Setting Up A wet car - waterproofing electrics etc
03-28-2010, 03:56 AM
#1
Setting Up A wet car - waterproofing electrics etc
Setting Up A wet car - waterproofing electrics etc
I want to turn my old touring car into a wet car for the up comming nationals, Can any one let me know what you used. I know most people use some kind of water proof box for the speedo and reciever, but how to you waterproof the servo and the brushless motor. Any tips would be usefull
I want to turn my old touring car into a wet car for the up comming nationals, Can any one let me know what you used. I know most people use some kind of water proof box for the speedo and reciever, but how to you waterproof the servo and the brushless motor. Any tips would be usefull
03-28-2010, 08:01 AM
#2
Many companies sell waterproof servos. If you don't need a super high speed servo, check out the waterproof servos that Traxxas sells (http://www.traxxas.com/products/acce...ies_servos.htm).
You could possibly seal a normal servo with a silcone product or a product like shoe goo. I'm sure someone can post if this is a viable option.
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Beyond electronics, you may want to replace any steel parts (screws, hinge pins, etc) with metals that resist rust or are rust proof. The day of the race the steel parts obviously won't rust. But if you do have to use a metal that will rust or oxidize, make sure to remove the part after the rainy race day and remove all moisture.
You probably could protect some parts with polish or wax. This approach may not be ideal for moving parts such as steel axles.
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One last item to note, try to use a fresh set of tires that have never been prepped with oil based traction compounds.
You could possibly seal a normal servo with a silcone product or a product like shoe goo. I'm sure someone can post if this is a viable option.
-----------
Beyond electronics, you may want to replace any steel parts (screws, hinge pins, etc) with metals that resist rust or are rust proof. The day of the race the steel parts obviously won't rust. But if you do have to use a metal that will rust or oxidize, make sure to remove the part after the rainy race day and remove all moisture.
You probably could protect some parts with polish or wax. This approach may not be ideal for moving parts such as steel axles.
----------
One last item to note, try to use a fresh set of tires that have never been prepped with oil based traction compounds.
03-28-2010, 05:18 PM
#3
Any one else got any tips
03-29-2010, 05:37 AM
#4
Attempt #2;
Attempt #4;
Attempt #4;
03-29-2010, 06:53 AM
#5
Tech Adept
The easiest way to get it waterproof, is to put you receiver and speedo in a waterproof box. For example those boxes in which they sell paperclips and stuff, will just cost you €/$ 1,50. Put your speedo and rx in it. Make a little hole where you want the wiring to come out. Afterwards you can close that hole with some cleaning putty. To make sure the box is really waterproof you can put an balloon around it in case in might be leaking.
As for the motor, since most BL motors don't have any holes, you can use that one without a problem. The only thing you should keep in mind is the sensor. The sensors has to stay completely dry, otherwise you're motor will malfunction of break. Or when allowed, just drive sensorless, than there is no problem whatsoever.
About the servo, you could buy a waterproof servo, but actually all I did was a line of glasstape around the opening of the servo, and some cleaning putty on the back where the screws are. And I never had any problems.
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And of course after racing clean/dry the car completely. And dismount the entire car as soon as you get home again and clean every single part again.
A nice tip for that, when you get home, put you car in the over (not the microwave
) and put the oven on 50 deg. celsius. Keep the car in there for 10 minutes or so, and a lot of the parts at least are completely dry, than just clean them to be sure. And lubricate all your bearings and stuff.
As for the motor, since most BL motors don't have any holes, you can use that one without a problem. The only thing you should keep in mind is the sensor. The sensors has to stay completely dry, otherwise you're motor will malfunction of break. Or when allowed, just drive sensorless, than there is no problem whatsoever.
About the servo, you could buy a waterproof servo, but actually all I did was a line of glasstape around the opening of the servo, and some cleaning putty on the back where the screws are. And I never had any problems.
--
And of course after racing clean/dry the car completely. And dismount the entire car as soon as you get home again and clean every single part again.
A nice tip for that, when you get home, put you car in the over (not the microwave
) and put the oven on 50 deg. celsius. Keep the car in there for 10 minutes or so, and a lot of the parts at least are completely dry, than just clean them to be sure. And lubricate all your bearings and stuff.
03-29-2010, 03:17 PM
#8
03-29-2010, 03:32 PM
#9
Tech Apprentice
03-29-2010, 05:14 PM
#10
03-29-2010, 07:02 PM
#11
Tech Master
Hiya, we used to race Pro10 cars 'back in the day' and used to put the RX and ESC in seperate 'party ballons'. Place the unit inside the ballon, put a zip tie around the cables as they come out of the ballon and stick it in your car with servo tape as normal, easy, and it worked! Cheers.
03-29-2010, 11:15 PM
#12
Tech Adept
The only races which are cancelled when it rains are local clubraces (sometimes).
03-30-2010, 10:46 AM
#13
Not done it yet mind, as I may yet add a sensor cable if I feel its not quick enough in sensorless mode... And going on sundays performance (where admitadly it was damp, not deep puddles) I may well have too! :s
Ed
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