RC Glossary of Terms

2-stroke engines – This term is used to describe the engine in gas powered RC cars and trucks. This engine provides 0.5 to 3 HP, giving remote control cars and trucks to ability to reach speeds of 30, 40, and even 70+ mph!

Nitro or Gas – Used to power the two-stroke engines of r/c cars, this is a special blend of fuel that contains nitrogen, methanol and lubricant.

Kit – This generally refers to an unassembled remote control car that may require additional equipment needed to make the car run.

RTR – This means ‘Ready – To – Run’ right out of the box. Which means these radio controlled cars contain almost all items needed to run once you take them out of the box. They are fully assembled and include the radio transmitter, batteries and charger for electric models.

Rechargeable batteries - Older type or rechargeable batteries are called NiCad, while the newer ones are called NiMH.

Receiver – This an electronic device that receives signals from a transmitter, and converts the signal into data to control servos and/or speed controllers.

Servo – These are small mechanical motors used for controlling the speed and steering of remote control cars or trucks.

Speed controller – This is a mechanical or electronic device that regulates the flow of current from the battery to the electric motor.

Transmitter – an electronic device used to transmit data to a receiver to steer the car and control the speed.

Gear Ratio –Gears are what transfer energy from the engine or motor to the wheels in radio controlled cars. Gear ration is the numerical ration of a series of gears in relation to each other based on the number of turns of the input shaft, compared to turns of the output shaft.
Gear ratios are determined by the number of teeth on each gear. A gear with 36 teeth meshed with a gear with 12 teeth gives a 36/12 or 3/1 ratio which is usually referred to as 3.00:1. Changing the gear ratio of your car will affect its handling and speed.

Nitrous Oxide – Nitro or Nitromethane is what the term ‘gas engines’ or ‘gas remote control’ really is referring to. Nitromethane consists of methanol, nitromethane and oil.

Channel – This refers to the frequencies that are used by the transmitter and receiver that are used for remote control toys. If you operate your car near other RC cars, everyone has to be on different frequencies to avoid interference and accidentally operating each others cars.

Although you may come across other terms as you explore the world of remote control vehicles, these terms are the most popular.