Maximum speed
The highest speed the boat can reach. For ARR models (see Package Contents) it is usually specified if the recommended battery is used; when you install a battery with a lower voltage, the speed also decreases.
Note that the maximum speed is traditionally given for perfect conditions: good weather, no waves, a full battery charge, etc. Therefore, in fact, it may well be lower than stated. Nevertheless, this figure describes the vessel's capabilities quite well. When choosing by speed, it is worth remembering that the faster the model, the more expensive and demanding it is to control skills, and the more free space you will need for its safe use. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically chase high speed values except for
sports use.
Number of batteries
The number of batteries the boat needs to operate. Some models may provide the ability to install more batteries — to increase speed or battery life.
Range
The maximum distance from the remote control to the model at which normal controllability is maintained.
The range is traditionally indicated for perfect conditions — in the absence of interference on the air and obstacles in the path of the signal; in reality, it is usually somewhat lower, especially since the transmitter power may drop somewhat as the battery is discharged. This should be taken into account when choosing for this indicator. On the other hand, it doesn’t always make sense to chase after the maximum “range”, you need to take into account the specific situation: for example, for a 10-metre pond, even a remote control with a modest range of 30-40 m by modern standards will be quite enough.
Power source
The type and quantity of batteries required for the remote control to operate.
- AA. Classic “pen-type” batteries, sold almost everywhere and thanks to this, are very popular in radio control equipment. Depending on the power and functionality of the transmitter, you may need from 2 to 8 such batteries.
- AAA. "Pinky" or "mini-finger" batteries, which look like a smaller version of AA cells. Due to their small size, they have a smaller capacity, and therefore are used less often, mainly in inexpensive models with short-range remote controls.
- 6F22. 9-volt rectangular batteries with a pair of contacts at the end, colloquially called “6LR61”. They are used relatively rarely.
- Battery. Built-in battery, charged directly in the remote control. Convenient in terms of charging, but unlike batteries, it cannot be quickly replaced with a charged one for additional operating time.
Proportional control
The presence
of proportional control in the design of the boat.
Proportional control is called a control that allows you not only to turn on and off a certain function, but to adjust its level: for example, the harder you press the throttle lever, the higher the engine speed and, accordingly, the speed. Usually, in models with this feature, a proportional circuit is used for both engine speed and steering wheel. This allows you to control the movement of the boat much more precisely than with discrete control on the principle of "on or off." On the other hand, proportional equipment is much more expensive than discrete equipment, and control accuracy is not always required (it is mainly important for professional modeling sports). Therefore, for a purely entertainment application, it is not necessary to look for a model with this type of control.