Hot Remote Control Vehicles How-Tos

How To: Program a Traxxas R/C electronic speed control

If you're fond of remote-controlled vehicles, you might appreciate this video tutorial on how to program a Traxxas electronic speed control. The Traxxas R/C ESC models you will learn to program are the XL-5, XL-10, EVX-2 and VXL-3S. They all have a single push button to turn on and off the ESC and program it. To get the most out of your Traxxas RC vehicle, learn to set up the programming by calibrating the electronic speed control, transmitter, throttle profile selection.

How To: Paint a water drop effect on your RC cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a water drop effect on your RC cars. This is very easy to do but very easy to mess up as well. Make sure you are careful while you are doing this so results come out well. First, grab your color change paint and spray a coat of it on the car. Let this dry, then grab a spray bottle of water and spray water onto the paint on all sides at different times. Then, take your paint and put a light spray over it. Once finished, let dry and do a heavier coat (aro...

How To: Make a great RC jump ramp from a box

The video demonstrates how to make a great RC jump ramp free of cost. Firstly for this you have to note that you must learn to control your RC in the air because wrong landings after high jumps can cause severe damage to your RC.To make a great ramp for jumping first take a box, a small box is taken here. The same can be done on a bigger box. Then opening the box cut the lateral upsides of the box. After that just put it down and put a tape at the place it touches the box. A curve as you desi...

How To: Waterproof a remote-control car

So you want to waterproof an RC vehicle, eh? I like the way you think. In this four-part video, you'll learn everything you'll need to know to transform your remote-control car into a submarine car. The first video in the series demonstrates how to waterproof a servo, the next how to waterproof a speed controller and the third demonstrates how to waterproof your receiver. The fourth, and final, clip from the series demonstrates a waterproof RC car in action.

How To: Break in the brushed motor of an RC car

It's simple: if you've got a brushed motor, you'll want to break it in under controlled circumstances before taking it out into the world. Why break in your engine? The main idea of breaking in your engine is to wear down your engine's brush so as to maximize surface contact with the commutator, reducing resistance (and therefore waste energy) and thereby increasing power. For detailed instructions on breaking in your remote control vehicle's engine, watch this RC hobbyest how-to.

How To: Troubleshoot basic electric errors in RC

This video will help you diagnose and troubleshoot on a basic level, your electric kit. I get asked alot "please fix my rc" and the main issue is that people do not understand how their rc works. While using a multimeter, I will show you how to diagnose battery batteries bars, esc, receiver, antenna, radio on crystals 2.4ghz synthesized modulation motor brushless bl brush less brushed transmission slipper gears pinions cvd dogbones dog bone wheels pins hex and other aspects that will not allo...

How To: Use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes

Check out this five-part video tutorial on how to use fiberglass finish over balsa wood for RC airplanes. If you like building engines and bodies for remote-controlled vehicles (airplanes), then this will definitely help you out, just by learning how to apply simple fiberglass to the balsa wood parts of the RC airplane body. You will learn all of the tricks needed for fiberglassing.

How To: Cut wheel wells in lexan bodies on remote control cars

RC Car Action Magazine Editor Paul Onorato shows us how to cut wheel wells in lexan bodies. Scissors can mar and warp the edge of the lexan plastic body, try an Xacto knife instead. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to cut the wheel wells from the lexan body for a remote control car.

How To: Win a race with an RC car

Chris Chianelli beams in from outer space to give you some tips on how to win races. Don't try to be the fastest or best car; be the smoothest driver. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to win a race on a remote control vehicle.

How To: Fix common rock crawling problems on an RC vehicle

RC Car Action Magazine Editor Matt Higgins shows how to fix common rock crawling problems such as body repair and a spun hex. Taking a remote control vehicle off road can often result in some damage, like a cracked body or a spun hex. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to fix common rock crawling problems on an RC vehicle.

How To: Install a Revo forward only conversion for your RC car

This video is on how to install a Revo forward only (or FOC) for your radio controlled vehicle. For this, you will need to remove your 2.5 or 3.3 Revo transmission from the kit and then I will walk you through the rest. You will basically be removing the front gears and then replacing another gear towards the back. Also, I am using the center differential kit which is easier as you do not have to worry about the gearing on the center differential shaft. If you do not purchase the center diffe...

How To: Disassemble a nitro RC engine

Check out this video to learn how to disassemble a nitro RC engine. There are pretty good instructions in this video.

How To: Make a Banner for a Lightweight RC Plane

I decided to make a quick banner for my RC plane. It was basically free, but you might need to get a few materials if you don't have them. My plane is a Hobbyzone Champ, which is a hardy but tiny plane, weighing only 1.3 ounces with the battery. My how-to is modeled after this, which is intended for the Super Cub. It is the bigger version of the Champ, weighing a total of 25.2 ounces, which is more than 18 times the weight of Champ. As you can see, I was faced with a problem. How was I going ...

HowTo: Capture Superman Footage With an RC Plane

Although Team Black Sheep issues a "Do Not Try This At Home" warning, they also offer full instructions for building "the ultimate Ritewing Zephyr", an RC plane that is so badass it can do this:

How To: Solder wires to your rc car motor

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder wires to your rc car motor. First, you will put the flux on the out wires. Put a small amount on, but make sure it's evenly coated all around. After this, do the same process for the motor tabs. Then, tin the wire and then wipe off with a damp sponge. From here you will do the same thing for the motor tabs, taking the back off the motor tabs to make it easier to move around. After this, put the wire on top of the tab and pres with the iron. Now you sho...

How To: Make a remote controlled engine boat from useless junk parts

Have you ever tried making your own remote-controlled water boat, but were missing all the key parts? Well, now you don't need to worry about expensive ingredients, because this video will show you how to make an RC engine boat with useless junk. You just might have some old used crap lying around, collecting dust, so why not put it to use making this awesome toy? You'll need some basic used parts, a plane toy and power supply fans.

How To: Start a gas powered RC plane easily

When getting into RC planes the hardest part is actually putting together the plane itself. But don't just pull the cord to try to start the engine, there are a few steps that you will need to go through first. In this video you will get a full walkthrough of how to prep the plane and then how to actually start a small gas powered RC motor.

How To: Waterproof a remote control car to keep it safe

It's always handy to waterproof your RC car because your toy car is going to tread in a lot of dirty - and sometimes wet - ground. This means that any electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and fizzing out.

How To: Water proof the receiver for your remote control car

It's always handy to waterproof your RC kit because your toy car is going to tread in a lot of dirty - and sometimes wet - ground. This means that any electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and fizzing out.

How To: Clean an RC Nitro Truck or car

In this video, we learn how to clean an RC Nitro Truck or car. First, remove the wheels from the truck, then take an old toothbrush and brush the dirt and dust off. Don't force the brush into small places, just thoroughly brush all the dirty and clogged spots like your filter. Continue to brush the entire truck and make sure nothing goes into the carburetor. Now, take a damp cloth and use it to wipe the dirt off of the vehicle, giving it a good cleaning. Wash the wheels after this, then dry t...

How To: Replace the clutch shoes in RC Nitro Trucks or cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the clutch shoes in RC Nitro Trucks or cars. First, stick a screwdriver through the back of the clutch and remove the bolt from the back. Now, you will see the clutch and a spring that is on the side of it. Take this out, then you will be able to replace the clutch shoes that are underneath it. After you have replaced the clutch shoes, put the spring back on. After this, replace the bolt and then screw back in any lose screws that you took out. After ...

How To: Tune a RC nitro Engine

In this video, we learn how to tune an RC nitro engine. First, you will need to adjust your needles. Make sure you know which way to go as you are adjusting them. After this, you need to find your high speed needle and find where you will hook up your fuel line. Lean the motor by turning a screwdriver into the barrel. This will screw your needle in and make the engine restricted to fuel flow. Now you will want to test out your engine to see how much lean you are getting. Make sure it's oiled ...

How To: Remove and perform maintenance on Nitro brakes

In this video, we learn how to remove and perform maintenance on Nitro brakes. First, you will need to make sure you have the correct size of screwdrivers before you begin. Now, you will proceed to remove the brakes from the transmission. Make sure to handle these with care and take your time. Set all the parts that you remove aside and in order so you don't forget where they are and where they go. After this, align your brakes so they work correctly, then start to replace all the parts that ...

How To: Adjust and align the brakes on a Nitro RC car

In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust and align the brakes on a Nitro RC car. It's very important to adjust and align your brakes so your RC car stays in top shape and doesn't get ruined while you are using it. Take the caliper out and see what the strength of it is, if it needs to be tightened, tighten it on both sides. Make sure everything is hooked up to a radio, then look to see if everything is reacting in correct order. When you pull the throttle back, everything should be moving in ...

How To: Apply stripes and lines to RV cars

In this video, we learn how to apply stripes and add lines to RV cars. You can do curved lines or straight lines, depending on the look you want. For straight lines, you will take tape and mark from the hood to where you want the tape to end. Use different sizes to create the look you want to achieve. To get the lines straight, place the tape on a straight surface as a guide with the clear top that goes over the vehicle. Once you do this, you can paint around this to form opposite colors. The...

How To: Fly a BAE Hawk RC airplane

In this video, we learn how to fly a BAE Hawk RC airplane. Remember that this is an electric jet so the acceleration is not very quit compared to other airplanes. Treat this as a jet that needs a place to run to get speed before they can take off. Set up the airplane with a battery and make sure the wheels and everything else are in working order. Then, use your controller to make sure everything is set on the plane. You don't want anything to be reversed for when you are flying. When finishe...

How To: Repair or swap out the servo wires in your RC car

If the servo wires in your RC car are broken or need to be a different size for the setup you're working with, this video will help you out. It will show you how to repair damaged servo wires or, if you aren't happy with the size, swap them out for longer or shorter wires.

How To: Make a bottle boat with an optional radio control feature

Do you remember making the paper hat boats when you were a kid? Want to feel like a kid again? Or just looking for something to do with those old 2 liter bottles? Make a bottle boat! And heck, why not throw on a radio control feature while you're at it! Your childhood wasn't this cool! This video will show you all of the steps that you need to take to get your deadly vessel together and how to assemble the radio control feature as well!

How To: Paint carbon fiber material the easy way

If you're a fan of remote control vehicles or plan on taking up the hobby, you'll need to know some tricks and tips. From putting together the tires for your vehicle to properly painting certain parts of the car.

How To: Install an RC airplane engine

If you feel like you're too stressed and need something to help you get away from it all, pick up a hobby. Maybe building and flying RC vehicles. This can be a great hobby to pick up on and not only will it help make you relax, but it can be a great way to have some fun in the process by flying planes. So check out the video above, good luck, and enjoy!

How To: Fly RC helicopters

In this video, we learn how to fly RC helicopters. The controls need to be moved very gently. The control on the left makes the helicopter move up and down when you push it up and down with your two fingers. When you swerve and move the controller it will move the helicopter as well. Move the sticks each way that you want the helicopter to go. Move the right stick to move the nose of the helicopter and make sure it's right in front of you at all time. Turns will be done with the left stick. P...

How To: Get a clear aerial video with a Sony DSC-P72

In this tutorial, we learn how to get a clean aerial video with Sony DSC-P72. First, you will want to get a large electric plane and mount the camera securely to the top of it. After this, remember to turn the camera on before you send the camera off. Now, control the plane and turn it into the sky. Make sure the video settings are on, then watch the plane go up in the sky and move it around to different spots up in the air. Move it to places you want to see that you can't while down on the g...

How To: Install a ProLine Slash Protrac for a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle

If you own a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle and plan on installing a ProLine Slash Protrac, then this tutorial is what you need. In both videos, you'll find out the necessary steps that are needed to help install whatever it is you need on your RC vehicle. The tools you'll need include, the installation piece, some drivers, flat tip screw drivers, and more. It's easy to follow and really helpful, so good luck and enjoy!

How To: Clean the transmission on a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash

If you own a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash RC vehicle, then this next tutorial may be for you. In the tutorial, you'll be finding out how to clean the transmission to your machine. Just like a car, keeping your RC vehicle in tip top shape is important for ensuring that your machine will last for a very long time. So if you need help with cleaning out your transmission, check out the tutorial above and good luck!

How To: Properly balance your RC's wheels

In this next video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to properly balance the wheels on your RC. Balancing them is important, just like a regular car, in making sure they work properly, don't wear out so soon, and will perform much better. It's not difficult to do and requires a few items that you will need. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a new engine in an RC Nitro Truck. First, fix the engine fly wheel and then fix the clutch shoes. After this, fix the drive gear by making sure the bearings are fit into place. Next, put the drive gear on, then make sure there isn't any friction. Now fix the lock, then fix the clutch shoe spring. Make sure the spring is locked and fit into place. After this, tighten the screw to lock the drive gear, then you are ready to use this engine. Place it into...

How To: Repair a crashed 3D helicopter

In this video, we learned how to repair a crashed 3D helicopter. If you have a crashed helicopter that isn't flying or is flying off center, repair it. You will have to have some knowledge of how to repair helicopters, and know which part is broken. Repair the parts that are broken and when you are done you will need to replace all the parts that you previously removed. After you are done with this, you will be able to turn the helicopter back on and test its flying abilities. If the helicopt...

How To: Replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter

In this video, we learn how to replace the main gear on a Honey Bee King 3 helicopter. First, take the main blades off with a 2.5mm wrench. Remove the connectors, then remove the nut from the bottom gears and set it aside. Take out the gear and replace it with a new one. Screw it back into place, then make sure it's tightened. After this, you can place the blades back onto the helicopters and screw them into place. It will be hard to place some of the nuts back on, since they are located in s...

How To: Apply decals to RV cars

In this tutorial, we learn how to apply decals to RV cars. First, peel your decal from the paper they come on and then place it onto the RV car where it is smooth and there are no ripples on the vehicle. Make sure the entire decal can fit onto the spot where you want to place it. If you put it onto a bump, it won't seal and there will be blur with the lines. Once you apply the decal, push on without letting any air through, dragging the paper along the artwork. To make it more flat, take a cr...

How To: Remove anodize from aluminum and polish it

This next tutorial can be a bit dangerous and requires that you take full precaution when performing this. With that out of the way, in this video, you'll be finding out how to remove the anodize from aluminum and then polish it for a nice clean, sparkling look. It's pretty easy to follow and can lead to a nice look for your RC vehicle, so check out what you need to do and good luck!