When you've settled on the type of kit you'd like to build, you'll have to buy the other items you'll need to get your project up and running. Here's what's required to build, control and run most kits:

RADIO SYSTEM

When you've built your dream car, you'll need to control it somehow. Think of the radio as your link to the R/C vehicle gas pedal! A radio system consists of three major parts: the transmitter, receiver, and servos.

Transmitter:

The unit that you hold in your hands is called the transmitter, and sends steering and throttle commands to the vehicle.The transmitter is usually configured as a pistol grip with a wheel on one side and a trigger in the traditional position. The trigger controls the throttle, and a wheel handles the steering.

Receiver:

The second part of the system is called the receiver, and it's mounted inside the R/C vehicle. The receiver's job is to catch the signal from the transmitter and translate your commands into action, by sending the signals to the third part of the radio system: the servos.

Servos: These are also mounted inside the R/C vehicle, and are plugged into the receiver. Messages from the receiver tell the servo in which direction it should move and for how far.

The servos move the steering and throttle linkages to control speed and direction, as you command with the transmitter.

Electric cars may use a servo and a mechanical speed control for throttle control, or may substitute the assembly for an electronic speed control, better known as an ESC.