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Radio-Controlled Microcar Review
An anonymous reader writes "ExtremeTech test drives the latest in techy toys: a new wave of tiny radio-controlled cars from Asia. The site's RC car showdown pits the MicroSizer against the ZipZap. ExtremeTech tested the stock version of each car, but also added a faster engine to the ZipZap to see if it would boost speed."
Pretty cool, I always like when "serious" sites review toys and neat gadgets - although I usually check out Dan's Data for that kind of thing.
I was kind of surprised to see it on Extreme Tech this morning.
Just got a set for my birthday (I'm now officially older than dirt), and they are great fun. Take a couple to a LAN party and watch the fun (until somebody steps on one)!
Gah, I hate it when people call the engines in a car a motor, but that is technically correct, even though engine is a more accuracte term. On the other hand, engine is the completely wrong term for an electric motor.
they have an Audi TT and Subaru Impreza WRX... much faster than the ones reviewed here - 10mph!
certainly, a larger r/c car is much more fun to play with, but it's been a long while for me.
Well, i have a pair of Bit Char-G (which are the same as the MicroSizer cars), and a pair of IR controlled Digi-Q cars. The Digi-Q cars are much faster, much more maneuverable, and run for a much longer time.
Plus, they come with "pistol-style" remote controls, and have four "IR Channels". They run for much longer too, 5 minute charge gives you about 15 minutes of play. Their IR control gives them a much longer range compared to the Bit Char-G.
I had mine imported from Japan, but i think Thinkgeek stocks them once in a while. Only thing is that the Digi-Q is about $40 or so, twice that of a Bit Char-G
Probably not as manuverable as the old cars (the old cars would drive the opposite wheel of the lane that they were in, pinning them to that wall.)
Had to be one of the more fun pursuits of my childhood. I recall racing with the Star Wars set - an X-wing fighter and Darth Vaders Tie Fighter. If the Tie rear ended the X-wing, the top would pop off and the Dark side won the day. I still have those cars..x-tra fun with the 'Jam Car' a Corvette that would drive around and randomly change lanes.
Does anyone know the dimensions of these cars? My idea wouldn't work if cars can't pass each other. Either that or a parts source for the old cars..;)
OT?: Does anyone remember the Fat Wheels? An RC car with inflatable wheels that would bounce like hell. Great fun.
Sounds like fun. Just make sure he/she doesn't eat it -_^ Terriers in particular seem to like eating/choking on small moving things in my experience
The folks over at Yokomo have a 1:64 scale micro with digital proportional steering, proportional throttle, a true pistol grip FM transmitter, 6 frequencies, ball differential, and 2 NiMH batteries. They are called Puchi Maru and are expected to sell for around $100. More info at: http://www.yokomousa.com/kits/puchimaru/index.html
They are more expensive, but these have the same functionality of "hobby" quality r/c cars. I want one, but these cheaper microsizers might just have to hold me over until I can find someone to sell me one of these Yokomo cars.
I think for the RC planes they are using the 72mhz band, many channels and IIRC illegal for ground based items to use.
h tml
It would be nice however if you could get these little cars running at 75 mhz, many channels there and legal for ground based items.
From http://www.easyrc.com/radiosystems/radiosystems4.
Aircraft Use Only (72 megahertz, Channels 11 - 60)
Surface Use Only (75 megahertz, Channels 61-90)
All Uses (27 megahertz, Channel Code A1-A6)
Unless you have a Ham license -- there are frequencies allocated in the 6m (50-54MHz) amateur band for remote control. You must have at least a technician class license and follow some rules about having your callsign on the transmitter. You'd have to retune the transmitter and receiver but that is most likely just a new crystal since there isn't much of a front end on those things anyway and 47MHz is pretty close to 50MHz as far as the basic circuit design is considered.
Actualy BMW does make the new Mini. Check out this early Edmunds review for information. They state "BMW (is the) (owner of the Mini brand and producer of the 2002 Cooper)"
I have had one of these for about 2 weeks now and continue to have a lot of fun. The nice thing about it is it only annoys the dog, does not scare her. After chasing her with it for some time, she just lies down and ignores it. :)
I have been getting around 5 to 8 minutes run per charge and the car works great on tile or wood floors, fair on a short berber and crappy on anything deeper. I also picked up the 'performance' kit and the higher end motor and gearing does increase speed with some decrease to run time.
I also found a nice site that has been covering these cars and also has a nice little forum for discussing issues. There is even a post from some RS folks discussing how they have tweaked the cars.
I have to use this cause I can't afford a real sig...
keyance is imported to US by www.ultimatehobbies.com. Believe it or not they have been around for about 10 years now.
The ultimate micro heli is MS Sports' "Hornet". They are fully aerobatic capable. Collective version allows for inverted flights!
http://www.deeteeenterprises.com/
Ikarus "FUN" Piccolo Micro RC Helicopter
Ikraus Piccolo Micro RC Helicopter
Schweizer 300 Micro Electric RC Helicopter
It's here.
LMAO, I work at RadioShack, we carry them. There are Fast and Furious body kits, rims, stickers, even different, more powerful engines that one can put in it. Been playing with em quite a bit. All of em charge on the controller. have a good amount of bettery life in a charge. The only problem... is that of range.. it's about six feet. though much further and you wouldn't be able to see the little buggers anyway.