1. What is the RC Motor Speed Equation?

The RC Motor Speed equation calculates the theoretical speed of a radio-controlled vehicle based on motor RPM, tire circumference, and gear ratio. It helps RC enthusiasts optimize their vehicle's performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RC Motor Speed equation:

Where:

• \( RPM \) — Motor revolutions per minute
• \( Tire\ Circumference \) — Distance traveled in one tire revolution (in kilometers)
• \( Gear\ Ratio \) — Ratio of motor speed to wheel speed

Explanation: The equation calculates how fast the vehicle moves based on how quickly the motor spins, how far the vehicle moves with each rotation, and the gear reduction between motor and wheels.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Accurate speed estimation helps RC enthusiasts select appropriate gear ratios, predict top speeds, and optimize battery life versus performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter motor RPM (typically 2000-30000 for brushless motors), tire circumference in kilometers (measure or calculate from diameter), and gear ratio (often between 2:1 to 10:1). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure tire circumference?
A: Either measure the distance around the tire directly, or calculate from diameter (Circumference = π × Diameter).

Q2: What's a typical gear ratio for RC cars?
A: Most 1/10 scale cars use 6:1 to 10:1 ratios, while faster vehicles may use 3:1 to 5:1.

Q3: Why is my actual speed lower than calculated?
A: The calculation shows theoretical maximum. Real speed is affected by friction, air resistance, voltage drop, and surface conditions.

Q4: How does battery voltage affect speed?
A: Higher voltage increases motor RPM (speed), while lower voltage decreases it. The speed changes proportionally with RPM.

Q5: Can I use this for brushless and brushed motors?
A: Yes, the equation works for both motor types as long as you know the RPM under load.