Waterproofing Electrics, Help!

[necronomicon]

Hi guys, can anyone give me any hints on waterproofing electrics for cars like the blackfoot, madcap and grasshopper.

I have waterproof ESCs, so they're OK, but a bit worried about the receiver and servos. Have tried putting receiver in a balloon and cable tying the end, but wondered if there are any other ideas people use. Are acoms servos ok in water/ splashing or do they rot from the inside out, ??

Also motors, do they get damaged if in contact with splashes of water, i suspect not but would love some advice

thanks for your time

Neil

[Mud-Plugger]

See my showroom for an alternative for waterproofing electronics. When I use balloons, I use a cable tie, then a plug of silicone then another cable tie. The balloons do eventually perish and become porous.

The more expensive servos have rubber seals around the joints and sometimes if you are lucky an "O" ring around the output shaft beneath the cover. I additionally varnish over all my joints , as I usually end up submersing them. Servos will only rot from the inside out if water has at first got in. The main problem though, as with receivers, any water often causes problems as the electronics work on very small currents. My advice if anything does get wet, is not to keep trying it, just turn off the power, dry out thoroughly over a heater etc and then try again, a simple wipe over will NOT remove all the moisture and permanent damage can result.

On motors I have used self-amalgamating tape. Nothing will keep the water out if you intend to submerse them as there are too many odd shapes to seal and it obviously becomes a problem if you need to keep the things cool, but it does keep the seaweed out! Motors do run ok under water, the main problem is sand and mud which will grind away at the commutator. Simply splashing with water will not cause a problem.

Hope this helps,

Mud.

[mymonsterbeetleisbroken]

I'm yet to break a receiver due to water damage, although i've had a few go crazy for a while until they have dried out.

In my old monster beetle runner is simply use a balloon just like you said. I've never covered the servos with anything and they still work fine. Although i've never totally submerged the car, only got it wet in rain and puddles.

With the servo cover on the blackfoot, splashes shouldnt be a problem

Acoms used to make splash proof receivers years ago. They had a rubber bung over where the xtal mounts, and external connectors with insulated connectors.

You could also try making a small waterproof radio box, similar to the sand scorcher

[necronomicon]

Hey thanks for that guys, very useful (and quick ) info.

[Sao_bilious]

I use plastidip on any servos that are going to see repeated water abuse. Plastidip is a liquid sillicone that you can dip things in to give them a rubber coating, more dips = thicker coat, one coat is sufficient on servos.

It's available here http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?pro...Black%20(429ml)

I dip the whole servo then carefully cut the plastidip away from teh splines/output shaft. Then add an o-ring and grease before putting the servo horn back on.

As for receivers I would do the same as above balloon and silicone sealant or put in a small box.

[Twist.]

I'm yet to break a receiver due to water damage, although i've had a few go crazy for a while until they have dried out.

In my old monster beetle runner is simply use a balloon just like you said. I've never covered the servos with anything and they still work fine. Although i've never totally submerged the car, only got it wet in rain and puddles.

With the servo cover on the blackfoot, splashes shouldnt be a problem

Acoms used to make splash proof receivers years ago. They had a rubber bung over where the xtal mounts, and external connectors with insulated connectors.

You could also try making a small waterproof radio box, similar to the sand scorcher

Ooo...pretty car.