Your Reviewer
My Credentials
So who's doing this reviewing then?
Well I've been building and flying or driving radio controlled models for over 40 years and during that time I like to think I've built up a reasonable amount of knowledge.
I'm also a qualified electronics engineer who has worked in radio frequency, analog, digital systems and software for more than three decades. In fact I designed and built my first RC set back in 1969.
For the past nine years I've also been involved in the design and manufacture of some rather sophisticated engine technology and UAV flight control systems.
So, chances are I've been there, done that and have a huge pile of tee shirts to prove it.
Right now I'm heavily into 3D flying and enjoy all aspects of the RC hobby. I may be old but I don't feel it.
In the Pipeline
Here's just a little bit of what's to come on this site...
RC explained: Demystifying terms such as PCM, PPM dual conversion, single conversion, full-range etc., this feature will explain it all.
Cheap Chinese Engines: Just how good are those cheap Chinese glow and gas engines that sell for half the price of their "brand-name" equivalent? I put several to the test.
Build your own radio gear?: Back in the old days, building your own RC gear was not uncommon and now the arrival of 2.4GHz has made it practical again.
Submitting a product for review
HOW ABOUT REVIEWING THIS/OUR PRODUCT?
Dated: 4 March 2010
I get a lot of email from people and much of it starts like this:
"Can you please review..."
or like this:
"We would like you to consider reviewing our..."
To make things easier for readers wondering why I haven't reviewed a product they maybe contemplating buying, and for vendors who would like their products submitted to the rigorous (and brutally honest) RCModelReviews review process, I present the following:
For Manufacturers, Distributors and Resellers
SUBMITTING YOUR PRODUCT FOR REVIEW
If you have a wonderful product that you think the world should know about then you have two options for getting it on this website.
The first is to send me a press release (preferably with pictures) that I can place in the upcoming "Product Announcements" section. Inclusion in this section does not imply endorsement by RCModelReviews and is simply provided as a service to the industry and RC model fliers.
The second is to submit that product for review.
As a number of manufacturers have found, a good review at RCModelReviews.com can do wonders for sales of that product -- but a bad review can do just the opposite so you had better be sure it stacks up. All the reviews published here are totally objective and based solely on thorough testing and use in the field -- there are no favors solicited or accepted -- I call it like it is.
If you feel your product is better than the rest then contact me and we'll organize to test it and publish the results.
After the review process, products provided for by suppliers will be placed in the RCModelReviews prize pool and distributed by way of random draw to RCModelReviews YouTube channel subscribers.
For readers wanting to see a product reviewed
HOW TO GET A PRODUCT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN REVIEWED HERE
If you've spied a new radio, engine, servo, ARF or other RC model product that you'd like to see reviewed here then please contact me by email and let me know.
Unfortunately, due to the shoe-string budget on which I operate this site, it's difficult to provide any guarantee that your suggestion will be acted on but, where there's a popular request I'll do my best to beg, borrow or buy the product involved and review it.
Another option is to contact the manufacturer or distributor of the product concerned and invite them to submit a sample to RCModelReviews for review. This offers the double benefit that (if you subscribe to the RCModelReviews YouTube channel) you're in with a chance (as are all other subscribers) to win that product once the review process is complete.
When I first started this website I figured I'd just buy all the products that I reviewed but after adding up the costs, plus the time involved in doing the reviews, running the website, paying for bandwidth etc -- I now realize that this is just not practical. That's why I'm now allowing manufacturers to provide review product and then giving it away to subscribers -- this way, everybody wins.
Related links
Fresh Articles:
Join the Forums!
The Blog
Updated: 20 Sep 2012
Here's a blog that will keep you informed just what's going on behind
the scenes at RC Model Reviews and also tells you a little more about
myself.
How compatible are 2.4GHz RC systems?
23 Mar 2010
How come there's no compatibility between different brands of transmitters and receivers?
Why can't you use a cheap Chinese receiver with your Futaba FASST radio?
How to get a product reviewed here
4 Mar 2010
Since this has become a very frequently asked question, I've posted this
simple guide to getting your product, or a product you're thinking of
buying reviewed here at RCModelReviews
How servos work
Useful information on what's inside your servos and how they work.
The Good Oil
Important facts you should know about the oils that are used in our model engine fuels.
Heads-Up: 2.4GHz RC systems tested
How well do five different 2.4GHz systems stack up when hit by interference? The answers are here, with more to come.
Review: Bushnell's $80 Speed Gun
Yes it does work on model airplanes but there are some limitations involved with this bargain-basement radar speed gun.
Review: TowerPro MG995 servo
These are possibly the world's worst servos, find out exactly why you should avoid these boat-anchors at any cost.
Review: SK90
It's cheap but can it really stack up against other glow engines in the .90 market? Find out in this review.
Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio
How does this cheap 9-channel 2.4GHz radio system perform when compared to big-name systems that can cost two or three times as much? Have the Chinese finally developed a real contender with the iMax 9X?
2.4GHz Explained
Does all this 2.4GHz stuff have your head spinning?
I've done my best to demystify the whole subject so if you feel like a bit of learning, this is the stuff for you!
Fix That Engine!
How can you tell when your engine needs new bearings? Who has the best prices and service on replacements? Just how do you change them? Get all that information and watch a great video tutorial anyone can follow.
Chinese Servos - How do they stack up?
The Chinese are now churning out a huge number of very reasonably priced no-name servos. But are they any good?
Baffled by batteries?
Nicad, NiMH, Li-Ion, LiPoly, LiFePO4, A123... the range of different
battery types has never been greater. So how do they differ and
what type should you be using?
Possibly useful: