A Short History of Radio Control

Radio control (RC) had its early origins in the late 1800's when the technology was used to steer a remote controlled boat. Interest in RC technology grew through the years and its many practical applications soon were put into use.

Before radio control many models utilized clockwork type mechanisms to control their flight or sail or run times. Clockwork mechanisms could also control and vary direction. Tethering to a pivot or central pole became popular for model cars and hydroplane vehicles. Model airplanes would be tethered to a pole via control lines. A person would stand in the center of a circular flying zone and turn as the plane circled around. Very dizzying!

During World War II both the axis powers and the allies used radio control to help turn the tide of battle to their advantage. Most notably, the Luftwaffe used controllable winged bombs to target allied ships.

As the years progressed, radio control became more sophisticated utilizing relays to control RC products. Transistors, developed in the 1960's allowed the use of proportional servo controls to greatly reduced weight and bulk. This made commercial production of RC Toys much more feasible. R/C products became more diversified and RC tanks, RC hovercraft, RC trucks, RC cars and RC boats now make up a substantial portion of the R/C world.

The 1990's ushered in the mini and micro RC products. Transistors also have the advantage of operating with low voltage. Lower voltage means fewer batteries and less weight. A tremendous advantage when you are trying to get something to fly!

Batteries have evolved also. Today, rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries are in common use. The newer Li-Po (lithium polymer) batteries have about half the weight and twice the endurance making RC planes and RC helicopters more lightweight with longer flight times. Although gas powered models are still popular, they have given ground to the electric battery powered models. Electric power is now considered to be the most common model power source.

To see the different kinds of electric models that are currently available, visit http://onestoprcworld.com. You are sure to find one that interests you!