About Radio Control vs. Remote Control

Radio controlled, or R/C, vehicles are controlled with a handheld transmitter that is not attached to the vehicle. This differs from Remote Control, which are vehicles controlled remotely--typically through a hardwire configuration to the vehicle. Radio Control vehicles communicates with the vehicle through radio frequencies and handheld transmitters. R/C vehicles therefore have much greater range and flexibility than remote control devices. Unless otherwise noted, all products offered by the Remote Control Toy Store are Radio Control (R/C).

Because the term 'remote control' has become so popularized and associated with what is actually 'radio control', you may see references to Remote Control vehicles on our site. In actuality, this is done to cater to modern preference--all our vehicles are Radio Controlled unless specifically listed as being a corded-remote control.

Frequencies

Just as a radio station broadcasts on a specific radio frequency that you can tune into, an R/C transmitter sends radio frequency signals that tell its vehicle how to perform. The signals are sent to the vehicles receiver on one of two frequencies in the US, , 27MHz and 49MHz (megahertz), that the government has designated for use in R/C toys. (All kinds of things communicate through radio frequencies, so different items are assigned different frequencies to avoid interference in the communication). In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, the two vehicles must operate on different frequencies. Most items are sold on one or the other frequency. In most cases, the same vehicle or one of the same size and with the same features is also available for purchase in the other frequency. It is not typically possible to change the frequency of an item unless it comes equipped with a removable frequency band crystal. If you are purchasing a NIKKO product, some of their larger items have a removable frequency band crystal that can be changed to allow the vehicle to operate on up to six different bands within the 27MHz frequency. This allows for competitive racing of up to six different vehicles. NIKKO is the only toy manufacturer that produces R/C vehicles for the mass market with this capability.).

Range

The range is the area in which the R/C vehicle can receive the radio frequency signals from the vehicle's transmitter. The range can be anywhere from 30 to over 180 feet and varies from vehicle to vehicle - see the back of the gift box or the instruction manual for specific information. The range can be affected by weak transmitter batteries or interference from other items that emit radio frequency signals such as another R/C item on the same frequency, CB radios, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc. For best results, hold the transmitter so that the antenna is directed straight up, rather than toward the vehicle, and operate the vehicle away from any interference.

Scale

The scale indicates the size of the R/C vehicle in comparison to an actual vehicle of that type. The scale is determined by the length of the chassis. So, a vehicle that is 1/24 scale has a chassis that is 1/24 the size of an actual vehicle of that type. The smaller the fraction, the smaller the item. NIKKO's smallest vehicles are 1/32 scale, and the largest are 1/10th scale. NIKKO also carries a few extra-large 1/8th scale or 1/6th scale vehicles.

Battery Requirements

Items have different battery requirements based on their size, features and performance. While some of the smaller vehicles require AA batteries, most vehicles require one of four rechargeable Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium) battery packs 4.8V (blue), 6.0V (black cassette or clip type), 9.6V (red) or 7.2V (yellow). Many consumers are unsure about whether or not they need to purchase batteries separately. Following are some general guidelines:

•AA batteries always need to be purchased separately. •6.0V and 9.6V items may or may not include batteries – Verify with your purchase •Most 7.2V items do not include batteries - battery packs with chargers and transmitter batteries must be purchased separately. •Battery packs are available for separate purchase with and without their chargers. Even if your R/C purchase comes with batteries, it's a good idea to have extra battery packs on hand to increase playing time. • Transmitters require either one 9V battery or six AA batteries. If a vehicle includes battery pack and charger, the transmitter batteries are usually included as well. If not, the batteries must be purchased separately.

Battery Charging

All battery packs must be charged before use. Four-hour battery chargers are included with all items that are sold with battery packs and are also sold separately with battery packs. For best performance, use up all the battery packs power before recharging. Battery pack and charger safety tips:

•Read instructions before using battery pack and charger. •Do not overcharge the battery pack. •Do not charge a damaged battery pack (rusted, torn, dented, with loose wires exposed, etc.) •Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging. •Use the battery charger indoors only. •Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle - use care when handling. •Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging.

Battery Life

Battery packs may be charged hundreds of times. If the battery is continually overcharged (more than four hours), or if the battery is recharged before power is completely drained, the battery life may be shortened.

Run Time

Run time will vary according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Average run times are as follows:

•4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes •6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes •9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes •7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes

Boats

NIKKO offers the largest and most unique selection of R/C boats available, including the Sea Wolf Submarine and the Mariner Sailboat. Following are some special selling features, specifications and safety tips that are specific to NIKKO's boats and to R/C boats in general:

•NIKKO's R/C Sea Wolf Submarine dives and surfaces like a real sub, and has digital proportional steering. Alkaline batteries for the sub must be purchased separately (six C and 10 AA). •NIKKO's R/C Mariner Sailboat actually depends on the wind for speed. The 4.8V battery pack, which is included, powers only the steering rudder and provides an extremely long running time. •The range of R/C boats is generally greater than that of R/C land vehicles. It is best, however, to operate your boat with 100 feet of your transmitter to avoid having to retrieve it from the water. •R/C boats should only be operated in pools or fresh water ponds or lakes. Never operate in salt water - salt will cause the motor and other parts to corrode. •After use, allow any water to drain out of the boat by storing it upside down.

General Safety Tips

•Read owners manual before charging battery pack and before operating vehicle. •Do not overcharge the battery pack. •Do not charge a damaged battery pack. •Do not cover the battery pack with any sort of material while charging. •Use the battery charger indoors only. •Battery pack will be warm after charging, and hot after use in a vehicle -use care when handling. •Wait until battery pack cools before installing in vehicle and before charging. •Do not mix rechargeable batteries with alkaline batteries; do not mix old batteries with new batteries. •Do not get vehicle wet or run vehicle in water. •Always turn transmitter OFF before handling the vehicle. •Do not use vehicles on the same frequency at the same time. •Do not try to upgrade a vehicles circuit board or motor - this will cause the circuit board to burn out. •Take note of the age-grading given on the gift box. Children under 8 should have parental supervision while operating R/C toys.

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Vehicle does not respond, or responds erratically, to transmitter commands. Likely causes:

Weak transmitter batteries, weak or uncharged vehicle batteries, low-quality battery packs and/or alkaline batteries. Incorrect battery installation. Vehicle is beyond range of transmitter. Radio frequency interference from R/C vehicle on same frequency, CB radio, microwave transmitters, cordless phones, high voltage transformers, etc.

Solutions: Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries. Ensure that alkaline batteries are installed correctly and make good connection with battery terminals. Ensure that battery packs are plugged in to vehicle. Make sure transmitter antenna is fully extended. Walk toward vehicle with the transmitter to come within range (anywhere from 30 - 100 feet). Turn off transmitter of vehicle on same frequency; move to location with less interference. Problem: Extremely short run time. Likely causes:

Vehicle and or transmitter have been left on when not in use Weak or old batteries. Battery pack has not been properly charged.

Solutions:

Turn transmitter and vehicle OFF when not in use. Use high quality, fresh alkaline batteries. Charge or recharge battery pack (after fully discharging). Change alkaline batteries. Ensure battery pack is always completely drained of power before recharging. Avoid overcharging battery pack. Replace battery pack.

MORE FAQ: Q: What sets Nikko R/C items apart from other R/C toys? A: NIKKO is the largest manufacturer of R/C items in the world. NIKKO manufactures only R/C toys and produces the highest quality R/C products in the world. Because NIKKO owns its factories, quality control can be carefully monitored. NIKKO is one of the few R/C manufacturers in the world to offer customer service to consumers. Q: How long should I charge my battery? A: The NIKKO chargers sold in stores are four-hour chargers. Battery packs should be charged only four hours with these chargers. For more information on chargers with different charging times, contact NIKKO Customer Service at 1-800-776-4556. Q: How long is the play time? A: Run time will vary according to the type and age of the battery pack, the size of the vehicle, the performance level of the vehicle, and the playing conditions. The larger the vehicle, the shorter the run time. Average run times are as follows:

•4.8V vehicles: 30 to 45 minutes •6.0V vehicles: 20 to 25 minutes •9.6V vehicles: 15 to 20 minutes •7.2V vehicles: 10 to 15 minutes

Q: How can two vehicles be used at one time? A: In order for two R/C vehicles to be operated at one time and in the same area, the two vehicles must operate on different frequencies. Each NIKKO item is sold on one or the other frequency - check the front of the gift box for a sticker that says 27MHz or 49MHz. It is not possible to change the frequency of an item unless it is one of NIKKO's bigger items that has a removable frequency band crystal. Some of NIKKO's 1/12 scale items and most of the 1/10 scale items have a removable frequency band crystal that can be changed to allow the vehicle to operate on up to six different bands within the 27MHz frequency. This allows for competitive racing of up to six different vehicles. (See section above on Frequencies.)

Q: What is the range of the vehicle? A: Approximately 30 to over 100 feet, depending on the vehicle and possible radio frequency interference.

Q: Can the vehicle motors be upgraded? A: No. If a more powerful motor is installed in a vehicle, the circuit board will most likely short out.