servo waterproofing techniques

[drummin89]

Just looking for different ways to waterproof servos

So far I have tried a few different ways. I took the electronics out and completely covered it in silicone and put the servo back together. I let the silicone dry before using it. Have yet to actually test it out in water.

I also used silicone on a receiver. I separated the two case halves, ran a bead of silicone around the edge and then put the receiver back together.

Another method I used was I applied gasket maker to the exterior of the servo where the cases meet. So far so good with this method. Between running through water and washing it with the garden hose, no fried servo yet.

Today I tried a new method similar to the plasti-dip method. At walmart I found a spray can of "liquid electrical tape" and sprayed a few thick coats on a spare servo. So far it looks like it will work very well.


What else is out there?

[tadium54]

servo in a baloon(run the wire out of the hole), then seal it more with a blob of grease. usually does the trick.

very easy to do with a reciever

[zeek_RC]

Tadium, are you sure you want to use grease to seal the balloon? I've heard of using silicon caulking but not grease Because it stays in place, more waterproof, and it offers a better seal. but in my opinion the best way to keep you electronics waterproof is to go the balloon way. this way you can still access the electronics with ease, ie cutting the balloon open. this way it also seal the plugs you have connected to your esc Or receiver as well.

this was sent from my phone so sorry for any errors.

Zach

[MasterGoa]

Hey zeek, the balloon is the old school way of waterproofing servos and works
by squeezing a dab of grease at the open side of the balloon and then sealing
it with a tie wrap.

Also, you can use a shock seal gasket at the pivot
side on the servo and dip it in paraphine (candle wax)
of simply spray it with a urethane sealer paint.

Have fun playing in the puddles!

MG

PS: You can do the balloon trick with your receiver as well, but ot and ESC...

[tadium54]

The ESC is by far the hardest one. If you can, find a radio shack project box, and modify it to accept your esc. you'll need a small fan or 2 in it, but it should work.

[drummin89]

anyone ever try to plasti-dip a castle creations sidewinder esc. Dip it in just up to the base of the heat sink. Would the plasti-dip short the board. I imagine it wouldn't if you let it dry long enough.

I kind of miss my slash being waterproof. Don't really want to spend the money on a traxxas waterproof brushless system.

[terrible-t]

Balloon and shrink wrap. like a battery pack. done 25 years ago. Still I use this method. with RX. Servos!! I always thought that good servo has rubber seals on them. Personally I leave them alone to let air flow in for cooling.