Hey guys

i'm working on a computer vision project that I need to test using RC's (not yet willing to scrifice my car). As such I'm looking to buy one of those cheap RC's from Kmart, mount a camera, and allow my software to control it.

To let the computer control the device, I'm going to be using PCTx from Edurance (http://www.endurance-rc.com/pctx.html), and will need to get a Radio that allows peripheral connections. I'm thinking something like a Futaba 4YF 4 channel 3 servos 36mhz FM (http://www.*********.com.au/store/pr...6853437a40f9ca).

I have zero knowledge about this, and was wondering if these radios come with servos that you have to implant into your RC vehicle, or is it standardised so that it could operate any RC vehicle out of the box?

Cheers

The radio will have to work with a compatible receiver,
Most cheap RC's come with AM radios so an FM radio will not be compatible with it. Additionally most of the very inexpensive RC's will have integrated ESC's (electronic speed controls), recievers and very inexpensive (read cheap) servos that will not be able to be easily replaced with hobby grade parts. Your best bet would be to plan to spend a bit more for a test vehicle and get an entry level hobby grade RC. Since I don't know what type of vehicle you're looking for I'll wait to hear more before making suggestions for one.

If you want to make a toy into something that can be run with hobby grade gear, be prepares to do some SERIOUS mods. Dave already addressed some of the key points. And not only that, toy RCs will break WAY more easily than hobbygrade RCs. You hit a curb and all the work and money you spent to use hobby grade gear goes up in an instant.

Honestly, it does sound like a fun project if you know wfat you are doing and you are a good fabricator. But if you only do a hak job to drop in hobby grade gear, I agree with what Dave said. You should just buy a hobby grade RC instead.

Thanks for the feedback.

Ultimately I'm more focussed on the software that's more or less ready; and it sounds like I can either shell out a bit more cash and save some frustruation or be prepared to hack up a lot more than I have time for.

I'm actually interested in getting an R/C tank, as I don't want anything that's too fast. I'm assuming these can be modified to accept signals from a new radio.

Again, toy store toy tanks, probably not so much. A hoppy grade tank, don't see why not. As a side note there is a dedicated "tank" fourm on RCU. Just look down the page a bit more.