About Zero RC

Zero RC is a site run by Radio Control enthusiasts to bring you the latest news and information about RC Cars, Helicopters, Planes and Boats. About The Name "Zero RC" Zero RC is the name of the Radio Control store in the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Zero is an extreme RC enthusiast whose life, and RC store are under threat by a competitor who he beat in a science contest. Using RC toys - planes, helicopters and a minigun (to defend against an RC plane bombing attack) - Zero fights his opponent in a number of missions in the game. We chose the name because it has some "history", and one day we hope to reach Zero's status as an RC fan. The Zero RC Store in GTA: San Andreas

Rechargeable Flashlights Light The Way to The Future

There are many rechargeable flashlights on the market today. Some you shake, some you plug in, but they all have one thing in common: it's the flashlight that is rechargeable, not just the batteries that make more energy to run the flashlight.





The first flashlight was introduced to the world in 1896 by Conrad Hubert who had purchased the company from Joshua L Cowen. Hubert, together with David Misell designed a tubular flashlight for portable use. They donated several to the New York City Police Department at the time and received favorable reviews.





History of the Rechargeable Flashlight -





The first rechargeable flashlight became available to the safety sector, such as police and firemen, in the late 1970's and early 1980. Word spread fast about this revolutionary, durable and lightweight flashlight that one would be able to recharge and use again and again. Firemen, policemen, rescue workers, and auto mechanics were the first to purchase the newest in a line of rechargeable flashlights. Auto mechanics choose the rechargeable flashlight because they spend hours under the hood of a car and can use the flashlight for extended periods of time.





Shortly after the rechargeable flashlight came out with rechargeable batteries, the rechargeable flashlight itself came about. This new one did not need the assistance of batteries. This one is a plug in and go type of flashlight, which gains its energy from the electricity in your home, office, or wherever you might be when it's plugged in.





Powerful Lights -





Because they are more powerful than a regular flashlight, much law enforcement across the country carry a rechargeable flashlight. Giving greater power to the light and what you are able to view with the rechargeable flashlight, there is a new technology that has eliminated the 'black spot' in the beam, helping to see more of what is in the circle of light. In addition, emergency personnel carry rechargeable flashlights because in an emergency situation, you don't want your flashlight giving out on you and the extra light a rechargeable flashlight gives off comes in handy.





Lasting longer and longer, they nearly eliminate the need for constant recharging. A rechargeable flashlight usually plugs in to an electrical outlet for more power. This has also eliminated the need for batteries and a battery charger, which also plugs into an electrical outlet to gain its power.





A rechargeable flashlight is not only one with rechargeable batteries. Even though that is where the rechargeable flashlight got its start: as a flashlight with rechargeable batteries. And there are many batteries to choose from when selecting a rechargeable battery.





LED Flashlights -





Back in 1999, the world was introduced to LED flashlights, which emit more powerful light, longer. Many of the rechargeable flashlights are now LED equipped flashlights. LED is light emitting diode which is a type of bulb inside the flashlight. This bulb has a semi-conductor which separates the positive and negative ions from one another and when enough voltage is applied, through use of a battery normally, they mix together to form a glowing light. LED lights have been around for decades and were frequently used in electronic appliances as 'pilot' lights to designate if the circuit was open or closed. Today, LED lights are in everything from flashlights to holiday lights and night lights.





Economically Savvy Flashlights -





Rechargeable flashlights can be found in many places for emergency uses, such as hospitals and schools for when the lights are out. Even in your own home, you can have a rechargeable flashlight plugged in an outlet for emergencies. And the economical advantages are tenfold. You will save money in the long run without having to purchase and repurchase one time use batteries or a charger that goes with rechargeable batteries. Even the battery chargers eventually do stop recharging. A rechargeable flashlight never runs out of 'juice' as long as you have an electrical outlet with a positive current or flow of electricity. You are able to recharge your rechargeable flashlight.





There are countless uses for a rechargeable flashlight: on the boat, an RV, your home, in school, and to carry around for safety purposes. They are lightweight, because there are no batteries to weigh it down and they are made of a durable plastic or rubber coating, depending on which brand you choose.





These rechargeable flashlights can be large in which you must carry only the flashlight, or small enough to fit on a key ring. There are many in-between sizes as well. The rechargeable flashlight can be attached to a firearm for law enforcement or military use, or it can be medium sized and clipped to a belt or pocket.

Building Your Natural Disaster Preparation Kits

The recent flooding in the Midwest has the strength and devastation of natural disasters on everyone's mind. The sad fact is that families seem to just be coming to understanding that natural disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere. Thankfully, more people are trying to educate themselves on what they can do to be prepared. No longer does natural disaster preparation refer to stocking up on bread and water. Recent disasters like the Midwest flooding and even the Katrina Hurricane disaster are forcing us to realize that families must be prepared to relocate or hunker down with vital belongings in a hurry if they want to keep their families and some of their belongings safe. This requires preparing for a disaster long-before it is devastating your home town.



FEMA and the Red Cross, along with several other disaster recovery organizations, are stressing the importance for every home to have a disaster preparation kit stocked and ready. Below are the key items each home should have in their prep kit in order to have what they need if the power goes out or roadways become blocked.



Every Day Needs

Every disaster preparation kit should include food, water, and clothing. Non-perishable items like jars of peanut butter or fruit, granola bars, crackers, and canned goods should be packed in a box along with a large store of bottled water. Each family member should also pack an emergency bag with a few days of extra clothing and keep in near the other kit materials. This way it can be easily picked up should a fast evacuation be called for.



Equipment

One of the most important things that you need in your kit is a LED flashlight, preferably the waterproof LED flashlights. Though LED flashlights can be a bit pricier than the typical grocery store flashlights, the technology of the LED waterproof flashlights make them much more useful because they are able to last several times longer than a standard flashlight and require fewer batteries over the long term. These lights also put out a much brighter light, making them good for signaling for help. Also pack replacement batteries for your LED flashlights and keep them close to the actual flashlights so they are easy to find in the dark.



A disaster kit should also include a good knife, preferably a Swiss army or utility knife. These are compact multi-purpose tools that can help cut ropes or other things that may hinder evacuation, open canned goods and remove screws in other equipment.



A battery operated AM / FM radio is important so your family can hear news regarding the disaster, weather predictions, and evacuation notices. Keep all of the equipment together in an easy to carry box or case in an easy to get to place.



Documentation

Important family documents are one of the things most often forgotten in a disaster preparation kit. You should collect and keep a zip lock bag with your family's important documents, like birth certificates, passports, marriage license, insurance information, etc. sealed inside. Keep the bag in with your disaster materials or in with an adult's clothing. These documents are vital if you want to get back on your feet once the disaster has passed.



The fact is that natural disasters can happen in a matter of minutes, and before you know it, a bad situation can turn disastrous in an instant. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to have your natural disaster kits ready before the disaster strikes. It could be the difference in being able to get out of town and into a decent hotel, or a relatives home safely and scrambling to collect your things before water and winds trap your family. This has been an active season for natural disasters; don't wait until it is too late.



~Ben Anton, 2008