quickly build up to dangerous levels. "Gas" is | | | | you can refuel a lot faster than batteries recharge. |
| always in quotes because they actually require a | | | | RC airships or RC blimps can be used outdoors, as |
| special blend of fuel that is not gasoline, but is | | | | well as indoors. It is strongly recommended that |
| frequently referred to as "gas" anyway. | | | | airships be anchored to something so the wind does |
| Almost all RC vehicles are rated with a skill level | | | | not carry them away unexpectedly. Also, if an airship |
| suggestion from novice to expert. There are good | | | | has fresh helium and the batteries get completely |
| reasons for the skill level suggestions. One reason is | | | | discharged they can just float away. |
| because some of the vehicles behave better than | | | | RC boats are great fun in a pond, lake, or slow-moving |
| others due to the scale and design being modeled. But | | | | river or stream. Again the choice of "gas" or electric is |
| the main reason for the skill level rating is the | | | | mostly determined by your budget. Like airplanes, "gas" |
| survivability and cost to repair damage from | | | | powered boats can be used for longer periods of time |
| inexperienced operators. | | | | since the batteries do not power the boat, only the |
| Almost all RC vehicles are also rated with a minimum | | | | controls. "Gas" powered boats can quickly be refueled |
| age. These are only suggestions but should be | | | | and put back into action. On the other hand, electric |
| considered when giving RC vehicles as gifts. | | | | boats are not nearly as loud as "gas" powered boats. |
| For indoor use: | | | | RC cars and RC trucks come in all kinds of styles in |
| RC airplanes should be small and able to fly at very | | | | both "gas" and electric. RC cars and RC trucks also |
| low speeds. Generally speaking there are few | | | | come in race or off-road styles. For outdoor use, |
| airplanes that can be flown indoors unless it is a very | | | | larger vehicles are better for a couple reasons. First |
| large room. Most of the indoor airplanes are composite | | | | and foremost, larger vehicles are more stable on the |
| foam to reduce weight and frequently are based on | | | | rougher terrain. Second, because you can see them |
| bi-planes for the additional lift the second set of wings | | | | from a greater distance. RC vehicles have had some |
| provide. | | | | major improvements in recent years, like active |
| RC airships or RC blimps are great for indoor use. | | | | suspension and 4 wheel drive are now available on |
| They fly fairly fast and steer pretty well in the indoor | | | | the higher priced vehicles. |
| environment. Some airships come with lighted gondolas | | | | Most RC helicopters can be used outdoors, although |
| and can be easily flown in the dark. Most come with | | | | some of the really small ones struggle with the winds |
| three-axis drive systems so you can turn both left and | | | | that are possible outdoors. RC helicopters for outdoor |
| right as well as gain or lose altitude with great precision. | | | | use can get to be very large and complicated if you |
| RC boats are generally outdoor vehicles unless you | | | | have the money to spend. Some say the helicopter is |
| happen to have an indoor swimming pool to skip them | | | | the most difficult to learn to fly, but others say it is the |
| around on. | | | | airplanes that are the hardest to fly. |
| RC cars and trucks are also great for indoor use, but | | | | Conclusion: |
| should be rather small for indoor use, 1/24th scale or | | | | Both age and skill level should be considered when |
| smaller. Indoor RC cars and trucks should be | | | | buying an RC vehicle, as well as whether it will be for |
| extremely maneuverable with both forward and | | | | indoor or outdoor use. "Gas" or electric is probably the |
| reverse gears. Bright colors or headlights are a good | | | | easiest choice you have when choosing an RC |
| idea if they are likely to pass through shadows or | | | | vehicle, whether for indoor or outdoor use. RC |
| under objects like furniture. | | | | airplanes and RC helicopters require the greatest |
| RC helicopters should also be fairly small for indoor | | | | amount of skill and practice to learn to master. Bigger |
| use. It is strongly recommended that closed loop style | | | | is better when intended for outdoor use. Always have |
| rotors be used indoor to reduce injury or damage from | | | | extra fully charged batteries, because they never |
| running into people or things. | | | | seem to last long enough. |