The Takara Digi-Q TOP

Back in the 1980's Takara introduced a line of toys called the "Choro-Q" (called Penny Racers here in US). Using a wind-up mechanism (by pulling back on the car while it was on the ground), these 1.5" tiny cars would zip around and do little wheelies and spins (if you put a coin in the back slot/bumber that came with the car).

20 years later, technology has advanced and shrunk enough to allow Takara to introduce the DigiQ! A remote controlled version of the ChoroQ!!!

Under the hood of the DigiQ is a CPU controlled pair of motors (1 for each back wheel). Since the front wheels don't turn, these 2 motors are how steering are achieved (kind of like a Tank, one wheel slows down a little, while the other maintains speed and the difference makes the vehicle change direction). A pair of tiny Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries power the motors, giving an approx runtime of 15 minutes before recharing is needed (recharging is conveniently done on a charging station that's right on the remote control!)

Here are some videos to show the DigiQ in action!
From ESToys        

Also unique to the DigiQ is how the remote control is done, via Infrared. Each car is equipped with a specific Infrared ID, from ID1 to ID4 are used.

The chart below is a listing of all currently availabe Cars and/or Kits. Some cars are only available as a Kit (Controller & Car) and some are available as the individual car (refer to the chart to see).

Click the names to get a close-up picture of each car as well.

Click HERE currently available accessories

 

The Tomy Bit Char-G TOP

More info about the Bit to come, but for now I wanted to get the Bit Char-G car chart up.
Here's some vids of the Bit Char-G in action!
Vid1(Realvid)        
Click the car names to get a pic of each car!

 

 

RadioShack ZipZaps TOP

In September of 2002, RadioShack enters the Micro R/C scene with their ZipZaps line of cars. What sets their Micro R/Cs apart from the rest is all the accessories available and that you can pick them up for very reasonable prices at ANY of the retail chains. The ZipZaps line has done well enough that RadioShack offers an 'SE' version (currently the ONLY 1/64th scale R/C car with proportional steering and speed...And for only $25) and a 'Monster Truck' version.

Check out the complete catalog HERE