Comparison Traxxas Spartan TSM ARF vs Traxxas Spartan

— RTR (RTF). Models ready to go “out of the box”: all the necessary equipment is included in the package (with the exception of replaceable batteries for the remote control and/or the boat itself), and only the simplest assembly may be necessary before sailing. This option is best suited for beginners and undemanding users — it eliminates the hassle of re-equipping the vessel. But enthusiasts and professional modelers should take into account that even advanced RTR models are usually equipped with relatively simple components, and it can be easier to get the necessary characteristics by assembling an ARR or Kit yourself (see below).

— ARR (ARF). 'Almost Ready to Go' Models: Comes assembled (or nearly assembled) but missing some components — usually dedicated batteries, and in many models also control hardware. The point of such kits is that enthusiasts can select additional equipment at their discretion, without relying on the decision of the manufacturer.

— Kit (set). Models supplied as a set of separate parts that, after purchase, have yet to be assembled into a finished boat. Many components are missing in such kits, and the bundle may be even poorer than in the ARR described above — for example, some "whales" are even supplied without a motor. However, given the purpose, this is not a disadvantage, but rather an advantage: this option is intended f...or enthusiastic modellers, for whom the ability to independently assemble and equip a vessel is no less valuable than the ability to launch a finished boat.

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.

Rated voltage of the battery supplied with the boat.

The voltage is selected by the manufacturer in such a way as to provide the required performance. Therefore, in general, it is a secondary parameter; you usually have to pay attention to voltage only when looking for a replacement battery or charger.

Note that in modern radio-controlled equipment, including boats, batteries with a standard voltage of 3.7 V, 7.2 V and 11.1 V have become widespread. volt battery instead of 3.7 volt battery for more power and speed.

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.

A battery charger is included with the boat. This configuration eliminates the need to buy a “charger” separately, while the charger, by definition, will be optimally suited for standard batteries (whereas a third-party device will still have to be selected according to its characteristics).

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.