The RC Deep Dive

Minimum and Maximum Temperature for Popular R/C Greases

What are the maximum and minimum temperatures that your radio controlled model vehicles' greases can withstand? The chemistry and physics behind these lubricants is fascinating. We put the most popular greases from Tamiya, Hudy, MIP (Moore's Ideal Parts) and AE (Associated Electronics) FT (Factory Team) lubes to the test and share our results with you in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Why Does the Tamiya ReRe HotShot Have Dummy Heatsinks?

The rere (re-release) Tamiya HotShot 1/10th scale 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) radio controlled buggy has two dummy heat sinks, while the vintage original's heatsinks were functional and served a purpose more than good stylistic looks. Why? We go into the philosophy of this rare fashion over function decision when Tamiya rereleased their first ever 1:10th scale 4WD R/C car in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

What is the Difference Between Tamiya Ceramic Grease and Cera Grease HG?

Tamiya discontinued it's tubes and pots of it's standard ceramic grease and replaced them with Cera Grease HG. Many R/C model vehicle hobbyists in the community and in club forums claimed it was the same thing just now in a bigger 10 oz. tube rather than the previous 1, 3, and 5 ounce containers just to charge more money. However, these uniformed rumors are not accurate. We mind the knowledge gap and get inside the tube and explain the chemistry differences and why this new grease is far superior to the old standard in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Are Mirage RC Bespoke Craft Aluminum Hop-Up Option Parts Worth the High Cost?

Mirage RC makes craft bespoke aluminum hop-up parts for many vintage and rere (re-released) Radio Controlled model vehicle kits, most famously for the HotShot, HotShot II, and SuperShot/Super HotShot 1/10th 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) R/C buggies. If you aren't in the UK (United Kingdom) or EU (European Union), is it worth the very long time and extremely high cost to have these made to order and to then ship these items internationally when communication from the company can be more miss than hit with one review saying there was 4 months between email sent about not receiving their product and replies? We break the bank's balance sheets open and uncover the true value in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

HOW-TO: Convert Tamiya Grasshoppers to Lexan Polycarbonate Body Shells

Do you love your Tamiya 1/10th scale Grasshopper and/or Grasshopper II radio controlled buggy but hate how serious bashing can break the hard ABS body shells? In today's episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we dig deep into how to convert your GH1 to body clips and cotter pins and how to get clear Lexan polycarbonate bodies for both your original Grasshopper and Grasshopper 2 R/C model vehicle kits. 

Punky Power: Does Soleil Moon Frye Still Race Tamiya R/C Cars?

Punky Brewster was played by actress Soleil Moon Frye who helped normalize girls building, collecting, bashing, and racing radio controlled cars, trucks, buggies, jeeps, and vans. But does Soleil Moon Frye still drive R/C model vehicles? How did her joining the radio control hobbyist community affect her life? We dig into her biography and give you these answers s and more in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Why are Age Divisions Popular in Vintage Off-Road R/C Car Races?

There have been many complaints online that the old heads in the radio control hobbyist community from Generation X are implementing new age divisions in vintage and rere (re-release) radio-controlled car, buggy, and truck races because they are tired of the younger generations like Gen Z and the Alpha Generation smoking them in races. While this is a rumor, it isn't actually factual at most R/C racetracks. We break out the rulebooks and give you the generational knowledge on why these age divisions exist in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

What is the Future of R/C Battery Power Beyond LiPo, LiFe, and NiMH?

There are a lot of thoughts about what the future radio controlled model vehicle battery type might be with something that is even more powerful than LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) batteries and safer than LiFe (Lithium-Phosphate) batteries. We dig into the chemistry and physics behind the future contenders, both SSB (Solid-State Batteries) and Li-S (Lithium Sulphur) in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

HOW-TO: Install and Power Cooling Fans in Your R/C Model Vehicles

The need for speed sometimes comes along with a need for cooling. You can get fans for your motors, ESC (electronic speed controller), and servo, but what is the best way to install them and power these active forced convection cooling fans? We blow past the fluff and get right to the coolest info in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 
[NOTE: We are aware that there is a tiny glitch in the audio at one point in this episode, but it's placement was very fitting, we thought, so we kept it in and didn't re-record this daily episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. Please let us know what you think in the comments below.] 

Why are Onisiki NiMH Batteries the Goldilocks Battery in Vintage and ReRe R/C Model Vehicles?

Onisiki is a favorite battery brand among many vintage and rere (rerelease) 1/10th scale radio-controlled model vehicle racers, speed runners, drifters, crawlers, and bashers. Why is this, especially when their batteries are smaller than similar Traxxas, Venom, and Gens Ace NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries while also weighing less than most of their competitors as well? We dig into the chemistry and physics that makes this brand the Goldilocks battery for your vintage and rere radio control cars, buggies,  trucks, vans, busses, jeeps, and tanks in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.