Upgrading the Electronics of your RC Car

Upgrading your RC car's electronics is a great way to improve performance and take your driving experience to the next level. Whether you're looking for a higher top speed, better acceleration or smoother control, choosing the right electronic components and understanding the voltage limits is essential to a successful upgrade. In this article we discuss some important tips and considerations to keep in mind when upgrading your RC car electronics.

Component Compatibility

Before you start choosing new electronic components, make sure they are compatible with your RC car. Check the specifications of your car and compare them with the specifications of the proposed upgrades. Pay particular attention to the scale of your car (1/10, 1/8, etc.), the type of drive (electric or fuel), and the size of the motor and battery compartment.

Motor Upgrades

One of the most important parts to upgrade is the engine. The motor has a direct influence on the speed and acceleration of your RC car. When choosing a new engine, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Type Motor: Choose between a brushless and a brushed motor. Brushless motors are generally more efficient and offer more power, but can be more expensive than brushed motors.

• Kv value: The Kv value indicates the number of revolutions per volt. A higher Kv value results in a higher top speed, while a lower Kv value results in better acceleration and torque.

• Voltage Limit: Pay attention to the voltage limit of the motor. Do not exceed this limit as this may cause engine damage. Also make sure that your ESC (Electronic Speed ​​Controller) is compatible with the voltage of the chosen motor.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

The ESC controls the speed and direction of the motor. An advanced ESC can give you more control over your RC car and improve performance. When choosing a new ESC, pay attention to the following aspects:

• Voltage and Amperage Limits: Make sure that the new ESC is suitable for the voltage and amperage of your battery and motor. Do not exceed the limits as this may cause damage to the ESC.

• Programming options: Some ESCs have programmable functions such as braking force, acceleration curve and top speed limitation. These functions allow you to adapt your car to your driving style.

To make sure that both the motor and ESC are compatible with each other you can always get one combo pack to take.

Battery Upgrades

Another major upgrade is the battery. The battery determines the driving time and the power of your RC car. Here are some considerations when choosing a new battery:

• Voltage and Capacity: Check the voltage (usually indicated as "S", e.g. 2S, 3S) and capacity (usually indicated in mAh) of the battery. A higher voltage offers more power, but check again that your ESC and motor are suitable for the chosen voltage. To know how many Volts a certain S rating is, you can this article read.

• C-rating: The C rating indicates the maximum discharge rate of the battery. A higher C-rating means the battery can deliver more current, which is important for powerful motors.

• Battery format: Check if the new battery fits in the battery compartment of your RC car.

Steering servo

The steering servo is responsible for steering the front wheels of your RC car. It is an essential component for the control and maneuverability of the vehicle. A better steering servo can improve steering response and precision, especially at high speeds and tight turns. When upgrading the steering servo, there are some important considerations to make.

• Torque (Torque): The torque of a servo is expressed in "kilograms per centimeter" (kg/cm) or "ounces per inch" (oz/in). This indicates how much force the servo can exert to produce a rotary motion. For example, a servo with a torque of 10 kg/cm can exert a weight of 10 kilograms on an arm that is 1 centimeter long from the pivot point. The higher the torque, the more powerful the servo is able to steer the wheels.
  
  
• Speed (Speed): The speed of a servo is expressed in "seconds per degree" (s/°) or "seconds per 60 degrees" (s/60°). This indicates how long it takes for the servo to complete a rotation of a given angle. For example, a servo with a speed of 0.10 s/60° can rotate 60 degrees in 0.10 seconds. A faster servo will take less time to complete the same turn, resulting in more direct and responsive control.

Other Considerations

When upgrading the electronics, there are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Cooling: Powerful motors and ESCs can become warm during use. Consider using heat sinks or fans to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.

• Wiring and Connectors: Provide quality wiring and connectors to avoid loss of power and bad connections.

• Protection: Most ESC's have a voltage cut-off system built in, but if this is not the case for your ESC it is definitely a good idea to install it. It protected electronics from damage in the event of an overload or a discharged battery.

Conclusion

Upgrading your RC car's electronics can significantly improve performance and driving experience. Consider component compatibility, voltage limits, and other important factors when choosing new electronic components. Take the time to read the parts manuals and make sure you have the correct setup before riding. With the right upgrades in place, your RC car will be a powerful and fun machine to drive. Have fun with your upgraded RC adventures!