- Electronic’s installation in a model
- Dimitrios Katsoulis
- February 12, 2017
- No Comments
Great care should be exercised by a modeler when it’s time for the electronics to be installed into a newly assembled model aircraft. Reckless installation leads to crashes, which have as a result the partial or total destroy of your precious model aircraft.
All major manufacturers make memorable efforts in order to produce parts which are reliable and to certain extend, shock proof. As an example, gold plated connectors offer the maximum possible connectivity with minimum loss of power.
Servo installation.
Servos need a vibration insulator in the form of rubber grommets.
During servo installation before its time to connect it to the receiver or the Powerbox, keep its cable wrapped to avoid crimping or squeezing it. If any servo needs an extension then use a heavy duty one.
Buy servo extension leads here
Where the two cables connection is going to be, in order to secure it and avoid accidental cable disconnection during violent aerobatics you may use:
Heat shrinkable tube
Insulation tape
Paper tape
Safety clips.
Buy servo extension safety lock here
If multiple servos control one surface as in giant airplanes, then use multiple servo connectors.
Do not leave servo cables flying around the model’s fuselage. Use plastic retainers (tie wraps) and secure them together or (if possible) to the sides of the fuselage.
Receiver/ers installation.
The receiver/ers should not be connected directly to the fuselage because engine’s vibrations may cause severe or fatal damage to its circuits. Use a piece of foam to rap it and then secure it to the fuselage.
Make sure that the receiver’s antenna is not tied with the servo cables and that servo cables are secured. Random movement will probably create phase deviations to the signals received by the receiver and as a result erratic model flying attitude. Antenna’s wire cable should follow its own path inside or outside the fuselage and in case of receivers equipped with two antennas, an 900 angle should be maintained in order to secure a full 360o signal reception.
Battery/ies installation.
Be aware of the battery/ies weight and position in the fuselage as they will drastically affect the center of gravity.
or use foam as in receiver’s example to seal them against vibrations and then secure them to the most suitable (balance wise) part of the fuselage.
If your radio control does not have telemetry capabilities to monitor the battery’s state of charge then a voltage meter is a welcomed solution.
Buy receiver voltage monitor here
Battery switch.
Find the best place to attach it on the fuselage always on the opposite side from the where the engine’s exhaust is located. 
Electronic ignition and kill switch.
Install them at least 30 cm away from the receiver/ers. They need also protection from the engine’s vibrations so rap them in foam and then secure them.
Final check (Range check).
This is the most critical step before your new pride conquers the skies. The test has to be performed in an open space area as follows:
First turn on your radio and then the receiver/vers on the model. If your radio control belongs to the 2.4 GHZ generation, use the range check mode according to its manual. If not, lower your radio’s antenna to its lowest position. Check that every channel functions properly.
Walk away from the model to a distance of about 40-50 meters and perform the same check. If no dither is noted and everything on the model works fine, then the check is completed. If you note something, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, DO NOT attempt to fly the model but perform a thorough check again of all the wires, connections, switches etc. DO NOT listen to those ‘’experts’’ who reassure you that nothing is wrong.
Better waste more time in checks than less collecting what is left from your joy and pride!…
