DAILY MAINTENANCE of your RC Model
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I To keep your car at optimum performance, daily maintenance is important. This will also help discover any hidden problem areas. Without this daily care, your car’s performance can deteriorate rapidly. Keep it in the best possible condition at all times.

1. MAINTEIY GE OF R/C UNITS
Your radio control receiver, transmitter, servos and amplifier boosted speed control are precision electronic instruments. Clean these components after use, especially the connector sockets on the receiver, as they collect dust. Remove plugs and clean the sockets using a soft bristled brush.
*If a malfunction occurs with your radio, do not attempt to dismantle and repair by yourself. No user-serviceable parts are inside. Send to the manufacturer or service station for repair.



IF THE RECEIVER ANTEN- M NA CABLE BREAKS
If the antenna breaks at its base, do not dismantle the receiver. Send it to the manufacturer for repair. If the insulation is worn, cover the bare wire using vinyl tape. If left uncovered, accidental contact with metal parts will cause radio interference and loss of control of the model.



2. MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC COMPONENTS
Electrical components play a vital role in models, whether battery powered or glow engined. Make sure to check them prior to and after each use.

ELECTRIC CABLES
Electrical wire/cables can withstand some degree of stretch; however, if excessively pulled, they can break or become detached from a solder joint. Insulation will wear off if rubbed against the ground or a car’s rotating part while running. Special attention should be paid to motor/battery cables on Ni-Cd battery powered models, due to the enormous amount of current that flows in these circuits. Any short circuit can cause a fire or serious burns.



CONNECTORS
Connectors can become loose and develop bad contact following repeated use. Crimp the tubular contact points using the tip of a screwdriver to maintain firm contact in the
plug.



MECHANICAL SPEED CONTROL
A mechanical speed control passes large currents and its metal contacts repeatedly rub against each other during operation. Metal wears more rapidly than you expect, and this causes poor electrical contact, scorching of points, and sparking. Scorched contact points can be cleaned using fine abrasive paper, but if badly worn, the entire speed control unit should be replaced. Keep and sand away from metal contacts, and periodically apply switch lubricant for smooth movement and good contact.



3. MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC MOTORS
The electric motor is the vital component in electrically powered models, and it will wear out following extended use. Keep in mind that stiff meshing gears, hindrance of wheel/shaft rotation and running the model in grass or dry sand imposes great stress on the motor and can result in motor burn out.

REPLACING BRUSHES AND ROTORS
A major reason for reduced motor performance is worn brushes and/or damaged commutator. High performance motors can be disassembled for cleaning, and new brushes and rotors are available for replacement. In these cases, motor performance can be restored to like new.



NOISE SUPPRESSING CONDENSERS
Electric motors generate electromagnetic noise during operation, so electric motors are equipped with noise suppressing condensers to filter out this noise. A standard 540 size motor houses its condenser inside the case so there is little possibility it will come off; however, some high performance motors have their condenser attached outside on the end bell. Check that it is firmly attached and re-solder if necessary.



4. MAINTENANCE OF CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Properly assembled and operating chassis mechanics are the basis for optimum performance of an car. Keep your car in peak condition by constantly inspecting and maintaining it.

1. LOOSENED OR DAMAGED SCREWS & NUTSScrews and nuts can become loosened from vibration while running. They can even become bent and distorted from a collision. Tighten screws and nuts and replace those that are bent, cracked or damaged. Stripped screws and nuts must also be replaced.
2. GEARS AND JOINTSEven durable plastic or metal, gears and joints are subject to wear because they are always in motion during use. Proper lubrication reduces friction, and helps prolong the life of these parts. If gears are exposed, foreign objects such as sand and debris get between the teeth, damaging the gears. Check and replace any damaged or worn gears grid joints immediately.

3. BENT SHAFTS
Shafts can become bent following a collision. Even a slight bend in an axle or propeller shaft can cause vibration and unstableness of the car. Periodically remove them from the car to check if they are straight. Bends can be found by rolling the shaft slowly along a flat surface.


4. DAMAGED OR DISTORTED FRAME/CHASSIS
The frame/chassis is the backbone of your car, and made to withstand extreme stress. However, it can become damaged or distorted following repeated hard collisions. Check for any distortion by placing the model on a flat surface and gradually raising it from the surface. If a wheel on either side leaves the surface sooner than the other, chassis deformation or an incorrect suspension setting can be suspected. A slight distortion can be corrected by twisting the chassis in the opposite direction, but it is best to replace it with a new one as soon as possible. Check screw holes on the frame/chassis for cracks or damage.



5 & 6. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
Suspension arms and pivots are subject to damage during collisions. Check and replace deformed arms, bent shafts, etc. Lubricate all suspension pivot points for smooth operation.

7. STEERING LINKAGE
Because a steering servo saver is constantly receiving external shocks from direct contact with the steering mechanics, it will gradually deteriorate with prolonged use. Plastic ball sockets used at tie-rod ends can become loose after repeated attachment and removal. Periodic replacement of these parts will be required. In due course, replace any damaged components.

8. CHECKING DRIVE BELTDrive belt tension has to be checked periodically. Drive belt can be easily adjusted by changing pulley position. In addition, change it when damaged and clean it if it becomes dirty.
BODY REPAIRS
Even a slightly damaged or cracked body shell will worsen beyond repair due to running vibrations. Styrene bodies can be repaired using plastic cement or instant glues (Cyanoacrylates). Apply sheet styrene from the inside for reinforcement. Polycarbonate (Lexan) body shells cannot be repaired with cements, so use cloth tape or fiberglass reinforced tape for repairs. Polycarbonate sheet, cut from a body shell can be used as reinforcement under the cloth tape.


LONG TERM STORAGE
Remove all batteries from model. If the car is to be stored for an extended period, remove the wheels, or put the model on a stand with the wheels clear of the ground. This prevents the tires from deforming.







Copyright from TAMIYA RADIO CONTROL GUIDE BOOK 2005