BATTERY PACK AND BATTERY CHARGER

The battery pack is an electric vehicle's "gas tank"; when it's empty, you'll have to "re-fill" it by charging it with a battery charger. Battery packs are available with varying capacities, measured in milliamp hours. A "2000" pack has can store 2000milliamps of energy, and will allow a vehicle to operate for a longer duration than a "1500" pack with 1500 milliamps. But just as a full-size car does not go slower because there is less fuel in the tank, an electric vehicle does not go slower if the battery has reduced capacity (or faster if it has increased capacity).

SPEED CONTROL BASICS Many electric-powered kits come with mechanical speed controls. They're simple, switching devices that are worked by a separate servo to provide a range of forward speeds (usually three), as well as a reverse function to allow you to back your car out of trouble. Mechanical speed controls perform well enough, and because they're inexpensive and included with many entry-level kits, they allow beginners to get up and running with a smaller investment.

When you've gained some experience with your new R/C vehicle, you may wish to upgrade to an electronic speed control (ESC). This self-contained, electronic switching device replaces the mechanical unit and its additional servo. You'll find that an ESC allows much more precise throttle control, requires no maintenance, operates more efficiently, and saves both weight and space on your car's chassis. There are many ESCs available from expensive, full racing versions to economical ones that may have reverse. Whichever you consider, you should match your speed-control purchase to the type of RC activity in which you participate and the size of your budget.

BASIC HAND TOOLS

With few exceptions, electric-powered R/C kits can easily be put together using the simplest tools. In general, you'll need a slotted screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver, a sharp hobby knife and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Most manufacturers include various Allen-head wrenches and the lubricants needed to complete their kits..