When you build your RC for speed, the first thing you’re going to need to measure your speed is a speedometer. Since most RC cars don’t come with one, you need to find a suitable piece of hardware to capture your speed runs and store the data. A speedometer is a necessary device for RC drivers who are attempting to break their own speed records and back up their claims with real data.
Measuring your RC car’s speed is an exciting challenge. Just like general-purpose GPS speedometer trackers used for bikes and cars, RC users can utilize these devices to monitor their RC vehicle speeds. These speedometers accurately track and display the speed achieved by your RC vehicle. This gives you a sense of achievement and the thrill of breaking your own speed record, or your buddie’s.
To make your choice easier, we’ve listed three of the most reliable speedometers suitable for RC vehicles. These devices offer ease of use, and the excitement of tracking and improving your RC speed records.
3 Best Speedometers to Track Your RC Speed
SKYRC GNSS Performance Analyzer RC Speedometer
Next up is the GPS Tracker and Speedometer from SKYrc. This speedometer, known as the SKYRC GNSS Performance Analyzer, shines as the most premium option in our selection, especially for RC car enthusiasts. It’s been thoroughly tested and performs exceedingly well.
Features:
The GNSS Performance Analyzer utilizes dual GPS and GLONASS systems to precisely measure your RC car’s top speeds. It customizes metrics for drag, track, or flight, ensuring accuracy in every performance claim.
Continuous Data Capture: The integrated 1M memory automatically replaces old records. This means that you will receive uninterrupted data logging and that your best performances will be captured.
Long-lasting Battery: With an onboard LiPo battery, it offers up to 5 hours of use. This allows for longer racing or flying sessions without power loss mid-session.
Effortless Connectivity: Seamlessly syncs with the RC Gears App through Bluetooth 4.0, enabling instant data analysis. Easily transform technical data into actionable insights for performance enhancement.
Ultra-Portable Design: With dimensions of just 40mm x 40mm x 17mm and a lightweight design, it’s as portable and easy to carry as your RC vehicles.
Specifications:
- Brand: SKYRC
- Special Features: Bluetooth connectivity
- Map Type: Satellite
- Battery Life: 5 Hours
- Mounting Type: Dashboard Mount
- Product Dimensions: 1.57″L x 1.57″W x 0.67″H
The SKYRC GNSS Performance Analyzer is an ideal tool for RC car and plane enthusiasts seeking premium precision in measuring speeds and tracking performance. Its advanced features and connectivity options make it a standout choice for enhancing RC experiences.
Should You Buy It?
If you want a premium option with good performance this is the one you should choose for your RC.
MEILAN M3 Mini GPS Multi-Functional Odometer
The Meilan M3 MINI GPS Bike Computer and Speedometer stand as our top pick. It’s a reliable device that delivers accurate readings and waterproof features.
Features
High-sensitivity GPS chip: It has a high-sensitivity GPS chip that works with BEIDOU, GPS, and GLONASS so you can find out where you are without having to set the time. Although for RC cars GPS functionality is not that important.
Adaptability to RCs: Despite being designed as a mini bike computer, it offers functionality suitable for RCs, focusing on speed reading.
Automatic Time Zone Adjustment: Automatically adjusts time zones once GPS is positioned, simplifying usage and ensuring accurate time tracking for RC activities. It is another feature for regular vehicles, but not for RC.
Clear Display with Essential Data: A 1.7-inch MONO LCD screen with a full-screen white backlight makes it easy to see data under different lighting conditions. It shows important riding stats like time, distance, current/average/maximum speed, time, altitude, ODO, and total mileage.
USB rechargeable and Runtime: The USB rechargeable device has a backlight that lasts up to 8 hours after a full charge, so it’s perfect for remote control.
Riding Records Storage: Stores up to 30 riding records, easily accessible through a history view page, providing quick access to past data for reference.
Note on limitations: The M3 bike computer doesn’t support track storage or ride data upload, focusing solely on real-time monitoring and data display for RC enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Brand: MEILAN
- Color: White
- Dimensions: 1.73″L x 0.75″W x 2.36″H
- Weight: 0.08 pounds
- Screen Size: 1.7 inches
- Display Type: LCD
The Meilan M3 Mini GPS Bike Computer offers reliable performance, accurate data tracking, and ease of use. So, it will be a good choice for tracking your cycling adventures.
Should You Buy It?
This speedometer from Meilan is the most affordable on our list with a good speed tracking record. You will find many YouTube videos with this speedometer test with different RC models. So, yes you can go for this.
ELING 2″ Digital GPS Speedometer Odometer
Last on our list we have the ELING 2″ Digital GPS Speedometer Odometer. It features a red backlight, displaying Current Speed and ODO readings.
Features:
To set up this speedometer make sure your GPS antenna is positioned flat with a clear view of the sky to get accurate readings. The antenna cable needs to be connected to the gauge’s socket without being cut.
Red Backlight Display: This device clearly shows Current Speed and ODO readings for easy monitoring.
Installation Ease: You’ll need a 52mm (2 1/16″) hole in the panel and 70mm (2 3/4″) clearance behind the panel for secure gauge mounting with M4 nuts.
Signal Acquisition: Takes approximately 30 seconds for the first signal acquisition and less than 3 seconds for subsequent ones, especially under clear sky conditions.
Unit Adjustment: You can easily switch between KM/H, MPH, and KNOTS by pressing the back button.
Waterproof and Anti-fogging: The jacket is 100% waterproof and anti-fogging, so you won’t have to worry about moisture.
Compact: This speedometer is compact and lightweight.
Specifications:
- Brand: ELING
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 2.05 x 2.05 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 0.22 kilograms
- Working Voltage: 9-32VDC (12VDC/24VDC)
- Features: Red Backlight, Waterproof, Anti-fogging protection
ELING’s Speedometer is a user-friendly and reliable option for RC car enthusiasts looking for accurate speed readings.
Should You Buy It?
This speedometer is the second premium option for a speedometer on our list for your RC. It also gives you close to accurate speed data, so this item is also reliable.
Wrap Up
So, if you are looking for a speedometer for your RC car, we hope this list will help you. The truth is you will find many options in the market. But, for most of the meter, if you look for reviews there are many mixed reviews even with a good rating. According to our research and analysis, we found these three the most reliable, but the SKYRC GNSS is our favorite!
