| Radio control (RC) had its early origins in the late | | | | allowed the use of proportional servo controls to |
| 1800's when the technology was used to steer a | | | | greatly reduced weight and bulk. This made |
| remote controlled boat. Interest in RC technology | | | | commercial production of RC toys much more |
| grew through the years and its many practical | | | | feasible. R/C products became more diversified |
| applications soon were put into use. | | | | and RC tanks, RC hovercraft, RC trucks, RC cars |
| Before radio control many models utilized | | | | and RC boats now make up a substantial portion |
| clockwork type mechanisms to control their flight | | | | of the R/C world. |
| or sail or run times. Clockwork mechanisms could | | | | The 1990's ushered in the mini and micro RC |
| also control and vary direction. Tethering to a | | | | products. Transistors also have the advantage of |
| pivot or central pole became popular for model | | | | operating with low voltage. Lower voltage means |
| cars and hydroplane vehicles. Model airplanes | | | | fewer batteries and less weight. A tremendous |
| would be tethered to a pole via control lines. A | | | | advantage when you are trying to get something |
| person would stand in the center of a circular | | | | to fly! |
| flying zone and turn as the plane circled around. | | | | Batteries have evolved also. Today, rechargeable |
| Very dizzying! | | | | Ni-Cad batteries are in common use. The newer |
| During World War II both the axis powers and | | | | Li-Po (lithium polymer) batteries have about half |
| the allies used radio control to help turn the tide | | | | the weight and twice the endurance making RC |
| of battle to their advantage. Most notably, the | | | | planes and RC helicopters more lightweight with |
| Luftwaffe used controllable winged bombs to | | | | longer flight times. Although gas powered models |
| target allied ships. | | | | are still popular, they have given ground to the |
| As the years progressed, radio control became | | | | electric battery powered models. Electric power is |
| more sophisticated utilizing relays to control RC | | | | now considered to be the most common model |
| products. Transistors, developed in the 1960's | | | | power source. |