Transmitter (Tx)

The handheld device used by the operator to send control signals to the receiver in the model.

Receiver (Rx)

The device installed in the model that receives signals from the transmitter and controls the servos or speed controllers accordingly.

Servo

A small motorized device used to control the movement of control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudder, etc.) in airplanes or steering mechanisms in cars. Servos have three main components: a motor, gears, and a control circuit.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

The device responsible for controlling the speed and direction of an electric motor in an RC car or airplane.

Battery

The power source for the model, usually a rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) battery.

Voltage

The electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V). It determines the speed and power of the motor.

Current (Amps)

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A). It indicates the rate of energy consumption by the motor.

Capacity (mAh)

The measure of the energy storage capacity of a battery, usually expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh).

Brushless Motor

A type of electric motor that is more efficient and durable than brushed motors, commonly used in RC models.

Brushed Motor

An electric motor with brushes and a commutator, which is simpler but less efficient and durable compared to brushless motors.

Propeller

The rotating blade(s) driven by the motor to generate thrust in airplanes or to propel RC cars.

Gear Ratio

The ratio of the number of teeth on the driving gear to the number of teeth on the driven gear, determining the speed and torque of the system.

Gyroscope (Gyro)

An electronic sensor used to stabilize RC aircraft and cars by detecting and counteracting unwanted movements.

Accelerometer

An electronic sensor that measures acceleration forces, often used in stabilization systems.

Telemetry

The transmission of data from the model to the transmitter, providing real-time information such as battery voltage, motor temperature, etc.

Frequency

The rate at which radio waves oscillate, usually measured in hertz (Hz). Common frequencies for RC control include 2.4 GHz and 72 MHz.

Channels

The number of independent control functions available on a transmitter, corresponding to the number of servos or functions that can be controlled.

Dual Rates

A feature on transmitters that allows the operator to adjust the sensitivity or travel limits of control surfaces, useful for beginners or advanced maneuvers.

Exponential (Exp)

A setting on transmitters that adjusts the response curve of control inputs, providing finer control around the center position.

Trim

Small adjustments made to control surfaces or servo positions to achieve neutral flight or straight-line driving.

Fail-Safe

A safety feature in receivers that automatically returns control surfaces or throttle to a pre-defined position in case of signal loss.

Bind

The process of pairing a transmitter with a receiver, ensuring that they communicate only with each other.

Latency

The delay between the input from the transmitter and the response of the model, usually kept minimal for precise control.

Range

The maximum distance over which the transmitter can reliably communicate with the receiver.

Mode

Refers to the configuration of control sticks on the transmitter. Mode 1 and Mode 2 are the most common configurations for airplane transmitters, while Mode 1 and Mode 2 are for car transmitters.