Comparison Silverlit Xbull 1:18 vs EZ-Tec Ford F-150 1:6

The scale allows you to estimate the overall dimensions of the model — it describes the ratio of its dimensions to the dimensions of a full-size machine of a similar type (see below). For example, the length and width of a full-sized buggy average about 4 m and 2 m, respectively; this means that for a radio-controlled model on a scale of 1:10, these parameters will be 10 times smaller — about 40 cm and 20 cm (plus or minus).

Miniature scales are considered to be 1:24 or less ( 1:28 and 1:32), while in the largest scales it reaches 1:6( 1:5) — such models are not much smaller than children's cars (however, they are not intended to replace them). A small size is considered optimal for use in residential areas, a large one — in open areas. Most road models (see 'Type') are available in 1:10 scale, SUVs in 1:8, and larger scales are found in advanced internal combustion engine models (see 'Engine'). The most common scale options are 1:14, 1:16 and 1:18, which are found in both the low-cost and high-end segments.

The minimum age for which this radio-controlled model is suitable. These recommendations are rather conditional, but it is still not recommended to deviate from them. "Adult" 14+ models with a lot of adjustments, moving parts and power simply will not be able to master a young rider of preschool and maybe even school age. At the same time, models for the younger age category ( 3+, 4+, 5+) may not be interesting and boring for older children ( children 6 and 8+). It is also worth noting that radio-controlled cars are not always children's toys and there are models for modeling, racing — professional use.

The highest speed that the machine can develop. Usually, this parameter is indicated for certain "perfect conditions": a flat track, high-quality fuel or a full battery charge (depending on the type of engine, see above), etc. Real figures tend to be somewhat lower; however, different models can be compared with each other according to this characteristic.

High maximum speed is important primarily for "racing" cars (ring and short-course, see above); in stunt and drift models, it does not play a decisive role. Also, you should pay attention to the maximum speed values when buying an amateur model for entertainment — here you need to take into account the features of its application. For example, if the machine is intended for a 3-4 year old child as a toy in an apartment, high speed will not be an advantage, but a disadvantage (especially since the cost of the “apparatus” directly depends on its speed).

— Full. As the name implies, in such models, traction from the engine is transmitted to all 4 wheels. The main advantage of this scheme is its high cross-country ability: the machine keeps well on difficult terrain, and even getting stuck with a pair of wheels in the air is not critical for it. Also, four-wheel drive can be used for drifting (see "Appointment (class)"), although it loses a little in this role to the rear one; however, a lesser tendency to drift can be an advantage. Its main disadvantage is the rather high cost associated with the difficulties in production. In addition, 4WD vehicles tend to be less fuel efficient than "single wheel drive" vehicles.

— Rear. Models with power transmission from the engine to the rear pair of wheels. This scheme is quite unstable and requires careful control at high speeds — if you turn too sharply, the car easily goes into a skid. On the other hand, it is precisely because of the instability that this option is considered optimal for drift racing, and the design of the rear-wheel drive is very simple, reliable and inexpensive. As a result, most non-4WD RC models use it.

— Front. The front-wheel drive has a high degree of stability: you can only send the car into a skid intentionally (and then you need to try hard), and the withdrawal from it is extremely simple. At the same time, stability is not...always an advantage — for example, in drifting, it only creates additional problems. In addition, the design of such models is quite complex due to the need to combine the drive from the engines and steering on the same pair of wheels; as a result, in terms of price, reliability and ease of maintenance, they lose to rear-wheel drive. Therefore, front-wheel drive is not widely used in radio-controlled cars.

The type of power source used in a machine with an electric motor (see “Motor”).

- AA. Replaceable elements of a standard size, popularly known as “pen-light batteries”. The main advantage of battery-powered cars over battery-powered cars is the ability to quickly replace dead batteries. On the other hand, the power of such power supply is quite modest, so they are found mainly in models for younger people.

- AAA. Such elements are almost completely similar to the AA described above and outwardly differ from them only in their reduced size (which is reflected in their common name - “little finger”).

- Ni-Mh. Specialized batteries made using nickel-metal hydride technology like other batteries ( Li-Pol, Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, LiFePO4, branded) are superior to replacement batteries in capacity and compactness and are better suited for powerful electric motors. Ni-Mh batteries themselves are notable primarily for their ability to withstand high charge and discharge currents without consequences - the first is important given the “gluttony” of electric motors, the second has a positive effect on the charging speed. In addition, such batteries are resistant to lo...w temperatures, do not have a “memory effect”, and are relatively inexpensive. At the same time, they are inferior to Li-Pol elements in terms of capacity (with the same dimensions).

- Li-Pol. Specialized batteries made using lithium-polymer technology. For more information on specialized batteries in general, see above (Ni-Mh). Li-Pol technology itself makes it possible to create batteries with high capacity, small size and weight, and without the “memory effect,” however, it is quite expensive.

- Ni-Cd. A relatively old battery manufacturing technology, the predecessor of the Ni-Mh described above. The common features of these technologies are resistance to high charge and discharge currents, low temperatures, and low cost. True, nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to the “memory effect” - a decrease in capacity when charging an incompletely discharged battery; however, this can be corrected by using advanced chargers and following operating instructions. But the clear disadvantage of this option is considered to be environmental unsafety during production and disposal; This is typical for all batteries, but it is most relevant for Ni-Cd cells, so they are used less and less.

— Li-Ion. Batteries made using lithium-ion technology and not belonging to any of the universal standard sizes (like AA). Lithium-ion batteries are practically not subject to the “memory effect”, are easy to use and charge fairly quickly. Their disadvantages include a higher price and less resistance to high and low temperatures.

— LiFePO4. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are actually a modification of lithium-ion batteries (see the corresponding paragraph), developed to eliminate some of the shortcomings of the original technology. They are notable above all for their high reliability and safety: the likelihood of a battery “exploding” when overloaded is reduced to almost zero, and in general LiFePO4 can cope with high peak loads without any problems. In addition, they are quite resistant to cold and maintain operating voltage almost until discharge. The main disadvantage of this type is its slightly smaller capacity.

— Branded battery. This category includes all specialized batteries (see subparagraph “Ni-Mh” above), for which the manufacturer did not indicate the manufacturing technology. We also note that if “ordinary” specialized batteries can be standard and can be used in different models of radio-controlled equipment, then branded batteries often have an original design and are designed only for cars from one manufacturer.

The operating voltage of the battery supplied with the machine. For models for AA and AAA cells (see “Battery Type”), it is not indicated — the specification of these cells assumes a common voltage standard, about 1.5 V. In other cases, battery voltage data does not play a significant role in everyday use, but may be useful , if you need to pick up a charger, a spare battery or a battery to replace a damaged one, but you do not have data on the battery model (see below).

The number of batteries (namely AA or AAA batteries) required to operate the car.

The greatest distance between the remote control and the machine, at which the transmitter of the remote control is still able to guarantee normal controllability of the model. Note that official specifications usually provide data for perfect conditions: full battery charge, no obstacles in the signal path, extraneous interference, etc .; in fact, the range may be somewhat less. However, according to this parameter, it is quite possible to compare different models of radio-controlled cars with each other.

The higher this indicator, the farther you can let go of the machine from the remote control, the less often you have to move to keep control. However, a large range means not only a long range as such — it also speaks of a good signal penetration, its ability to pass through various obstacles.

The type and number of batteries required for the operation of the model control panel.

— AA. Replaceable cells, known in everyday life as "finger-type batteries". They can be produced not only in the form of disposable batteries, but also in the form of rechargeable batteries. In both cases, they are available in a wide range of items that differ in price and quality, which gives freedom of choice; batteries are sold almost everywhere and are inexpensive. The power and capacity of AA elements are relatively small, but in most cases they are quite enough for normal operation of the transmitter for quite a long time. Usually, modern remotes require several of these batteries — usually 2, 4 or 6.

— AAA. Replaceable cells, known as "mini finger" or "little" batteries. From the AA batteries described above, they differ only in their smaller size and, accordingly, in their capacity; the rest are completely similar. They are mainly used in remotes for inexpensive entertainment models: such remotes do not require a lot of energy, but compactness is sometimes crucial.

— PP3. Replaceable batteries of a characteristic rectangular shape, with a pair of contacts on one of the ends. They have a nominal voltage of 9 V. Such elements are quite popular in "entertainment" models designed for children — not least because only one battery is enough for the remote control.

— Accumulator. In this case, a specialized battery is meant, either of an original d...esign, or in a size that is not related to replaceable elements. These power supplies can be far superior to battery packs in terms of power and capacity, but they are not cheap, and such advanced features are rarely needed in fact. Therefore, battery remotes are found mainly among large-scale professional-level models, with increased requirements for the range and reliability of the transmitter on the remote control.