For an RC car to function perfectly, there must be a stable connection between the car and the remote control. That is where the radio system comes into play; if you look at the parts of an RC car, you will always see a radio system. Different remote-controlled cars use radio systems of different frequencies.
2.4 GHz is a radio system that allows more than two RC cars to run simultaneously without manually changing the frequency to prevent signal interference. The speed in miles per hour depends on the type and brand of the RC car you want. However, the speed range is from 10 mph to 100 mph.
There are more qualities of a 2.4 GHz RC car that you need to know. When you want to buy a new RC car, it is best to get a 2.4 GHz one. If you have ever wondered why a 2.4GH radio system is the best, continue reading to find out.
What Does 2.4 GHz Mean For RC Cars?
As an RC hobbyist, you have probably heard of the 2.4 GHz system, especially when purchasing an RC car. The word 2.4 GHz refers to the radio frequency or radio system of an RC car. Gigahertz or GHz and Hertz or Hz are used to refer to the type of radiofrequency an RC car uses. Many advantages come with using a 2.4 GHz radiofrequency for your RC car.
Driving With Other RC Cars
In racing events and other RC activities, your RC car will run alongside other RC cars, which all have different frequencies. If you use a MHz radio frequency, these activities might not be possible as you will have to ensure every other RC car controller is set to its channel.
Following that procedure will take much time and might sometimes cause disruption. However, with a 2.4 GHz radio frequency, your RC car can run with others without any interference. This is because a 2.4 GHz RC controller will pair with your RC car and keep the connection secure until you turn it off.
No Signal Interference
One main problem of RC frequency is signal interference. Sometimes while operating your RC car near someone else's, their controller might interfere with yours, which will cause much disruption. This interference is a result of using a very poor MHz frequency.
However, a 2.4 GHz radio frequency solves this problem as it is resistant to any signal interference. Hence, your RC car will always be safe as a rogue radiofrequency cannot hijack it. You will always have full control over your RC car regardless of other operating RC cars around you.
Control More Than One RC Car
It would be cool and fun to control two different RC cars with a single remote. A 2.4 GHz radio frequency makes it possible to control multiple RC cars with one remote controller. The radiofrequency will pair with the two RC cars you want to operate, thus establishing a connection. Once the connection has been established, you will be able to control the two vehicles simultaneously with one remote controller.
How Fast Is 2.4 GHz Miles Per Hour?
2.4 GHz is not the speed of an RC car but the radiofrequency. RC cars are controlled by the command sent by the transmitter to the vehicle's receiver. The connection between the transmitter and receiver is called radiofrequency. The speed of a 2.4 GHz RC car depends on many factors.
Some manufacturers state the top speed of their RC cars while others do not. You can check the speed of your RC car by using a speedometer. You will have to attach the speedometer to the car to know the car's speed, or you can use a speed gun.
The price and size of an RC car also determine the top speed. The more expensive the car is, the faster it will be. A cheap RC car will have a top speed between 10 to 35 mph, while a high-priced RC car's top speed is between 50 to 70 mph. There is only one RC car that can go 100 mph, which is the Traxxas XO-1.
The gearing, motor, size, battery, and terrain determine how fast your RC car will go. An RC car's gearing has a role to play in the vehicle's acceleration and speed. The size of the gear and the gear ratio also matters. Using a smaller pinion gear and a bigger spur gear will make your RC car go faster.
Using a brushless motor with your RC car will make it go faster than a brushed motor will. The bigger and heavier your RC car is, the slower it will go. Hence, if you want a fast RC car, you should get a smaller and lighter one.
The type of battery you use determines how fast your vehicle will go; a LiPo battery is the best to use. RC cars move faster on smoother terrain than on rough terrain. So, to enjoy the top speed of your RC car, you should run it on smooth terrain.
Can 2 RC Cars Run 2.4 GHz?
Yes, 2 RC cars can run 2.4 GHz. The 2.4 GHz radiofrequency allows up to six RC cars to run together. With 2.4 GHz, the connection between the remote's transmitter and the vehicle's receiver will be secure and stable. Hence, when two RC cars with 2.4 GHz radiofrequency are running together, each connection is secure and will not interfere with one another.
When the connection is not secure, the signal will be jammed, and one remote controller might try to take control of both RC cars, so there is a huge possibility of erratic behaviors from both RC cars. You can also run two RC cars together even when only one RC car has a 2.4 GHz radiofrequency.
The RC car with the 2.4 GHz radiofrequency will keep its connection secure and not try to control the other RC car. It will not provide any room for the other RC controller to take control of both RC cars.
In Traxxas RC cars, the requirement for two RC cars to run at 2.4 GHz is different. When running two Traxxas RC cars, both vehicles must have TQi or TQ 2.4 GHz radiofrequency. Traxxas offers six different frequencies for its radio system in all its RC cars. There is a crystal set in each transmitter of their radio system.
Is 5GHz Faster Than 2.4 GHz?
Yes, 5 GHz is faster than 2.4 GHz. A 5 GHz radio frequency travels faster at a shorter range, while a 2.4 GHz radio frequency travels longer at a slower rate. A 5 GHz radiofrequency can cut through network clutter disturbance and interference hence maximizing network performance.
It provides more channels for communications; it is also the latest radio frequency, so there are no competing devices. A 2.4 GHz has a better and longer range, while a 5 GHz has less interference. If you are looking to cover a wider range, a 2.4 GHz will probably be best; however, if you want a faster speed regardless of the distance, you can use a 5 GHz.
A 5 GHz radiofrequency will move within the range of 3 to 450 Mbps, while a 2.4 GHz radiofrequency will move within the range of 2 to 150 Mbps. This speed depends on the standard wireless protocol used.
Final Thoughts
Although the radio frequency of an RC car plays an important role in the vehicle, it has nothing to do with how fast the RC car can go. However, the radio system in your RC car has to be one of the best, or you would experience signal interferences when operating the car. Always go for a remote-controlled car with either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio system.
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.