Zip Zaps Remote Controlled Cars
60-7017 Red, 60-7024 Black
About
One of the first "micro" or "match box" sized remote control cars. Sold by RadioShack starting in 2002.
They came in at least two frequencies so that you could easily purchase a couple and have a race (or derby) with your friends. At $20 it was a great bargain for all of us who grew up when remote cars were in the hundreds of dollars and never owned one. Another draw was the ability to customize your car by purchasing kits that could change the wheels, or body, or even the gear ratio of the wheels.
On the downside. They were always a bit twitchy, difficult to calibrate, and prone to losing radio connection.
Thoughts
Tim:
At first I was going to say that I couldn't get the car to work at all due to the battery but it just took some persistence. For some reason the first two charges only kept the car running for 30 seconds or so. After a 3rd charge attempt, everything worked fine and the charge stayed for about 3 minutes which is about what I remember.
The car is still very twitchy, but runs fine and I must admit that driving an RC car around the floor is always fun. I would say the largest issue is the short range of the remote. I would guess no more than 10' of distance from the car.
Trivia
- Custom manufactured in China for RadioShack Corp
- Pocket Racers Micro RC seem to be the most similar thing sold today, but it does not look like more than one can be used at a time.
7-14-2020