provided is a transmitter that includes a channel selector for modifying an operating frequency of a radio - controlled toy . the transmitter has a channel selection switch that enables a user to pick a channel from a set of predefined channels . the selected channel is then transferred to the toy . for example , a microcontroller unit within the transmitter may be used to detect the selected channel . the toy is placed in contact with the transmitter and the transmitter &# 39 ; s microcontroller unit communicates the channel to a microcontroller unit inside the toy . the toy &# 39 ; s microcontroller stores the channel in a memory in the toy . the toy then tunes to the stored frequency to receive control signals from the transmitter .