Believe it or not, the most important tool for tuning and
modifying RC cars, in any RC racer's pit box, probably isn't
even sold at your local hobby store. Despite thier absence
at hobby stores, you will see them laying on EVERY serious
RC pro's pit area.
The tool is, collectively, the pencil and paper. One of the
most enjoyable experiences in RC cars, besides buying a new
trick ride, is testing something new, in the hope you will
discover the slight edge, or even a HUGE edge.
Today's RC cars, buggies, and trucks have so many variables
that can be tinkered with, even the slightest adjustment can
have a drastic effect on the handling and speed of your
ride. Whether you race or just bash, you really should write
down the current operating state of your RC ride. Variables
such as ride hieght, camber, caster, the toe-in, the fuel
mixture you use, the charge time of your batteries, the
needle settings of your nitro, the running temp, how many
races you get in before you need to rebuild your motor, the
shock oil you use, and any thing else that you can think of.
As I've shared with the subscribers to my RC ezine, you
can't improve what you don't measure. If you are serious
about racing RC cars, you not only need to master your hand
eye coordination, but you should become compatent at
adjusting your RC car to the conditions you race under. Your
RC car performs differently on asphalt at 10 a.m., with a
certain compound tire, than it will at 5 p.m., after the oil
and moisture has heated up from exposure from the sun. The
traction can vary greatly. And with all the excitement and
preparation of the day's events, writing down these changes
can be of great value for when you prepare your chassis or
tire choice for the following week. If you didn't write them
down, you will probably forget them.
And you weekend bashers might be thinking that you aren't
serious at RC, so it's not necesary. But let me tell you, if
you take the time to write down the current state of your RC
cars and trucks, when you eventually change something, or
fate throws a tree in your way and "adjusts" your car setup
for you, you will be able to measure your setup and get back
to that original state, with no guess work. That means less
down time, and more bashing. And if you are still at a loss
on how to get back to that original state, you've got it in
writing for someone else, like the local hobby store guy,
to look over.
I encourage everyone of you to write down your car's setup
info. It's not only useful, but it will multiply how much
fun you get outta your RC cars, trucks, and buggies. Heck,
this little tip works on real life stuff as well.
There is one more use for this very important RC tool, and
that is to write down your lap times. In order to improve
and gauge your racing level, you need to be aware of your
lap times. Most racing clubs can print out a copy of the
days races for you or post them to thier club website, but
to really measure your success, you should keep a log of
how you do from week to week. If you do, I promise you, you
will find a whole new appreciation of the RC cars hobby. You
will find your mind focusing and aware of ways to improve,
such as cornering better, or controlling your throttle just
right. It really comes down to the way the human mind works.
When it focuses on a goal, it tends to make make strides in
that direction subconsciously. So take my advice... write it
down and measure.
If you are looking for more information on how to drive and
wrench your RC cars better, you can download my ebook, The
RC Insider's Unfair Advantage Radio Controlled Car Secrets
Guide, at now at: http://www.rccarsecretsguide.com
