Electric RC car motors and parts
Electric rc car motors don't provide the raw power that nitro ones do, but are much quieter and cleaner.
Also, they don't need anything to start them, you just flick the switch and go.
There are basically two types of electric motor for rc cars and trucks; stock and modified.
A stock motor is one that cannot be changed in any way; it comes from the factory and must be used as it is. The chances are, if you buy a lower budget electric rc car or truck then the motor it comes with will be a stock motor.
A modified electric rc car motor is generally more powerful and should only be used with a separate electronic speed controller. Adjustable timing and ball-bearing races are typical features of modified motors.
The newest kind of electric motor that has been developed especially for rc cars and trucks (as well as planes and boats) is the brushless motor. These offer huge amounts of power, sometimes up to 300% more than a normal brushed motor (the 'brushes' are an essential component of traditional electric motors and need replacing now and again as they wear out).
These brushless motors are more expensive, but as with everything radio control the prices will come down with time as they become more widely developed.
RC car drivers who are seriously into competing will probably be using brushless motors, but for the beginner the previously mentioned stock and modified electric motors are the ones to stick with for the time being.
Speed controls
A speed control is the device that determines how much current goes into the motor from the battery pack, and is controlled by the throttle stick or trigger on the transmitter.
There are basically two kinds of speed control; electronic and mechanical. Mechanical ones require a servo and linkage to operate and are more prone to experiencing problems, whereas electronic ones are much more direct and offer smoother control of the motor.
Most lower budget rc cars and trucks come with a mechanical speed control; upgrading to an electronic one would be a sensible thing to do. It's a very good idea to get one that has 'reverse' feature.
Battery packs
All electric rc car motors require a rechargeable battery pack to operate.
Typically these are made up of 6 or 7 Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) cells that are tightly wrapped in a strong plastic film.
The normal battery pack is 7.2 volts, but other voltages can also be used but it's imperative that you use a battery pack that is compatible with the size of motor, or you'll end up burning something out.
If in doubt, always check in the instruction manual or ask someone at the place where you're buying from to make sure that the battery pack that you're purchasing will be ok for your particular model.
A standard battery pack takes around 20 minutes to charge on a fast charger, so it's always a good idea to carry a couple of extra packs with you - this way you can always be driving your car while one pack is charging.
Click here to read about battery chargers.
Browse a selection of electric motors for rc cars and trucks at RC Discounts.
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