To be precise, toys that use infrared technology aren't really RC since they aren't radio control. But in most other ways they are like radio controlled toys. However, the Air Hogs Vectron Wave moves even further away from RC with their infrared UFO. That's because there is no transmitter, infrared or otherwise. Once you get past the sort of "wow, that's kind of cool" use of infrared sensing technology though, you're left with a toy that really doesn't do all that much. I normally like Air Hogs toys, but this one just isn't all that great where it really counts - the fun factor after day one. Check out my review of the Air Hogs Vectron Wave IR UFO. And if you disagree or have a different perspective on this toy, submit your own review.

Do you have crooked toes that angle out to the left or right? You probably walk just fine that way. But with RC vehicles, toe angle can affect how the RC drives. A little toe-in can provide stability while a little toe-out may provide more responsive steering on the curves. As with all things, you don't want to overdo either toe angle.

And this end our January month of daily RC terms. There's still more to learn though so visit the Radio Controlled Vehicles Glossary.

You hear the word torque tossed around a lot when talking about RCs.  Torque helps an RC go faster. It can also help an RC spin and slide out of control. Too much torque can cause tires to go flying off or cause plastic parts to break. It's not the same as power, but then again it is, sort of. Mechanically and scientifically speaking torque is a "rotational or twisting force... that causes things to turn or rotate." In an RC car or truck, torque is what gets the RC moving -- gets the wheels turning.

I gotta agree with a recent response from Guest Rage723 who made some observations about the RadioShack XMODS line. He writes, "The street versions are doing away with our freedom to express ourselves." (Read more) Agree. Like our reader, I wonder why so much of the customization/upgrade features were taken away. Do that and the XMODS are not so different from the toy RC cars that line the shelves at your local Walmart or Toys 'R Us.

I really like the XMODS line. Great little indoor/outdoor cars that provide more of a challenge than just undoing some twistie ties and popping in batteries. There was some assembly required. You could upgrade the motor, add a light kit, change out crystals, change the tires, modify the body. Make it your own. Then along comes the Street series with more limited options. Bummer.

If RadioShack doesn't want to take XMODS seriously, I hope some other manufacturer/distributor will pick up the ball and run with it. The XMODS could be what millions of kids and adults need -- something better than cheap dime-a-dozen plastic radio controlled toy cars but much less expensive than full-blown hobby models. Anyone heard any rumors? Are XMODS doomed or is a comeback in the works?