Comparison Traxxas Spartan TSM ARF vs Thunder Tiger Atlantic

The name of the engine installed on the boat. Usually, knowing this name, you can easily find information about the features of the engine — both official manufacturer data and reviews from users — and determine how much you are satisfied with its characteristics. This can be very important when choosing a professional grade model.

In addition to the name, this paragraph may also specify the type of electric motor (see "Motor") — collector or brushless.

The collector design can be called classical. It allows you to create fairly light, compact, inexpensive motors, which are also easily repaired. The disadvantages of this option are relatively low efficiency, a tendency to spark (especially when overheated), as well as less durability than brushless units. In addition, with a collector motor, it is more difficult to ensure high speed. As a result, this option is typical for relatively inexpensive and slow models.

Brushless motors are considered more advanced than brushed motors: they are more powerful, more economical, more durable, better protected from pollution and are well suited for overclocking to high speeds. On the other hand, such engines are much more expensive, and the complexity of the design does not allow you to repair the motor on your own. In light of all this, brushless motors are predominantly used in advanced high speed craft; the presence of such a motor is an indicator of a rather high class model.

Radio-cont...rolled models can be produced in two versions, differing only in the type of electric motor.

The highest speed the boat can reach. For ARR models (see Package Contents) it is usually specified if the recommended battery is used; when you install a battery with a lower voltage, the speed also decreases.

Note that the maximum speed is traditionally given for perfect conditions: good weather, no waves, a full battery charge, etc. Therefore, in fact, it may well be lower than stated. Nevertheless, this figure describes the vessel's capabilities quite well. When choosing by speed, it is worth remembering that the faster the model, the more expensive and demanding it is to control skills, and the more free space you will need for its safe use. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically chase high speed values except for sports use.

The type of battery normally used in the boat or required for its operation. The type can mean both the battery manufacturing technology and the standard size; see below for details.

— Ni-Cd. Batteries made using nickel-cadmium technology combine low cost with reliability, good charge speed and resistance to temperature extremes, but they also have a number of disadvantages. The most serious of these is the "memory effect": the capacity of the battery is reduced if it is put on charge without being completely discharged. In general, today Ni-Cd batteries are considered obsolete and are rarely used.

— Ni-Mh. Nickel-metal hydride cells appeared as an improved version of the nickel-cadmium ones described above. With the same advantages, they are devoid of many disadvantages, including the memory effect, which is why they are quite popular among radio-controlled boats. At the same time, such batteries are not perfect — they have special storage requirements (they cannot be stored discharged for a long time).

— Li-Ion. A technology that is the result of efforts to create compact yet high-capacity batteries. Lithium-ion technology has indeed made it possible to achieve high capacity with a small battery size. In addition, the advantages of such batteries are low self-discharge and the almost complete absence of the "memory effect". On the other hand, such power supplies are much more expensive than nickel-based ones, also because they require add...itional built-in circuits. In addition, lithium-ion cells have a rather narrow operating temperature range. And a serious violation of the charging or discharging mode is fraught with fire and even battery explosion (although the likelihood of such an “extreme” is generally very low).

— Li-pol. An improved version of the lithium-ion technology described above, using a solid polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid one. Due to this, it was possible to further increase the capacity, as well as achieve greater safety (less likely to explode if used incorrectly). However, batteries of this type cost a little more than the original Li-Ions, and temperature restrictions are also relevant for them (Li-Pol batteries do not tolerate cold especially well).

— AA. Replaceable elements of a standard size, known as "finger"; usually, they are not supplied as a kit, even in RTR models (see "Packaging"). They are not necessarily rechargeable — they are also available in the form of disposable batteries; sometimes it is more convenient to buy a set of such batteries for the boat than to spend money on rather expensive batteries with chargers. Both rechargeable batteries and AA batteries can be produced in different versions in terms of technology, capacity and, accordingly, price. However, anyway, this option is convenient in that dead batteries can be quickly replaced with new ones, while the original battery will most likely have to be charged, which takes time and a power source.

— AAA. Replaceable elements, according to the main features, similar to those described above AA. They have a similar shape, but are more compact (which is why they are colloquially called "mini-finger" or "little fingers"), as a result of which the AAA capacity is generally lower. They are mainly used in low-cost entry-level models for which full-size "AA" batteries are too large.

The number of batteries the boat needs to operate. Some models may provide the ability to install more batteries — to increase speed or battery life.

The type and quantity of batteries required for the remote control to operate.

- AA. Classic “pen-type” batteries, sold almost everywhere and thanks to this, are very popular in radio control equipment. Depending on the power and functionality of the transmitter, you may need from 2 to 8 such batteries.

- AAA. "Pinky" or "mini-finger" batteries, which look like a smaller version of AA cells. Due to their small size, they have a smaller capacity, and therefore are used less often, mainly in inexpensive models with short-range remote controls.

- 6F22. 9-volt rectangular batteries with a pair of contacts at the end, colloquially called “6LR61”. They are used relatively rarely.

- Battery. Built-in battery, charged directly in the remote control. Convenient in terms of charging, but unlike batteries, it cannot be quickly replaced with a charged one for additional operating time.

Availability in the delivery set of a slipway — a special stand that allows you to safely put the boat on a hard surface; without a slipway, contact with such a surface may be fraught with damage to the propellers or the bottom. Theoretically, a homemade device can also be used as a stand, but the complete one is more convenient and safer. And some slipways have a rather stylish appearance, which allows you to use the model as a decorative element during “non-working” hours — for example, put it on a shelf in a room.

The presence of proportional control in the design of the boat.

Proportional control is called a control that allows you not only to turn on and off a certain function, but to adjust its level: for example, the harder you press the throttle lever, the higher the engine speed and, accordingly, the speed. Usually, in models with this feature, a proportional circuit is used for both engine speed and steering wheel. This allows you to control the movement of the boat much more precisely than with discrete control on the principle of "on or off." On the other hand, proportional equipment is much more expensive than discrete equipment, and control accuracy is not always required (it is mainly important for professional modeling sports). Therefore, for a purely entertainment application, it is not necessary to look for a model with this type of control.