WOOHOO LETS RIDE !
YOUR FIRST DRIVE
Second nature… a term used to describe a task that you perform so often that you can do it without any conscious effort. For instance, operating a computer mouse is something most of us do without even thinking about it. But, put the mouse in the hands of someone who’s never used one and you’ll immediately discover the entertainment value of inexperience. Now let’s talk about driving an RC. For me, it’s become second nature, things like knowing which way to turn the wheel and whether the car is coming toward me or going away from me have become instinctive. So, when I see someone driving for the first time, I don’t always realize how difficult driving in a straight line might seem to a newcomer.
THE VERY BASICS INSTRUCTIONS
Your RC car will come with an instruction manual, read it first! Don’t just look at the pictures. You wouldn’t believe the useful info you find on manuals these days. Another thing is YouTube YouTube YouTube, watch some vids, they give you the best advice in the shortest time but ultimately, you need practice!
RADIO SYSTEM
Transmitters are set up for right-handed drivers, which means you will hold it in your left hand and use your right hand to steer. With the forefinger on the trigger you can operate the throttle and brake functions. Pull the trigger to make the car go forward and push the trigger to operate the brakes.
The transmitter’s steering wheel operates just as you would expect–turn the wheel right (clockwise), the car turns right–turn the wheel left (counterclockwise), the car turns left. The tricky part comes in when you have the car coming toward you. The steering may seem opposite when the car turns to your right as you turn the wheel left and turns to your left as you steer right.
“The easiest way to get used to driving an RC is shape forming ! Drive your RC in shapes, yes shapes and repeat and repeat. And easy on the trigger.” EVO RC Top Tip
LET’s Do It
Find a wide area, not on the road, away from cars and people. Always start with fresh batteries in both the transmitter and in the car for the receiver. Turn the transmitter on and then turn on the car’s receiver switch. Before starting the car, operate the transmitter controls to confirm proper operation. Do the wheels turn right when the steering wheel is turned right? Does the throttle open when the trigger is pulled? Does the throttle close and the brakes engage when the trigger is pushed? Once you’ve determined all is well, it’s time to start the car. Some important info to keep in mind, which is usually overlooked by first-timers, is that the transmitter controls are proportional. That means you don’t need to pull the trigger all the way. The further you squeeze the trigger, the faster your car will go. If you don’t want to go too fast simply squeeze the trigger slowly until you reach the desired speed. When you’re ready to slow down, gently push the trigger. If you get into trouble then you’ll want to push the trigger quickly to engage the brake. Start off slowly by driving in a big oval until you get the feel for the throttle control. Vary your speed to become comfortable with how the brakes function. Here is where the figure eight comes in to play. As you are coming out of the top of the turn and the car is headed toward you, slowly turn the steering wheel the other direction to create the bottom of the “8”. You should quickly get the hang of this as you start to “feel” which way to turn the wheel instead of just thinking about it. Vary your speeds throughout this exercise as well.
THAT WASN’T SO BAD
There you have it. The basics of driving a RC car. Pretty… well, basic… don’t you think? As long as you take your time, read and understand the instruction manual and practice often, your driving skills will soon become second nature to you. After a few laps around the parking lot you should be done. Always pay attention when you’re driving! Sometimes even the smallest rock can turn your low-riding street racer into an uncontrollable projectile.
