The world of RC cars is not limited to children only. Grown-ups and adults are very much welcome. After all, RC cars are fun to drive, and you can do amazing miniature stunts with them, which could cause a lot with real cars.
The RC car world is no longer simple – You may hear Remote Control Car terminology like RTR, ABS, etc. As a beginner, this may sound like an alien language. But not to worry. We have discussed some of the most used remote control cars sayings and acronyms below to get you up to speed really quick!
There are many remote control cars terminologies. They can refer to the RC vehicle’s build-type and refer to various parts inside the RC vehicle. Here are some of the most used RC car terminologies.
What does RC mean?
Let us start with something simple: RC. We are sure you already know what it stands for. Radio-controlled. It simply refers to the method of communication between the remote and the car. RC cars use radio frequencies. When you input the control in the remote, the remote sends a signal to the car using radiofrequency.
What does ARTR in RC Cars mean?
ARTR stands for Almost Ready To Run. The terminology ARTR refers to a particular build type of RC car. You will find different build types of RC cars. Some are pre-built. Some come disassembled in kits, and you will have to build them.
The ARTR RC cars come partially pre-built in the box. Usually, the ARTR RC cars only need electrical installation. The chassis and rest of the body are pre-built. These types of RC vehicles are easy to customize with powerful electronic modifications.
What does RTR in RC Cars mean?
Similar to the ARTR terminology, RTR also refers to the build-type of the RC vehicle. RTR stands for Ready to Run.
The ready-to-run vehicles come completely built inside the box. That means the chassis, the motor, battery, and other parts are pre-installed. You can run them right out of the box, that is, if the battery is charged.
Although some people refer to RTR as ready-to-race, most RTR cars are not ready to run a race. The RTR cars usually come with standard-issue motors and electronics inside the body.
Depending on the brand, some RTR cars are built for races while others need heavy modifications. So it is not correct to always refer to RTR as ready-to-race.
What does Ready to Race in RC Cars mean?
Ready to race in RC cars means that the car is ready to run serious races. The ready-to-race cars usually have heavy modifications in their electronics and chassis.
Usually, the RC cars that come in the box do not have motors and electronics suited for racing. Some brands do provide racing electronics and set-up pre-installed in the box, but most of the time, the cars are not built for racing.
Ready-to-race RC cars are those with powerful upgrades for high speed and control.
What are Race Kits in RC Cars?
Race kits in RC cars usually refer to disassembled body parts of the RC cars. The Race kits consist of upgrades and parts that can be installed in the RC car and make them ready for racing.
As you know, most RC cars don’t come as ready-to-race in the box. They need heavy upgrades and modifications. Some RC car brands sell separate Race kits for their car models. You can purchase them and install them on your car to make them ready for racing. However, these kits do not usually include electronics (motors). They need to be purchased separately.
What does ESC mean in RC Cars?
The ESV in RC cars stands for Electronic Speed Control. Basically, it is the brain of the RC cars. This unit inside the RC car is responsible for controlling the speed of the vehicle.
TThe ESC controls the amount of current flowing in the motor and keeps the RC car under your control.
What are Current Limiters in RC Cars?
The current limiters in RC cars are modifications made in the ESC. This modification/ adjustment prohibits the motor from drawing too much power from the battery. This limitation of power draw eliminates the inefficiency of the RC cars.
What are Foam Inserts in RC Cars?
Foam inserts in RC cars are foams placed inside the tires of the wheels. Basically, they function as the air inside real vehicle tires. The foam inserts keep the tires in shape.
Based on the type of terrain, you may choose different density foam inserts to better control the RC car.
We hope that this small Remote Control Cars Terminology guide was helpful for you. If there’s anything else we’ve missed or should add, please leave a comment and we’ll include them!
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.
