ZipZaps Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------------- http://www.zipzaps.com/zzFAQ.asp Last updated: 12/1/2003 Where can I buy a replacement battery for the ZipZaps chassis? Calling 1-800-THE-SHACK is the fastest way to find the batteries you need. Ask for RSU #12413449, 1.2V Ni-MH 1/4 AAA Battery or RSU #12413456, 2.4V MINI Battery. What are the basic differences between the original ZipZaps cars and the ZipZaps SE cars? First of all, like the original Zip Zaps cars, ZipZaps SE cars are immediate "must have" collectibles. They are licensed replicas of the hottest makes and models. In terms of operation, ZipZaps SE cars have sophisticated technology and functionality that really lets you get involved: * Six selectable frequencies allow you to race six cars at the same time. * Digital proportional steering and steering wheel style steering knob for more exacting control and performance. * Trigger style controller and L/R switch for easy operation with either hand. * Quick trim adjustments on both the vehicle and the controller for greater "straight-line" operation. * Real working headlights and taillights for night-time racing action. Why does my car move by itself when I finish charging it? The neutral adjustment screw located on the back of the remote control is not set properly. Simply fine-tune the adjustment until the wheels stop. How can I increase the range of my ZipZaps SE car? ZipZaps SE cars are designed to have a range of about 40 feet, while the original ZipZaps cars' range is about 20 feet. You should always make sure your remote control battery is fresh. Also, make sure you do not touch the antenna with your fingers while holding the remote or attach anything to the antenna on the remote control; doing so can interfere with operation and performance. Why does the charger light turn amber when I try to charge my ZipZaps SE car? The car is designed to auto program the frequency of operation of the controller to the car. If the initial instructions are NOT followed for charging the car, the remote charging light could turn amber indicating the charger is NOT communicating to the car. If the amber light appears, try the following: Step 1: Turn OFF the controller. Step 2: Flip over your ZipZaps SE car and turn the car OFF. Step 3 Turn ON the controller. Step 4: Set the frequency of the controller to ONE. Step 5: Reset the controller to the desired frequency (1-6). Step 6: Turn ON the RC. Step 7: Place your RC on the charger until fully charged. (The charger light should be red while charging, then turn green.) What is the "chatter" noise I hear from my ZipZaps SE car? This slight "chatter" is normal and does NOT indicate a problem with your ZipZaps SE car. If the Steering Trim control moves away from center, your ZipZaps car's front wheels can vibrate back and forth, creating a mechanical "chatter" noise. This is a normal function of the car caused as its steering system attempts to find center. However, if the chatter happens all the time on your car, this is excessive. This can be minimized by fine-tuning the Steering Trim control on the side of the remote control while the car is not in motion. Just adjust the STEERING TRIM control until the excessive "chatter" stops, then adjust the ALIGNMENT R/L screw on the bottom of the vehicle until the wheels are straight. Where can I buy ZipZaps Micro RCs? ZipZaps micro RCs are only available at RadioShack stores, RadioShack.com and by calling 1-866-4ZIPZAPS (1-866-494-7927). Are ZipZaps products available for sale outside the U.S.? Currently they are only available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, if purchased online they can only be shipped within the 48 contiguous United States. My car isn't driving straight or won't turn at all, how do I fix it? Adjust the white pointer on the bottom of the chassis to improve the balance on your car. You may also want to dust off the chassis to make sure it is clear of debris and other particles. The turning mechanism tends to pick up lint and dust when the car is run on carpet. This is not a problem once the lint has been removed. Use the ZipZaps Tool Kit to brush the lint away, or use canned air - available from RadioShack. My car isn't working but it says it's charged. What could be wrong? If the car doesn't work at all, be sure that the rear axle is properly and fully attached. When you spin the rear tires with your finger, you should see the little black spindle turn on the motor as well. If the black spindle is not turning, then the rear axle is not fully engaged. If the car works for just a few seconds, it may not be making good contact with the controller plate while charging. Try holding the car down onto the charger for the full charging time to see if that gives a better charge. If that doesn't help, the battery may be defective. I cannot get the rear tires on - what should I do? Run through the instructions and ensure that all steps have been followed accurately. It is critical that the hubcaps are attached before the tires are put on. The tires will not stay in place until the hubcaps are attached. This is more data that ran over the limit. Are ZipZaps Starter Kits only available in 27 and 49MHz? ZipZaps cars are still only available in 27 and 49MHz but ZipZaps SE offers six user-selectable 27MHz frequencies. Can I buy retired ZipZaps products? Retired ZipZaps products are no longer available at your local RadioShack or on RadioShack.com. Retired ZipZaps products are available on the secondary market. What are Starter Kits & Accessory Kits? Starter Kits contain everything you need to build ZipZaps cars and get started racing. They include a chassis, charger/controller and body tops. Upgrade Kits do not include a charger/controller or a chassis. Accessory Kits add speed, control and different body tops to your ZipZaps micro RC. How long does it take to charge? How long does it last? ZipZaps cars only take about a minute to charge, and will run for about 5 minutes on one charge. What range can I expect? The cars should give you from 15 to 20 feet range when used in an open area. Your results may vary depending on external interference. If your range is poor, try the car in a different location. What does changing the gears and motors do? A little tuning of the gears and motors changes the way your car runs. It may make it faster, but it may also make it a little harder to control in the turns. Click here to learn more about the different motors and gears. Can I use different colored gears? No, the gears will not mesh together correctly unless the same color is used for both the transfer gear and the rear axle gear. Different colored gear pairs & motors, for example, blue gears with a green motor, can be combined without problems. How can I get the fastest motors? The fastest motor is the purple Nitrous Express motor that's available in the 2 Fast 2 Furious Street Tuner Upgrade Kit and the Initial D Street Tuner Upgrade Kit, also check out the orange racing motor found in the Performance Booster Upgrade Kit II and the Initial D Street Tuner Upgrade Kit. What do the suspension bars do and how can I change them? Suspension bars affect the overall ride when used on different surfaces. It is easiest to change the suspension using the tools found in the ZipZaps Tool Kit. The white, plastic suspension should pop out of the holes on the chassis, but be careful not to force it or apply too much pressure to avoid breakage. Suspension bars will not be included on newer ZipZaps models. What are the best surfaces for driving ZipZaps? Smooth surfaces. Table tops and smooth floors, like linoleum, allow optimum speed for your ZipZaps. Carpet, concrete and uneven surfaces can cause debris and lint to get in the motor area and clog up the mechanics, they also decrease your speed and cause wear and tear on your tires. My ZipZaps doesn't work. How can I fix it? This could be due to a number of things. Check to ensure the transmitter is turned on and has two fresh, "AAA" batteries. Make sure you are standing close enough to the car and are clear from other interference-causing devices such as other ZipZaps cars of the same frequency, cordless phones, microwave ovens and TVs. You may also want to check that you've assembled your car correctly. How many cars can I race at once? ZipZaps micro RCs come in two frequencies - 27MHz and 49MHz - so two cars can race each other. The new ZipZaps SE cars offer six user-selectable frequencies so you can race up to six cars at once. To run multiple races with non-SE cars, the cars need to be set up at least 20-feet apart. If two cars of the same frequency are too close together you may notice that they run slower or not at all. What is the difference between 27 and 49MHz? They are the two different frequencies (the number of times per second a cycle occurs, measured in hertz) of ZipZaps cars that allow two cars to race at once. The two frequencies run various types of electronics; however, they work the same for your ZipZaps cars unless effected by nearby interference. I'm having problems with range in both frequencies - what's the problem? First, make sure you are not touching the antenna. This will ground it out and shorten the range. There could also be some transmitter interference. Most common problems for the 49MHz unit come from cordless phones and baby monitors. The 27MHz unit can see interference from both CB and Marine radios.