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.
Reviews
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY
There is now so much new product coming onto the market that it's hard for
most of us to keep up with what's good and what's not so good.
This situation is made worse by the fact that China has become a major force in the RC model marketplace so many of the items we're seeing for sale online and in our local hobby shops is of unknown quality and performance.
That's where RC Model Reviews comes in, taking all the risks and doing all the hard work to check out what's good and what's not.
As time and money allows, I'll be reviewing a growing list of products that are currently being sold and you'll get an objective report as to their strengths, weaknesses, performance and value.
Below is a list of the products that have either been reviewed or are currently under review. If you've got a suggestion for a product that deseves scrutiny by RC Model Reviews, please let me know through the Feedback page.
- Sony 600TVL Super HAD board camera for FPV (video)
- CM210 CMOS FPV video camera (video)
- Tiny DVR and 5.8GHz receiver for FPV (video)
- $17 HK FPV camera with wide-angle lens (video)
- Fatshark Dominator FPV glasses (Part 1) (video)
- FrSky telemetry dashboard and sensor hub (part 1) (video)
- HobbyKing Rare Bear (parts 1&2) (video)
- Spektrum DX8/DSMX (video)
- HobbyKing 720p HD video Camera
- The HobbyKing 900MHz FPV video system
- The LotusRC T580 quadcopter
- The Corona DS 538MG metal-geared digital servo
- The FeiyuTech FY21AP FPV control system
- The FatShark FPV video glasses/goggles
- JR's DSMJ FHSS 2.4GHz system
- Sky Angel F16 EDF Jet
- Fake Futaba Servos
- Review: Chinese TFR8 FASST-compatible receiver
- Review: Turnigy 9X V2
- ASP/Sanye/Magnum 52 2-stroke engine
- 2.4GHz R/C Shootout Results
- Version 3.0 of the Fly-Dream 2.4GHz module and receivers
- WFly 2.4GHz DSSS module and receivers
- Spektrum/JR DSM2 part 1 (video)
- Spektrum/JR DSM2 part 2 (video)
- Corona DSSS DIY module (video)
- Hitec Optima AFHSS module and receiver part 1 (video)
- Hitec Optima AFHSS module and receiver part 2 (video)
- Hitec Optima AFHSS module and receiver part 3 (video)
- FrSky 2.4GHz FHSS module and receiver
- FrSky 2.4GHz FHSS module and receiver (video)
- Assan 2.4GHz DSSS module and receivers
- Corona 2.4GHz DSSS module and receivers
- The WiSpy 2.4i Spectrum Analyzer for 2.4GHz
- FlyDream 2.4GHz module/receiver
- HobbyKing's $30 2.4GHz radio
- Bushnell's budget radar speed gun
- TowerPro/Hextronic MG995 servo
- SK90 (the cheapest .90 on the market?)
- iMax 9X 2.4GHz RC system
- Hextronic battery monitor
- Chinese servos
- MAC/MDS .61 bargain engine (sneak peek video)
- DL50 50cc gas engine
- Thunder Tiger 46Pro engine
- Saito 100 engine
- Saito 82 engine
- FMA Co-pilot system
- Katana 46 V2 profile ARF
- World Models SuperStunts 40 ARF
- Nitro Models Bobcat 50 ARF
- Castor and synthetic model oils
If you've got some more suggestions for things that need explaining, please use the feedback section of this website to let me know.
Fresh Articles:
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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: