Comparison Fei Lun FT016 vs Fei Lun FT007

The type determines the overall hull design and, in some cases, the vessel's power source.

- Boat. In this case, boats mean models made in a classic, single-hull layout (not related to catamarans and trimarans, see below) and propelled by a motor-driven propeller. Most of these models really look most like speedboats, but other design options are also possible - in the form of ocean yachts, warships, etc. This type of radio-controlled boats, the simplest in design, is at the same time the most extensive, it includes models of all price and professional categories.

- Catamaran. Catamarans are double-hulled vessels - similar to two single-hulled vessels connected side by side. This design is more stable than a single-hull design, resists capsizing well (up to certain angles, but critical angles for catamarans are quite large), and also increases maneuverability and efficiency at high speeds. As a result, it is popular in full-size racing boats, and most RC catamaran boats are also designed for fairly high speeds. However, there are also very simple models, where the double-hull layout does not play a practical role and is used solely to give an external resemblance to real racing ships. All radio-controlled catamarans are propelled by a motor.

- Sailboat. Radio-controlled vessels designed for sailing. Such vessels are noticeably more difficult to operate than motor vessels, a...nd are more dependent on weather conditions, especially on the strength and direction of the wind. However, this is not a disadvantage, but a feature: some modellers find it more interesting to control the sails. In addition, the principles of movement of radio-controlled sailboats are the same as those of full-size ones, and the model can also be used as a simulator for teaching the basics of sailing. Another advantage is low power consumption - only the receiver and servos need electricity - allowing longer operation without recharging or replacing batteries. Sailboats can have either a single-hull or a multi-hull design, usually in the form of trimarans (similar to the catamarans described above, but with three hulls).

- Submarine. Models made in the form of submarines, bathyscaphes or other devices capable of moving in the water column. As a rule, such models, like real ships, can sink and float, which allows you to significantly diversify the game. At the same time, the toy submarine itself is usually lighter than water, and immersion is carried out due to the operation of special motors that “push” the boat down. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the toy drowning: if the signal from the remote control is lost or the power is turned off, it will float to the surface. We also note that for additional visibility under water, most models provide illumination in the form of front “headlights”.

- Jetski. This category of radio-controlled watercraft includes high-speed jet skis with smooth and streamlined hull lines to minimize drag when moving on the water surface. The propellers in the design of jet skis are mounted at the rear; a seat is located on the upper part of the body of the jet ski and a decorative steering wheel is installed.

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 capacity of the battery supplied with the boat.

Large capacity, with the same power consumption, allows the model to work longer without recharging. However, power consumption and, accordingly, the actual time of operation on a charge depends on many factors — motor power, mode of use of the model, etc. Therefore, in general, the battery capacity is a purely reference parameter, and it is worth evaluating the battery life of the model not by this indicator, but by the operating time indicated in the characteristics (see below).

Note that many models allow the possibility of replacing batteries with more capacious ones, which accordingly increases the operating time on a charge.

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.

Model of the battery supplied with the boat. This data allows you to find detailed information about the battery and evaluate its characteristics; they also come in handy when looking for a spare or replacement battery.

Operating time of the boat on one charge of the complete battery. This indicator is rather conditional, because. usually it is indicated for a certain average mode of operation, as they say, "without extreme"; the time of continuous movement at full speed can be noticeably less. Nevertheless, it fully allows you to evaluate the battery life of the boat.

Note that for models powered by AA and AAA cells (see "Battery type"), the operating time is not indicated: such cells may have different capacities, and, accordingly, the battery life of the model in each case will also be different.

Possibility to charge boat batteries from a standard USB port. This feature makes the model independent of specialized chargers: USB ports of computers, laptops, tablets, etc., as well as network and car adapters with such a connector can be used as an energy source. On the other hand, USB power is quite low, which is why such USB charging is rare — mainly in small models that do not require high-capacity batteries.

The presence of double water protection in the design of the boat.

By itself, all radio-controlled ships have water protection — by definition; usually, it is provided by a sealed enclosure. However, some models provide additional protection for sensitive components, primarily electronics — for example, in the form of a cover under the case, or even a separate closed compartment. This increases the overall reliability of the design: if the first layer of water protection is damaged (for example, in the event of an accident), water will still not get on critical parts, and instead of replacing the electronics (or buying a new model), it is likely that it will be possible to get by with repairing the case.