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Common Terms Explained
for RC Cars Part 1
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Commutator is also known as 'com' for short. It is the part of the rotor
(the part inside which turns) which has three copper contact for the
brushes to run on. Keep clean and skim regularly for optimal efficiency
and motor life. Brushes are the two copper contacts that supply power
to the commutator of the motor. These should be replaced regularly
for optimal efficiency and motor life. When a motor has been used several
times, the commutator can become deformed, thereby reducing the motor's
efficiency. Skimming refers to placing the motor's rotor on a small
lathe and turning-down the commutator so that the surface is smooth
and round again.
When two or more drivers in a race are using the same frequency, causing
interference to one, or both of the drivers it is known as Frequency
Clash. All radio-controlled equipment uses crystals to set the frequency
which they operate on. Crystals resonate at a set frequency when an
electric current is passed through them. They are very delicate and
should be stored and handled with great care. Crystals come in pairs,
one for the transmitter which is marked 'TX', and one for the receivers
which is marked 'RX'. Make sure you use the correct crystals, it DOES
make a difference.
A car dives when it is under heavy breaking. This is because of the
momentum the car has built-up is being resisted by the breaking force
of the motor. The front slings store some of that energy by compressing,
this making the front of the car drop. Dive is the opposite of squat.
When heavy acceleration is applied to the car at relatively low speed,
the forward force exerted by the motor is resisted by the inertia of
the car. The rear springs store some of this energy (temporarily) by
compressing, thus making the rear of the car drop. This is known as
Squat.
Dampers absorb the excess energy stored by the strings when the car
goes over a bump. Without dampers the car would bounce up and down
uncontrollably. But when you car has just has so much grip that the
body roll is just too great, causing the car to completely roll over
onto its side it is known as the Grip Roll.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) is the electronic box that takes the
throttle/brake signal from the receiver and feeds the appropriate amount
of power to the motor. But when your car makes a sudden twitch causing
you to lose control, it is known as the Glitch. This is usually due
to some sort of electrical interference. Transponder is a small electronic
device which when fitted to your car, registers that you have completed
a lap every time you go past the start/finish line. This is how your
race result is recorded, so don't forget to fit it or you won't register
any laps!
Trim is the setting on your transmitter which determines whether or
not the car runs in a straight line when the steering is in its neutral
position. When making a turn the car fails to turn enough, instead preferring
to go straight. This is called under steer. On the other hand if while
making a turn the car turns to much, making the rear-end slide it is
known as the Oversteer.
Rostrum is a raised platform for drivers to stand on whilst racing,
so they can get an elevated view of the track. TQ or the Top Qualifier
is the man with the fastest qualifying time overall. BRCA stands for
British radio car association. It is the governing body of the sport.
Inserts are foam or rubber rings placed between the tire and the rim
to help the tire keep its shape. Apex is the exact mid-point of any
given corner. This is the point where you should be closest to the
inside of the corner. Kick-up is the angle of the front wishbones to
the ground.
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