What Is a Radio Control Toy?

A radio control toy is a toy that is powered by a specific power source, such as a 9V battery and is controlled by a radio transmitter. A radio control toy has 4 main components: a transmitter, a receiver, a power source and motors. Motors are what internally cause the wheels to turn and other similar functions.

The transmitter is usually powered by batteries. It emits a radio signal which is picked up by the receiver, which is located inside the toy. This in turn sends a signal to the circuit board, which signals the motors within the toy to perform their particular functions. It is amazing to see how varied the range of motion is with radio control toys when you realize how simple the internal construction is.

Depending on the toy, you will either have a single-function controller of a multi-function controller. Single-function controllers normally have the options of forward and reverse. Full function controllers have more possibilities of movement. They normally have these six controls: forward, reverse, forward and left, forward and right, reverse and left, reverse and right.

Most manufacturers make radio controlled toys with 2 frequency ranges (27 MHz and 49 MHz). This allows for two toys to operate at the same time, thereby creating the ability to race or play together between 2 toys. If you did not have this function, it would be difficult to operate 2 toys simultaneously because of interference between the two transmitters.

If you are interested in a more detailed understanding of how a radio controlled toy works, a terrific source is the website of howstuffworks.com.