Now that the wet season is approaching, or is already here, depending on where you live, it’s a good time to talk about how to store your RC car the right way. As you know, radio control cars do not perform at their highest level when it’s raining, or when it’s recently rained, and can even be ruined in such conditions. So, it’s time to hang ‘em up – metaphorically speaking – for a few months. However, even improper storage can be detrimental to an RC car, with dust, rust, and other tiny culprits that might damage it over time. Read on to find out how to store your RC car safely.
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Monday, October 20, 2014
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
How to Choose & Install a Servo for an RC Car or Truck
The servos installed on your R/C vehicle are important to consider when thinking about ways to give you an edge when racing. Like the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for," and this applies to servos just like it does to most things. Most R/C cars and trucks have two servos: one for controlling speed and one for controlling the direction in which the front wheels are turning. Since speed and turning capability are the two main functions of your R/C vehicle, it pays to know a little bit about how to answer the question, "How does a servo motor work?" We'll try to explain.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Product Spotlight: Team Associated RC 12R5.2 Factory Team Kit
If you thought it was impossible to improve on what already seemed like perfection, take a look at this Team Associated RC 12R5.2 Factory Team Kit. After more than three decades of racing history, Team Associated has learned that it's the small details that allow for continued improvement to their racing designs. This latest factory kit is a great example. While racing their previous 1:12 scale incarnation, the RC 12R5.1, and adding what was learned as well as some tweaks utilizing the newest racing technologies, Associated has come up with a car that's even faster, more precise and a consistent winning contender.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Choosing Tires for your RC Racing Vehicle
One of the most important components of any racing vehicle is the tires. They say never to skimp on things that come between you and the ground – mattresses, shoes and tires. Watch any professional race and you’ll be able to observe how the tires are a critical part of the car’s performance – from the slick tires which provide maximum traction and ultimate speed to NASCAR and Formula 1 racers; to the rugged tires employed by dirt racing champs to conquer their terrain. When it comes to your RC racing vehicle, the right tires are the difference between first and last. Here’s a brief overview of choosing the right RC tires for your machine .
Understanding Tire Surfaces
There are hundreds of tire patterns out there to help with everything from wet track racing to clawing up gravel, but in general, tires are either smooth – having a relatively flat surface with lots of surface area hitting the ground – or ‘nubby’ – lots of points of protrusion which help it dig into the ground. The general idea is that the smoother tires are going to provide a greater contact patch, providing more traction and control, especially on hard packed smooth surfaces. The ‘nubby’ tires are going to allow you control on Loamy dirt and gravel and are not recommended for flat hard packed surfaces.
There are dozens of variations on each type of tire. For example, some smooth tires closely resemble the tires on your car – allowing them to control moisture and have control in wet environments – while other tires have very small blocks or studs on their surfaces. For knobby/nubby tires, there’s plenty of variation in the size of the nubs – some are minimized to promote better speed, while others have very thick nubs to promote digging into the dirt. There’s no right or wrong, just a matter of what environment you’re racing it.
Wheels and Inserts
RC tires don’t exist in a vacuum – the wheel and insert play a huge part in your racing performance. First is the wheel – available mostly in plastic based on your car or trucks dimensions and wheel offsets. It is recommended you stick with wheels made specifically for your vehicle to stay with in legal racing widths and size. Inserts are foam which is placed in between the tire and wheel – stiffer foam means a firmer ride, and softer foam is going to give you a softer more flexible ride. Think of it like putting air in you cars tires, racing teams are always looking for just the right tire pressure for the best performance, in general, you will want a firmer insert on smooth hard surfaces and a softer insert on rough terrain. No matter which you choose, keep in mind the size of the kit – most tires and wheels are either 1/8 or 1/10 scale, so make sure you choose the right size for your vehicle and select matching tires/wheels.
Tire Compounds
Tire compounds have become just as crucial as tread design for proper tire selection . Compounds range from hard to super soft and everything in between. Many tire manufactures list their compounds by color, name or both in designating the firmness. For Example, JConcepts list their GOLD compound as soft made for indoor clay tracks and Proline Racing’s M3 compound is rated as soft and marks their tires with a green dot and is recommended for outdoor tracks 70 degrees to 90 degrees. So the bottom line is, when selecting tires for racing, check the description of the compound if you’re not sure what it means, contact us, we are more than happy to help.
Ask Questions
So how do you determine the right tires for your RC car? Honestly, it’s trial and error. There are so many options available that it’s hard to pick just one – but a good idea is to engage your friends and community. Ask the guys who are winning races or a car that is similar to yours about what tires they work with. Use that as a baseline on where to start – maybe purchase those tires and wheels or similar models, and then some different tire types to play around with off of the track. After a few races, you’ll have more feedback and be able to narrow your selections before choosing the perfect tire for your needs.
No matter what your RC parts needs, LA Parts House delivers with free shipping on orders over $50 and same day shipping on orders placed before 2 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. Visit us today for RC racing tires, shocks, full kits and more!
Understanding Tire Surfaces
There are hundreds of tire patterns out there to help with everything from wet track racing to clawing up gravel, but in general, tires are either smooth – having a relatively flat surface with lots of surface area hitting the ground – or ‘nubby’ – lots of points of protrusion which help it dig into the ground. The general idea is that the smoother tires are going to provide a greater contact patch, providing more traction and control, especially on hard packed smooth surfaces. The ‘nubby’ tires are going to allow you control on Loamy dirt and gravel and are not recommended for flat hard packed surfaces.
There are dozens of variations on each type of tire. For example, some smooth tires closely resemble the tires on your car – allowing them to control moisture and have control in wet environments – while other tires have very small blocks or studs on their surfaces. For knobby/nubby tires, there’s plenty of variation in the size of the nubs – some are minimized to promote better speed, while others have very thick nubs to promote digging into the dirt. There’s no right or wrong, just a matter of what environment you’re racing it.
Wheels and Inserts
RC tires don’t exist in a vacuum – the wheel and insert play a huge part in your racing performance. First is the wheel – available mostly in plastic based on your car or trucks dimensions and wheel offsets. It is recommended you stick with wheels made specifically for your vehicle to stay with in legal racing widths and size. Inserts are foam which is placed in between the tire and wheel – stiffer foam means a firmer ride, and softer foam is going to give you a softer more flexible ride. Think of it like putting air in you cars tires, racing teams are always looking for just the right tire pressure for the best performance, in general, you will want a firmer insert on smooth hard surfaces and a softer insert on rough terrain. No matter which you choose, keep in mind the size of the kit – most tires and wheels are either 1/8 or 1/10 scale, so make sure you choose the right size for your vehicle and select matching tires/wheels.
Tire Compounds
Tire compounds have become just as crucial as tread design for proper tire selection . Compounds range from hard to super soft and everything in between. Many tire manufactures list their compounds by color, name or both in designating the firmness. For Example, JConcepts list their GOLD compound as soft made for indoor clay tracks and Proline Racing’s M3 compound is rated as soft and marks their tires with a green dot and is recommended for outdoor tracks 70 degrees to 90 degrees. So the bottom line is, when selecting tires for racing, check the description of the compound if you’re not sure what it means, contact us, we are more than happy to help.
Ask Questions
So how do you determine the right tires for your RC car? Honestly, it’s trial and error. There are so many options available that it’s hard to pick just one – but a good idea is to engage your friends and community. Ask the guys who are winning races or a car that is similar to yours about what tires they work with. Use that as a baseline on where to start – maybe purchase those tires and wheels or similar models, and then some different tire types to play around with off of the track. After a few races, you’ll have more feedback and be able to narrow your selections before choosing the perfect tire for your needs.
No matter what your RC parts needs, LA Parts House delivers with free shipping on orders over $50 and same day shipping on orders placed before 2 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. Visit us today for RC racing tires, shocks, full kits and more!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Kyosho Lazer ZX-6 Racing Buggy
Kyosho is one of our favorite brands at LA Parts House – always pushing the limits of what is capable, focusing their energy and knowledge into the specialty of off-road competition RC cars. Kyosho has once again raised the bar for fast, capable off-roading RC vehicles with the new Lazer ZX-6 Racing Buggy Kit
The ZX-6 takes all the great things about Kyosho’s Lazer series and takes them to another level by introducing new technology and design improvements. Most notable of these improvements is a new advanced steering system featuring updated geometry and an aluminum rack. A new cab forward body and high-flow wing creates more downforce and better control. A new sliding motor mount design lets you customize weight distribution.
Like all Kyosho RC kits, the Lazer ZX-6 meets the highest build quality standards – T6 hard coated aluminum chassis, big bore aluminum shocks, X-gear springs, heavy-duty ring gears, and much more. One-piece shock tower/camber link mounts and composite chassis brace make for durability and easy cleaning. Through and through, the Lazer ZX-6 is a well-built kit ready to dominate dirt tracks.
Like most chassis and base kits, you’ll need to add the motor, battery, tires, and ESC R/C system of your choosing, and all those factors play a huge part in performance. But as far as a base to build the machine of your dreams on, few kits deliver the same quality and ruggedness of the Kyosho Lazer ZX-6 4wD buggy.
Check out the new Lazer kit, browse other Kyosho kits, or find replacement parts at our Kyosho Parts House department today! With over 11,000 products in stock, LA Parts House is your source for everything you need for RC racing success. Call us today at 1-888-747-9911 to learn more!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Schuur Speed Extreme Brushless RC Race Motor V3
Along with the proper RC batteries, a lightweight frame and suspension system; the RC race motor is one of the most critical components when building your RC racing machine. The race motor is literally what drives the entire system – its turning motion is what drives the car. If you want to get the best performance on the track, you need the best motor possible which fully utilizes the power delivered from the batteries and delivers it to the wheels.
The new line of brushless electric race motors from Schuur Speed offer some of the best performance we’ve seen to date. The new motors, notated as the Extreme Spec V3 line, have been completely redesigned with the exception of the casing, can and screws – so it fits the same as former models and offers backwards compatibility. Every other part of this amazing RC race motor has been improved in the V3 – new stators, toros, sensors, and more with an improved design allowing for better airflow to maximize motor performance. The new venting system also decreases the motor’s weight, allowing your RC car to move faster and handle with ease.
Light and powerful, the Extreme SPEC motors are customizable through ESC’s to optimize power delivery to your needs. The timing is also adjustable, allowing you precise control over your car’s performance. Made with the latest technology including high quality ball bearing, high-toruq 12.5mm sintered neodymium rotor, and more; Schuur’s newest line of RC race motors conforms to EFRA, IFMAR, and ROAR standards: approved for almost all competition environments.
If you’re ready to take your racing experience to the next level, check out these Schuur motors and our full line of new RC parts at LA Parts House – offering parts for every brand including Team Losi, Kyosho, Traaxas and Team Associated – with same day shipping on orders before 2 p.m. PST, so you can get back on the track faster!
The new line of brushless electric race motors from Schuur Speed offer some of the best performance we’ve seen to date. The new motors, notated as the Extreme Spec V3 line, have been completely redesigned with the exception of the casing, can and screws – so it fits the same as former models and offers backwards compatibility. Every other part of this amazing RC race motor has been improved in the V3 – new stators, toros, sensors, and more with an improved design allowing for better airflow to maximize motor performance. The new venting system also decreases the motor’s weight, allowing your RC car to move faster and handle with ease.
Light and powerful, the Extreme SPEC motors are customizable through ESC’s to optimize power delivery to your needs. The timing is also adjustable, allowing you precise control over your car’s performance. Made with the latest technology including high quality ball bearing, high-toruq 12.5mm sintered neodymium rotor, and more; Schuur’s newest line of RC race motors conforms to EFRA, IFMAR, and ROAR standards: approved for almost all competition environments.
If you’re ready to take your racing experience to the next level, check out these Schuur motors and our full line of new RC parts at LA Parts House – offering parts for every brand including Team Losi, Kyosho, Traaxas and Team Associated – with same day shipping on orders before 2 p.m. PST, so you can get back on the track faster!
Monday, July 21, 2014
Choosing the Right RC Batteries
Choosing the right RC batteries is critical to your car’s performance – after all, the battery is what provides the power, and will determine the speed of your car in addition to how long you can race for. Along with determining whether you want a NiMH or LiPo battery, it's also important to find a battery that matches your vehicle's needs and can provide a steady charge for an extended period of time. Things like weight, capacity and discharge can all have an impact on the results of a race, and you'll want to strike a balance.
Nickel Metal Hydride Versus Lithium Polymer Batteries
Two of the most popular battery types used by RC racers are NiMH or LiPo. NiMH is a considerable upgrade from Ni-Cd, which was a previous standard for racing batteries, and NiMH batteries offer better performance as well as the ability to be used multiple times in a day without much if any deterioration in performance.
RC LiPo batteries are also very popular, and they represent some of the newest battery technology used in RC competitions. The advantage of LiPo batteries is that they are very lightweight and can offer substantial power and endurance, but they are very sensitive and require care to use. It is important to avoid over-charging and over-discharging to keep these batteries working properly.
There are a variety of manufacturers that produce NiMH and LiPo batteries, but it is a good idea to go with a well-known brand like Team Orion, Traxxas, Dynamite or Reedy Batteries from established brands tend to perform better over time and often come with a manufacturer's warranty.
Voltage, Capacity and Discharge
The main thing most people look at when selecting an RC competition battery is voltage. Voltage is directly related to an electric motor's power so the higher the voltage, the faster a motor will rotate and the faster your car will go. However, speed alone does not determine who wins races; in addition to the weight of a battery and its voltage, you should also factor in a battery's capacity and discharge.
Capacity is how much power a battery can hold, and it is measured in milliamp hours or mAh. The greater the capacity, the longer you can use the battery. For example, a battery with a capacity of 1000mAh could discharge at 1000mA for an hour; a capacity of 5000mAh would allow you to discharge at 1000mA for five hours. Think of capacity as your fuel tank the larger (Higher mAh) the tank the longer you can run.
Discharge Rate is another metric that you may not want to overlook. Discharge Rate is simply how fast a battery can be discharged safely. The higher the C Rating the more punch you will get out of the battery.
Selecting a Charger
Selecting the right charger for your battery can also determine how well your battery and car performs. While you can go with a basic charger that works with the particular type of battery you have, many RC competition enthusiasts swear by more advanced chargers that have the ability to charge a variety of battery types and different charging methods . If you're serious about racing or have more than one battery, a high-end charger may be a better investment than purchasing a charger each time you buy a new battery. Ask us if you need help in selecting the right charger for your application.
LA Parts House stocks the an extensive selection of RC batteries and Chargers,along with a full range of kits and parts from Team Losi, Team Associated, Kyosho, Traxxas, and more! All orders before 2 p.m. PST ship same day – visit us today for the latest batteries, motors, and everything you need for success on the track.
Nickel Metal Hydride Versus Lithium Polymer Batteries
Two of the most popular battery types used by RC racers are NiMH or LiPo. NiMH is a considerable upgrade from Ni-Cd, which was a previous standard for racing batteries, and NiMH batteries offer better performance as well as the ability to be used multiple times in a day without much if any deterioration in performance.
RC LiPo batteries are also very popular, and they represent some of the newest battery technology used in RC competitions. The advantage of LiPo batteries is that they are very lightweight and can offer substantial power and endurance, but they are very sensitive and require care to use. It is important to avoid over-charging and over-discharging to keep these batteries working properly.
There are a variety of manufacturers that produce NiMH and LiPo batteries, but it is a good idea to go with a well-known brand like Team Orion, Traxxas, Dynamite or Reedy Batteries from established brands tend to perform better over time and often come with a manufacturer's warranty.
Voltage, Capacity and Discharge
The main thing most people look at when selecting an RC competition battery is voltage. Voltage is directly related to an electric motor's power so the higher the voltage, the faster a motor will rotate and the faster your car will go. However, speed alone does not determine who wins races; in addition to the weight of a battery and its voltage, you should also factor in a battery's capacity and discharge.
Capacity is how much power a battery can hold, and it is measured in milliamp hours or mAh. The greater the capacity, the longer you can use the battery. For example, a battery with a capacity of 1000mAh could discharge at 1000mA for an hour; a capacity of 5000mAh would allow you to discharge at 1000mA for five hours. Think of capacity as your fuel tank the larger (Higher mAh) the tank the longer you can run.
Discharge Rate is another metric that you may not want to overlook. Discharge Rate is simply how fast a battery can be discharged safely. The higher the C Rating the more punch you will get out of the battery.
Selecting a Charger
Selecting the right charger for your battery can also determine how well your battery and car performs. While you can go with a basic charger that works with the particular type of battery you have, many RC competition enthusiasts swear by more advanced chargers that have the ability to charge a variety of battery types and different charging methods . If you're serious about racing or have more than one battery, a high-end charger may be a better investment than purchasing a charger each time you buy a new battery. Ask us if you need help in selecting the right charger for your application.
LA Parts House stocks the an extensive selection of RC batteries and Chargers,along with a full range of kits and parts from Team Losi, Team Associated, Kyosho, Traxxas, and more! All orders before 2 p.m. PST ship same day – visit us today for the latest batteries, motors, and everything you need for success on the track.
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