Luncbox First time waterproofing and electronics upgrades

[thunderboltkid77 0]

Hi all, I am currently upgrading a Tamiya Lunchbox I bought around 10 years ago.  Having done everything else my attention has now turned to the electronics.

Having replaced the stock can motor with a 540 sports tuned this leaves the Electronic Speed Controller, servo for the steering and what I term 'radio box' where the crystal sits along with the wires plugged in.  How would I go about waterproofing these and in fact would anyone suggest upgrading these?  If so what would be the potential benefit please?  If so also, what would I replaced them with please?

I know the balloons can be used for basic waterproofing and I am not currently looking to purchase cans of Plasti-dip.  Any cheap and quick hacks please?!

Pics of follow!

[Pumesta 409]

I wrap my receivers and servo's with self amalgamating tape http://www.screwfix.com/p/self-amalgamating-rubber-tape-black-19mm-x-10m/87717 .  It forms a solid rubber waterproof seal, only downside is it makes it a pain to swap crystals, 

[Backlash 483]

You can buy waterproof servos and ESC's if you want to go that way..

The "Rock Crawling" crowd have been known to use small plastic boxes to house their electronics (receiver and ESC) in for the purpose of waterproofing them.. The "plastic box" could be anything from a small food storage container (eg Tupperware) or the case that a servo came in or even "zippy boxes" designed to house electronics projects in.. The lid of the box and any holes made for cables can then be sealed with a silicone sealant..

Plastidip is another option.. Search on YouTube "waterproof a servo" and you will get a few results on how to use the Plastidip..

If you want to try something less permanent, then a balloon or even a condom and a zip tie (cable tie) can provide some protection against water ingress..

[mongoose1983 3357]

Yes, PLASTIDIP is all you need

https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/waterproofing-your-rc/

[WillyChang 1818]

Unless you're prepared to strip & rebuild your car everytime it gets near water... its best to avoid playing when wet.

Even if everything electronic is sealed up, condensation will still happen and leave enough moisture to cause corrosion over time... anything sealed needs to be unsealed & dried out after every use.

I like Traxxas receiver boxes  splashproof ESCs & servos commonplace these days.

However i'm yet to find a properly rainproof Transmitter  anybody? 

TXes that have gotten wet start glitching before long. 

(Nikon's pro DSLRs are rainproof... why not TXes?)

[Jason1145 4685]

1 hour ago, WillyChang said:

Unless you're prepared to strip & rebuild your car everytime it gets near water... its best to avoid playing when wet.

Even if everything electronic is sealed up, condensation will still happen and leave enough moisture to cause corrosion over time... anything sealed needs to be unsealed & dried out after every use.

I like Traxxas receiver boxes  splashproof ESCs & servos commonplace these days.

However i'm yet to find a properly rainproof Transmitter  anybody? 

TXes that have gotten wet start glitching before long. 

(Nikon's pro DSLRs are rainproof... why not TXes?)

Have to admit the traxxas stuff is good, 2075 servos used to be my number 1 when I ran RC's bigger than Tamiya, but now I use cheaper alternatives.

( trying not to buy a Traxxas Slash right now as I miss my old one)

As for the teaterproof transmitter, I did see a "cosy" type cover thing that goes over it and you put your hands inside too, primarily for cold days but it might've been Waterproof too, like an overcoat for your transmitter and hands only.

[WillyChang 1818]

20 minutes ago, Jason1145 said:

Have to admit the traxxas stuff is good, 2075 servos used to be my number 1 when I ran RC's bigger than Tamiya, but now I use cheaper alternatives.

...

As for the teaterproof transmitter, I did see a "cosy" type cover thing that goes over it and you put your hands inside too, primarily for cold days but it might've been Waterproof too, like an overcoat for your transmitter and hands only.

i stick TX & hands into a big plastic bag... y'know, like Dubya 

TRX 2075 are great, loved them at $25-30ea (from TRX chopshops) and have them in many 1/10s including onroads. They aren't built for immersion though, they should be properly dried out after you play in the wet. The white grease on the gears also dries to a gritty powder after a while, jamming up the works.

These days though, Hobbyking sells equivalents that are waterproof, faster than standard & double standard torque for a 3rd of the 2075 price.