ZipZaps
ZipZaps were miniature radio-controlled cars sold by RadioShack, currently marketed under the brand name XMODS Micro RC. They were commonly compared to Tomy's Bit Char-G (sold in the U.S. as MicroSizers) and Takara's Digi-Q micro R/C lines.
Overview
First introduced in September 2002, ZipZaps were an instant success and one of the most popular gifts of the holiday season in North America, with RadioShack stores often selling out of the starter kits. They were referred to as "micro R/C" due to their diminutive size. At around 1/64 scale, ZipZaps were only slightly larger than popular die-cast toy cars such as Hot Wheels and Matchbox.
ZipZaps were unique among toy-style micro R/C vehicles in that they could be customized much like large R/C models. Each partially assembled ZipZaps kit included a pre-assembled chassis with built-in nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries on which the gears, tires and hubcaps could be changed for better appearance and performance. Five motors and three gear ratios were offered, ranging from the 16,000 rpm stock unit to the high-speed 34,000 rpm "NX" (named after a popular brand of nitrous oxide). Gear ratios were 12:1 "stock", 9.86:1 "performance" and 8.25:1 "turbo". Tracking was adjusted via a wheel alignment lever underneath the vehicles themselves. The vehicle's on-board battery was charged by snapping the entire car onto the top of the transmitter. Full charge was accomplished in about 40 to 60 seconds with run times averaging five minutes. Neither steering nor throttle was proportional, with both functions either full on or full off. Steering was accomplished via an electromagnetic setup which pulled the steering knuckles from one side to the other based on transmitter input. The SE series added semi-proportional, two-speed throttle and fully proportional rack-and-pinion steering with steering trim adjustable at the transmitter like a full-sized R/C.
Further customizing options came from the variety of body shells which snapped on over the top of the chassis, allowing the car to take on the appearance of any number of popular cars including the Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota AE86, Audi TT, Ford GT, Ford Mustang, Hummer H1 and Mercedes-Benz SL. "Past and present" two-packs of body shells were sold as well, depicting early and late versions of sports cars and muscle cars. In addition to selling the Initial D manga, RadioShack also sold bodies for the SE chassis of the AE86 Trueno and the AE85 Levin from the series in a two-pack (which also included a few performance gears and motors) for the holiday season in 2002. Motion picture vehicles were represented by the Ford Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch and the tuned imports from 2 Fast 2 Furious. RadioShack marketed a replica of Herbie that tied in with the Walt Disney Studios 2005 release of Herbie: Fully Loaded. In 2007, Radioshack released a set of ZipZaps for the live-action Transformers film, featuring Optimus Prime (the only model to feature a six-wheel chassis), Barricade, and Bumblebee. A series of monster trucks based on a larger chassis and with larger tires and motors and four wheel drive were available as well.
ZipZaps operated on one of two frequencies: namely 27 MHz and 49 MHz, so no more than two people can reliably race their ZipZaps. The SE series and monster trucks featured working headlights and taillights as well as electronically selectable multiple frequencies within the 27 MHz band for up to six racers. The SE series had steering and throttle are proportional control and used a gun-type controller. Motors, tires and wheel covers (or "hubs" as they are called) were interchangeable between regular ZipZaps and the SE series. The bodies were also interchangeable, but the lights on SE bodies obviously did not work on the regular chassis. Accessories such as lap counters, autocross pylons and carrying cases were available as well.
The popularity of ZipZaps waned somewhat in 2004 with RadioShack's introduction of XMODS. At 1/28 scale, XMODS are considerably larger. Like ZipZaps, XMODS offer the opportunity for customizing both appearance and performance potential.
XMODS Micro RC
On October 2008, RadioShack relaunched the ZipZaps line – this time, as XMODS Micro RC. Only the name has changed; all parts are backwards and forwards-compatible between ZipZaps (except the light features of the SE line) and XMODS Micro RC lines. The new line uses the same chassis and controller of the regular ZipZaps line (as opposed to the more advanced features of the SE line). Current models include the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette and 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.