Radio Controlled Vehicles

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Radio Controlled Vehicles

Controller

By Michael James, About.com

These are three types of RC controllers

These are three types of RC controllers

Photo by M. James
Definition: Radio controlled vehicles communicate through radio signals. A controller is a (usually) hand-held device that sends radio signals to the radio receiver in the RC vehicle to tell it what to do. The controller is also called a transmitter because it transmits signals that control the movement and speed of the vehicle.

Controller Styles
There are two main styles of controllers for radio controlled vehicles. The pistol-grip style looks like a gun with a trigger and a knob. The stick-controller is box-like with two joysticks, knobs, or buttons, and additional switches.

The controller is also described based on the number of actions or channels it controls.

Wired Controllers
Remote controlled vehicles may have wired controllers. A wire or tether connects to the vehicle (or to the track in the case of slot cars) and transmits signals to control the vehicle.

Also Known As: transmitter | Tx

Explore Radio Controlled Vehicles

By Category

About.com Special Features

Scrapbook Technique Gallery

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

Price Your Collectibles

Find out how much your treasured collection is worth. More >

Radio Controlled Vehicles

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Radio Controlled Vehicles
  4. Overview of RCs
  5. Glossary
  6. C
  7. Controller - Radio Controlled Vehicles Definitions - Controller in the RC Glossary

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.