Servo splice for length?
 

I only need a couple of inches to make the connection from my servo to the ESC- can I just splice a section to make it fit? Or must I get an extension cable which will make it way too long and then I have to find one and then wait for it, BUT I'd rather do that than mess up a working servo.

Are you needing to plug your servo into your receiver or ESC? In some applications, servos can receive power directly from the ESC/speed controller. However in most applications the servo will need to be plugged into some type of receiver so that it can be operated by the radio. Assuming you just need to plug into the radio receiver, here are you options...

- Move the receiver. This may not be possible but it may be the simplest option.
- Purchase a servo wire extension. This is probably the easiest option and is common practice in all forms of this hobby. Extensions come in various lengths, are inexpensive, and can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon if you are unable to travel right now. If you use this option, it is a good idea to secure the extension together with tape.
- Splice in a wire extension. This will require a soldering iron/skills, solder, flux, and access to heat shrink/wire insulation for best results. A quick youtube search on splicing a servo wire should yield some good videos.
- Replace the entire servo cable with a new & longer wire. There is a thread here on RCTECH.net dedicated to clean wiring installs. Many of the individuals there will modify their existing servo wires by replacing the stock wiring with a color of their own choice or modify the length to their exact needs. Click on the following link if you need some inspiration. Feel free to ask questions or admire their work. https://www.rctech.net/forum/electri...tion-pics.html
- Replace the servo with one with a longer wire. Not all servos come with the same length wire. When purchasing servos, the specs should include the length of the wiring.

There is nothing wrong with splicing in wire. I would just make sure to use the same gauge wire and specs. However, if you are in a pinch or have an immediate need sometimes you just got to make it work. If you do go the splice method, make sure you have a good set of cable strippers as servo wires are small and it can be difficult to expose the wire using a single bladed knife. Also be aware that most servo wire is braided wire, so be careful when twisting or splicing 2 wires together.

One last thing to consider. Take some time to research online the different ways to splice wire together. Simply twisting wire together isn't always the best or strongest way to join 2 wires. Also remember that any join or splice is a potential failure point, so make sure to properly protect this area. Also consider that splicing can potentially degrade the signal going from the receiving device to the servo.

Good luck, and I hope this info helps.

Yup I can solder- and have the tools for the job- I'll see if I can move stuff around- I was just being curious. I think the extension would be pretty much the same as a splice though-

You can do anyway they suits you. Purchase extension, or make extensions. Or brave enough to extend the wire by disassembly of servo. Myself I customize my stuff, I'm a hobbyist. I make my extensions or disassemble servo. You can order Crimp connector, plugs, and wire from HansenHobby.com. Can also buy ratcheting Crimper Tool, view video on websight. If tool too expensive for you, can find on Amazom for cheaper. Good Luck

That is a great site- I believe I have a winner- Thanks

At the lengths that we are typically using in r/c applications, I doubt there would be much real world difference in signal strength when comparing a splice to a cable extension. I'm sure there would be a measurable difference if someone actually tested signal strengths between an single cable vs. any type of cable that has breaks in it. If I was going to be connecting a servo to the tail of a large scale r/c airplane for example, I would want to make sure I had the cleanest connection possible.

However, the big difference between a splice and using a cable extension is the total number of connections added to the circuit. A splice will either have 1 or 2 additional connections depending on how it was used. If I have to splice in a connection, I use a saved cable from a defective servo or speed control so it already has the connector that goes into the receiver. I then only have to splice the existing cable into my too short cable which is only 1 additional connection where I might get increased resistance. If someone didn't have this type of connector and had to splice wire in-between the servo and connector at most you would get 2 extra connections in the circuit.

On the other hand if you are using an extension cable, you will end up with 4 total extra points in the circuit where the circuit had to be joined together. Pre-made extensions typically using a male and female connector at each end. Inside each connector there are pins that are crimped onto the wire. This increases the potential failure points depending on the condition of the pins and how well the wires were crimped onto the pins.

Below is a very basic video show how to put pins onto the end of a servo style connector. I'm sure there are better videos online.

To anyone who is reading this post, I'm not trying to discourage you from making a servo wire longer. It really is a simple process as all you are doing is extending 3 wires. Just be careful when you strip the wires and to insulate the connection when you are done. Sometimes it is better to make sure something is functional and ugly looking rather than perfect. However if you are going to regularly modify the length on servo wires or build your own, I would highly recommend purchasing a good set of wire strippers, a crimp tool, and the appropriate pins and connectors. As an earlier post mentioned, here is a link on Hansen Hobbies that will show you are the various items you will need... https://www.hansenhobbies.com/products/connectors/

I have never personally used Hansen Hobbies, but you should be able to find these type of supplies at various online hobby retailers or Amazon.

I hope this information helps.