Information Articles

Helpful information on RC airplanes, RC blimps, RC helicopters, and RC hobby parts like brushless motors and ESCs, Lithium Polymer batteries, cell balancers and chargers.


Electric RC Airplane Types

Electric RC planes are available in different types, and each has it’s own advantages. RCToys.com has many planes to choose from, and they can be grouped into these categories.

Beginner RC Airplanes:

Beginner rc airplanes are fun and interesting to fly. They are a great way for kids to lean how to fly in a safe and inexpensive environment. These rc airplanes are generally constructed out of plastic or crash resistant foam, and have integrated internal electronic parts. These features make them ready to fly out of the box, without needing to buy or install anything separately. They are available in two or three channel varieties, and are most often RTF (ready to fly). RC airplanes of this type can provide many hours of fun flying, and replacement parts are available for most models.

The Vortex is a good example of a typical two channel rc airplane.

Vortex RC Airplane

The Vortex has both throttle and rudder control, allowing it to move freely in three dimensions, without the pilot having to worry about elevator controls. This can reduce the learning curve, and prevent crashes. When you increase the throttle more air moves over the wings, increasing lift and resulting in a climb. Decreasing the throttle allows the rc airplane to descend. When you want the rc airplane to turn, the rudder will change the direction the nose is pointing.

The Vortex Extreme is like the regular Vortex, but with an extra channel been added for elevator control.

Vortex Extreme RC Airplane

This is good for more advanced pilots because it allows the rc airplane’s pitch to be changed without using the throttle. When the elevator control surface on the tail moves, air is directed up or down resulting in the rc airplane changing pitch. When the elevator is used to change the pitch of the rc airplane different maneuvers are possible, such as loops and rolls.

Both of these models are easier to fly and less expensive than their more sophisticated counterparts.

These two rc aircraft use a pod and boom approach to fuselage design, resulting in a lightweight and durable model. The “pod” part is made of plastic and houses the electronics and engine, and also provides a mounting point for the wing. The boom is a carbon fiber rod with the rudder and horizontal stabilizer mounted at the end.

These rc models are an excellent choice for the beginner, as they are both relatively inexpensive and easy to fly and repair. Replacement parts for both are easily available. These rc airplanes are ready to fly right out of the box, and offer an excellent starting place for the someone new to rc airplanes.

Advanced RC Airplanes:

The beginner rc airplanes mentioned previously are fine for the casual flier, but eventually you will want a more advanced model. There are many different hobby class models available, and they all have several common qualities. The electric components that they use are most often standard, and replaceable as discrete modules. This increases the lifespan of the model, and the components can be reused in future rc airplanes. Most have at least three channels used, with extras being available for expansion.

These airplanes can come in RTF (Ready To Fly) form, or ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) form. ARF airplanes require some gluing and minor assembly.

The MiniMag is an excellent example of a serious RC airplane, with three fully proportional channels, and a tough foam airframe. Ailerons are included in the wing, making it expandable to four channel control (the receiver supports this).

MiniMag RC Airplane

The SX3 is another full fledged rc airplane, available with a lithium battery, brushless motor, and four channel receiver with three servos. This aircraft is capable of highly aerobatic flight, and is a good choice for a more experienced flier.

SX3 RC Airplane

RC planes come in various sizes, but if this is your first model, try to get the largest one possible, it will be more stable.

If you are looking for an rc airplane, our website has many to choose from, and helpful articles.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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Electric RC Aircraft Power Systems - Most Freqently Asked Questions

There are several common questions that are regularly asked regarding the operation and maintenance of electric RC systems. This article lists the most common questions and their answers.

Which Lithium Polymer Batteries Should Be Balanced?

Answer: Any Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery with more than two cells should be balanced. A LiPo battery is composed of individual cells, and each cell can charge and discharge at different rates. Eventually, the difference will increase until it can harm the entire pack. When charging the pack, a balancer will set all the cells to the same voltage. By not having certain cells charged and discharged beyond their limits, the life of the entire LiPo pack is increased.

What Does the KV Number Mean?

Answer: The KV number on a brushless electric motor shows what speed it will rotate at per volt of input. This will allow you to determine the unloaded speed you can expect from the motor at different battery levels. This number is measured under the assumption that there is no resistance keeping the motor from turning. In reality, when using a motor you would have a load attached, for example a propeller. This load will cause the motor to slow down. The KV rating will not show exactly what the performance of a motor is when a propeller attached, but it will give you an approximation. A higher KV rating is given to faster motors, and a lower one to slower motors.

What’s a BEC?

Answer: A BEC (battery eliminator circuit) eliminates the need for a separate battery to power the radio system. It does this by drawing power directly from the flight battery, and uses this to power the radio. A BEC can also act as a backup system, continuing to draw the last bit of power from the flight battery for the receiver and servos to use even after their is not enough to power the main motor. This will enable the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft even after the engine stops. Most of the time these devices are part of the electronic speed controller, but they are also available as a separate unit.

What Size ESC Do I need?

Answer: There are two factors to consider when choosing an ESC, the voltage and the amperage. The rated voltage and amperage should always be above the maximums that will be used in the aircraft. Select an ESC that is rated for the same or more cells than you plan to use, and with a current rating at least as high as what your motor is rated for.

What’s the C Rating On a battery?

Answer: The C rating on a battery relates to the maximum current that can be drawn from that battery. A 15C battery can have current drawn from it at up to 15 times the rate that would discharge it in one hour. A 1320mAh (milliamp hour) battery would be discharged in one hour if you were to draw 1320mA from it for one hour), and would be discharged in 1/15th of an hour if you were to draw 15 x 1320mA (19800mA or 19.8 Amps) from it. There are three types of C ratings. Continuous is the amount of current that can be drawn constantly until the battery is depleted. Sustained shows the amount of current that can be drawn for a short period of time. Burst is the amount of current that can be drawn only for an instant. Most lithium batteries will have all three of these ratings printed on them.

Should I use a Watt Meter?

Answer: Yes, the watt meter will show how much electricity your plane is using. You will need a watt meter to determine if your aircraft is exceeding it rated limits.

What Size Prop Should I Use?

Answer: The best size propeller to use is the one the manufacturer of your engine recommends. It is possible to experiment with different propeller sizes, but use a watt meter to determine if your aircraft is exceeding the limits of its electric system. The motor specification sheet will show the voltage, amperage, and RPM of the motor with different propellers.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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How to Charge a 2 or 3 Cell Thunder Power RC Lithium Polymer Battery With a Venom Balance Charger

Venom LiPo Battery Balance Charger 2 Cell - 3 Cell with Power SupplyThe Venom LiPo Balance Charger 2-Cell/3-Cell VEN-0653 is a handy little charger for your 2 and 3 cell lithium polymer batteries and at under $30 this little Venom LiPo charger has great value. The Venom balance charger has integrated balance connectors to charge your LiPo battery packs directly through the balance tabs. This means for use with Thunder Power LiPoly batteries you need to have a balance adapter cable to be compatible with the Venom 2s3s balance charger ports. Other brands of LiPo batteries may plug directly into the Venom balance ports with no cable needed.

Charge a Thunder Power LiPo with a Venom VEN-0653 Balance Charger

Thunder Power RC lithium polymer batteries use a different type of balance connector than the type on the Venom charger. But don’t worry, we have a special adapter cable to attach your Thunder Power 2 and 3 cell Li Polymers to the Venom 2s3s balance charger. This Thunder Power Charging Cable for Venom Balance Charger plugs directly into the 3 cell balance port. Thunder Power 3 and 2 cell batteries are compatible with this one adapter. Don’t worry about charging a 2 Cell TP pack using the adapter connected to the 3 cell balance tab on the Venom charger because the two tabs on the Venom charger go to the same internal connections within the charger.

How to connect your Thunder Power LiPo to the Venom VEN-0653 Balance Charger

  1. Charging Cable for Balance Charger to 3 Cell BatteryPower up your Venom Balance Charger by connecting the included power adapter.
  2. Plug the male end of the Thunder Power to Venom Balance Cable adapter into the 3 cell balance port on the Venom Charger.
  3. Make sure nothing is connected to the power/charge leads on your Thunder Power battery.
  4. LipoSack Fire Retarding Lithium Polymer Battery Charging & Storage Safety BagPlace the battery on a fire resistant surface like a pail of sand or in a LipoSack.
  5. Plug the balance tab on your 2 or 3 cell Thunder Power RC lithium polymer battery to the female end of the balance charger adapter cable.
  6. The Venom Balance Charger will automatically start charging and balancing each cell of your Thunder Power Lithium Battery though the balance tab - not the charge/power leads on the battery.
  7. The charge light on the Venom charger will blink while charging and turn on steady when the battery is fully charged.
  8. A complete charge will require between 1.5 to 2 hours for a 3s1320 LiPo.

Draganfly Innovations Inc. sells the Venom 2-Cell/3-Cell Balance Charger, the Thunder Power balance charging cable adapter for the Venom Charger, LipoSack charging safety bag, as well as the complete line of Thunder Power RC lithium polymer batteries. Remember, you get FREE shipping on all Thunder Power products!

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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The New Version 2 of the Thunder Power RC TP1010C USB Programmer PGM-V2 is Now Here

Thunder Power PGM-V2 Programming Cable for TP1010C ChargerThe new Thunder Power RC 1010C USB Programming Cable PGM-V2 is now here at RCToys.com!

The Thunder Power PGM-V2 cable is required if you want to update the firmware on your TP1010C battery charger. Updating the firmware on your TP-1010C charger allows this charger to charge/discharge not only lithium polymer batteries but now also NiCd, NiMH, Pb, and Lithium ion A123’s.

Read this related article all the new features your TP 1010C charger will acquire after updating it’s firmware to Version 2.3a. Thunder Power 1010C Charger with Version 2.3a Software Quick Reference and Setup Guide

The software used with the Thunder Power RC 1010C USB programming cable PGMV2 is a free download from the Thunder Power RC web site. www.thunderpowerrc.com/html/download.htm

Basic upgrading information for upgrading the firmware on your TP1010C charger using this Thunder Power PGMV2 USB programming cable:

  1. Install the PL2303 USB driver file into your Windows operating PC. Download the driver from the Thunder Power RC Web site
  2. Next, there are 2 ways to connect a power supply to your 1010C
    1. Connect your TP1010C charger input wires to a 12V power supply with the supplied 10 Ohm, 5 W resister in series, or
    2. Connect your TP1010C charger input wires to a standard 9V battery (sold separately)
  3. Connect the 6 pin connector into your 1010C charger and the other end into the PGM-V2 programmer
  4. Connect the USB cable into the PGM-V2 programmer and the other end into a USB port on your Windows PC
  5. Now your TP1010C charger is powered up, connected to the PGM-V2 and the PGM-V2 is connected to your PC
  6. Open the PGMV2 TP1010CVxx.exe software on your PC (download the latest program from Thunder Power’s Web site.
  7. Click the Upgrade button in the software.

The firmware on your TP1010C charger will now be updated to the latest version.

Where to buy:
Order the Thunder Power PGMV2 USB programming cable for TP1010C chargers online or by phone at Draganfly Innovations www.RCToys.com. Remember, we have FREE shipping on all Thunder Power RC products.

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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How to Begin, Win and Restart Air Combat Battles Using Your Mini Heli Laser Battling RC Helicopters

How to Combat With The Mini Heli Laser Battle Helicopters

  1. Follow the startup procedure to pair each heli with its remote/transmitter
  2. Grab a friend and the fly both mini heli laser battle helis. Fly indoors only.
  3. When one of the helis is facing the other, press the fire button located on the top right of the infrared remote controller.
  4. If the hit is a success your opponent will briefly lose power.
  5. Continue flying, aiming and firing your laser at your opponent.
  6. Once your opponent has received their 3rd hit their helicopter will lose all power.
  7. Game over.

How To Restart The Losing Helicopter

  1. To fly the losing heli again you need to turn it OFF.
  2. Land the winning heli and don’t move the sticks on it’s remote control for at least 5 seconds.
  3. Turn the losing heli back ON.
  4. Move the left stick on the losing heli’s remote to spin the propellers and pair the remote.
  5. You can now fly both helicopters again.

To Start A New Game & Reset the Score

  1. To restart the game and reset the score you need to turn both helicopters OFF.
  2. Follow the startup procedure again to pair each heli to each transmitter.
  3. Start a new battle!

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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How to Pair Each Mini Heli Laser Battle So They Fly Independently - Important Startup Procedure

You must pair each helicopter to its remote control each time you turn it on.

Each Mini Heli Laser Battle Helicopter can actually run on any one of the 3 channels and be controlled by either one of the two transmitters (black infrared remote controllers). Each time you turn the helicopter ON it automatically locks itself to whatever transmitter it first receives a signal from. Each time you turn the helicopter off it resets itself and looses this assignment.

Please follow these instructions each time you want to turn the helicopter on.

  1. Make sure both remotes and both helicopters are turned OFF.
  2. Pick a remote, set it to “Channel A” and turn it on.
  3. Pick a helicopter and turn it on.
  4. Push up on the left stick on the remote to make the rotors spin a bit.
  5. Now this helicopter is paired with this remote and ready to fly on Channel A. Now do not touch the controls on this remote until after step 10.
  6. Wait at least 5 seconds.
  7. Take the second remote, set it to “Channel C” and turn it on.
  8. Get the other helicopter and turn it on.
  9. Push up on the left stick on the remote to make the rotors on this helicopter spin a bit.
  10. Now this second helicopter is ready to fly on Channel C.
  11. Start your super battleplanes!

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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It’s Now Twice As Fast To Search At www.RCToys.com

We have created a new real-time product search for our Web site inspired by the new search at Apple.com.

Simply start typing in your search keyword into the top Search bar and within seconds the search results will be displayed directly on the page. Add or remove keywords and see the results change in real time. The search results are for any product we sell. Of course, clicking the Search button or typing the Enter key on your keyboard will still take you to a new page with all your search results.

Try it now See the results change in real time!!

  1. Click in the top search bar
  2. Type RC helicopter
  3. Don’t click the Search button yet. Watch! The results will be displayed right there!
  4. Type charger

We’re always trying to improve our Web site so you can have the best online shopping experience possible. Now you can find what you need in 1/2 the time!

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© Draganfly Innovations Inc.
Phone: 1-800-979-9794 / 306-955-9907
Email: info@rctoys.com
Web: www.rctoys.com
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