When visiting a hobby shop, remote-controlled cars and trucks are incredibly popular and fun items that individuals of all ages are instantly drawn to. If you're a fan of these toys and are curious about how they work and how they came to be, here's a quick guide to review.

How Do Remote-Controlled Toys Work?

Toy Functionality

Remote-controlled cars are considered self-powered. They operate from a distance using radio waves. When a control button or switch is manually pushed by the user, the transmitter responds by sending a designated number of electrical pulses through the air with the help of a power source—typically a 9-volt battery. These signals are received by the car or receiver power source, and the motor is initiated. The circuit board on the car translates the pulses into an action, such as moving forward, backward, left, and right. 

Interior Components

There are four main components that allow a remote-controlled car to move. The transmitter or the remote control operates on a particular frequency to send radio waves to a receiver. This piece is fitted to or within the car; it accepts and identifies these pulses and sends them to the circuit board. 

The power source, which is usually some form of rechargeable battery, runs the motor. The motor and circuit board work in tandem to process the radio waves and translate them into movement. 

History of RC Toys

The very first remote-controlled car was seen in 1966, created by an Italian electronics company called Elettronica Giocattoli (El-Gi). One year later, a British company called Mardave began producing RC cars. In the 1970s, electric RC cars were introduced, and the popularity of these items began to boom. Companies started to make 1/12 scale replicas of popular vehicles, and international racing and RC racetracks soon came to fruition. Interest and offerings continued to expand over the decades. Today, off-road vehicles, trucks, and rock crawlers are extremely popular models.

If you're looking for a top-notch selection of remote-controlled cars and trucks, Hamilton Hobbies is the hobby shop for you. This eclectic and engaging store is owned and operated by a life-long hobbyist and has been serving residents throughout Hamilton, OH, and the surrounding areas since 2002. Call (513) 892-1456 to talk to a friendly staff member about their current inventory and available brands. Visit the website for more information on this family-owned business and its passion for toy planes, trains, and automobiles.