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View Full Version : Balloon Receiver- Or Chemicals No More



SweetAccord
04-05-2011, 04:02 PM
I have been using something that is better and easier and lasts longer than a typical balloon for my receivers. No chemicals to add and it's easy to put on and remove, no residue. It's self bonding water and air tight. It's chemical and UV resistant also. Temperature range is -60°F to 365°F. It's easy to apply and easy to remove.

It's tape by 3M called Professional All Weather Electrical Tape. Model 2575-Black. Best thing also it's like $3.00!

Try it.

Steven Vaccaro
04-05-2011, 04:41 PM
I have been using something that is better and easier and lasts longer than a typical balloon for my receivers. No chemicals to add and it's easy to put on and remove, no residue. It's self bonding water and air tight. It's chemical and UV resistant also. Temperature range is -60°F to 365°F. It's easy to apply and easy to remove.

It's tape by 3M called Professional All Weather Electrical Tape. Model 2575-Black. Best thing also it's like $3.00!

Try it.

thats good stuff.
But how do you seal the wires? Any pictures of a sealed rx?

SweetAccord
04-05-2011, 05:00 PM
thats good stuff.
But how do you seal the wires? Any pictures of a sealed rx?

I already thought of that. If you cut a small length, about 5mm you wrap between and then around the wires (I use short extension) and that seals that off.

I'll make a pic soon.

SweetAccord
04-05-2011, 05:17 PM
Here is a pic. of my wrapped receiver. One layer. You can always add more as it contours to any shape and is self sealing with a little finger pressure, it will allow you to shape it around any angle to press and seal. It's soft like a rubber balloon but not sticky. It's pretty neat material.

http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Small%20Bolt/IMG^_0091.JPG

sailr
04-05-2011, 07:47 PM
Where do you buy it? Googled it and didn't come up with a source.

SweetAccord
04-05-2011, 07:50 PM
Where do you buy it?

Walmart.

SweetAccord
04-05-2011, 07:52 PM
Looks like this:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/260732771986?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&rvr_id=223262675670&crlp=1_263602_309572&UA=WXI6&GUID=2814542512f0a0aa174354d3ff4e3bd2&itemid=260732771986&ff4=263602_309572

http://www.amazon.com/SCOTCH-PROFESSIONAL-WEATHER-ELECTRICAL-TAPE/dp/B004G5B4WS

Diesel6401
04-05-2011, 08:31 PM
I have used this stuff called F-4 tape before. We use it in aviation on jet engine wire harnesses. Worked great but looked ugly lol.... Same concept and it ONLY sticks to itself which is pretty cool. http://www.amazon.com/Harbor-Products-162258-Silicone-Repair/dp/B001JT0ENO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1302050266&sr=8-9


I now use this stuff on ALL my rx's (exception is spektrum "mr" series)
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=performix+liquid+spray+electrical+tape&hl=en&prmd=ivns&resnum=3&biw=1280&bih=709&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=7626913616270011112&sa=X&ei=DLObTfG_OtC3tgees52_Bw&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAA#

I got mine at Harbor Freight for about $3, I also use it on my Hifei esc's and on my eagletree as well as rx. I once had my tactic rx fully submerged for about 10ms and still using it today without an issue. The stuff I use is clear and it did not effect the bind button on the tactic rx's. All i do with a rx is place a piece of foam over the plug in's and spray2 or 3 coats. I spray 1 coat wait 15ms then the second coat wait 15ms then the final coat and let sit overnight. I take the rx's out of there casing and spray directly to the circuit board, then put everything back together and works like awesome and you can't tell anything was done to the rx. On the hefei esc's i cut the stock heat wrap off of it and coat them then rewrap them with the wide clear heat shrink steve sells. Looks factory, but fully waterproofed!
This heat shrink works PERFECT for the Swordy 200s.

m4a1usr
04-05-2011, 08:55 PM
I have used this stuff called F-4 tape before. We use it in aviation on jet engine wire harnesses. Worked great but looked ugly lol.... Same concept and it ONLY sticks to itself which is pretty cool. http://www.amazon.com/Harbor-Products-162258-Silicone-Repair/dp/B001JT0ENO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1302050266&sr=8-9




Thats self vulcanizing tape. Been around since the late 60's. I like it too. Wouldnt do a repair on my SeaDoo wiring without using the stuff. Typical NASA/ Space effort technology being used in aerospace/aviation sector. Gawd. Those were some good years for techno advancement. They set the pace. Yeah, some good stuff came out of it but if they didnt set the benchmark back then no one would have even bothered to get where we are today.

Gonna have to keep my eyes open next time in wallyworld. Might have to replace my current inventory of tape due to age.

John

Diesel6401
04-05-2011, 09:04 PM
Thats self vulcanizing tape. Been around since the late 60's. I like it too. Wouldnt do a repair on my SeaDoo wiring without using the stuff. Typical NASA/ Space effort technology being used in aerospace/aviation sector. Gawd. Those were some good years for techno advancement. They set the pace. Yeah, some good stuff came out of it but if they didnt set the benchmark back then no one would have even bothered to get where we are today.

Gonna have to keep my eyes open next time in wallyworld. Might have to replace my current inventory of tape due to age.

John

I think it got the nickname F4 tape from the old F-4 Phantoms which where maintenance hogs, and required A LOT of the tape lol so the legend goes at least. Not sure how true it is but that's the story I heard in the aviation world.... I love that stuff!

We also have A.I.D.S in aviation... Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome :glare:

BHChieftain
04-11-2011, 09:57 AM
I use Glad Cling Wrap to wrap my RX.

Chief

Diesel6401
04-11-2011, 12:19 PM
I made a quick vid http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?t=23848

Cyberdave
04-11-2011, 04:39 PM
Two other things to try:
Plastidip your RX, I've done this successfully on 2 RXs and a water cooled ESC. Paint the plastidip all over the circuit boards and then wrap in self amalgamating tape.

Alternatively buy a cheap plastic project box (I use Maplins in the UK) cut a slit in one end for your servo connections to enter. Put your RX inside using foam double sided tape. Use silicon sealant to make a seal on the lid and around the servo leads. Stick it in place in the boat using the same silicon or double sided tape.

I'm currently using the second method and after Sundays capsize my hull was completely full of water, no adverse effects though!

dont slow down
04-20-2011, 09:21 PM
Thats self vulcanizing tape. Been around since the late 60's. I like it too. Wouldnt do a repair on my SeaDoo wiring without using the stuff. Typical NASA/ Space effort technology being used in aerospace/aviation sector. Gawd. Those were some good years for techno advancement. They set the pace. Yeah, some good stuff came out of it but if they didnt set the benchmark back then no one would have even bothered to get where we are today.

Gonna have to keep my eyes open next time in wallyworld. Might have to replace my current inventory of tape due to age.

John

That's what I know it as, we use it on all the wire harness plugs on our helos. We use another purple gooey tape under the vulcanizing tape to make it waterproof.

sailr
04-21-2011, 08:57 AM
Can't seem to find the tape at Walmart. I found it at NAPA for $21 a roll! Passed it by. Gonna keep looking!

BHChieftain
04-21-2011, 09:18 AM
I use Glad Cling Wrap to wrap my RX.

Chief

Whoops sorry-- I meant Glad Press and Seal wrap. Had a RX completely submerged for 4+ hours once and came out dry...


Chief

SweetAccord
04-21-2011, 09:54 AM
Can't seem to find the tape at Walmart. I found it at NAPA for $21 a roll! Passed it by. Gonna keep looking!

Check Walmat again. The one I posted I dont see anymore on the shelves but if you go to the faucets section they have a different one there now but same principle. I'll try to find what the other (new) one is and who it's made by. $21 what a rip!

Brushless55
04-21-2011, 12:05 PM
I made a quick vid http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?t=23848

Great minds think alike bro!:banana:
I've been using this stuff for about 2 years now and love the fact that you really don't see it on anything you spray it on, and it so easy to do...
I had my T29 full of water last year and all I did was blow out the rx to get rid of the excess water, and tossed my T29 back in the water and ran again:thumbup1:
I have the clear version
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww39/filmmaker2009/imagerequest.jpg

SweetAccord
04-21-2011, 02:00 PM
Ok at Walmart it's called Peerless model SBP2493 SealWrap Repair Tape. It's $6.27. I also looked at Home Depot and they have a version by Scotch called Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape and it's #2228 and it's $8.97. The specs on both seem to match the same application as from my first post but I have not used either but they are self adhering.

sailr
04-23-2011, 09:44 AM
Hmmm, it's not on Walmart's website. The other is not on Home Depot's site either. Must be a local option at your stores.

Brushless55
04-23-2011, 11:12 AM
Hmmm, it's not on Walmart's website. The other is not on Home Depot's site either. Must be a local option at your stores.

I can never find anything on Wally Marts site
but it was on the shelf

sailr
04-23-2011, 06:46 PM
I went to Wally World and looked and asked and they didn't know what I was talking about.

Brushless55
04-23-2011, 07:37 PM
I went to Wally World and looked and asked and they didn't know what I was talking about.

Oh man..
I know they keep the black on the shelves all the time her in Colorado
maybe ACE :confused2:

SweetAccord
04-24-2011, 11:21 AM
I went to Wally World and looked and asked and they didn't know what I was talking about.

I never ask Walmart people anything. They are the worst. Many of times I find items and ask about it, and I usually get "we don't have it" or the best one is "I've never seen it". Well just cause you never seen it dies not mean you don't have it! Just means YOU have never seen it. They carry so many items I look on my own. Look in the faucet department where the Teflon tape is that is used for sealing threaded lines.

sailr
04-24-2011, 03:46 PM
Hmm, good tip about looking in the plumbing department? Haha. I just think the stores down here in Florida figure we're a bunch of retired dumbies who don't deserve to have anything very technical!:banana:

I would have to agree that the average Floridian isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer after seeing who was elected Governor. Jeeeeez!

steveo
05-19-2011, 04:29 PM
i have used the non conductive epoxy before on my reciever board being careful not to get it near the crystal or the 3 pins for the plugs, but with all the low priced 2.4 stuff that is around i was thinking why not just put a few extended harness for 1.2.3 channels and encase the entire reciever in the non conductive epoxy and have a nice little receiver cube and never have to worry again

SweetAccord
05-25-2011, 10:54 AM
i have used the non conductive epoxy before on my reciever board being careful not to get it near the crystal or the 3 pins for the plugs, but with all the low priced 2.4 stuff that is around i was thinking why not just put a few extended harness for 1.2.3 channels and encase the entire reciever in the non conductive epoxy and have a nice little receiver cube and never have to worry again

Right! You can and that is how I do it minus the chemical as my receivers are so small I prefer to not put any chemicals on them, hence why I use the tape on the outside make a good seal with a servo extensions.

7500RPM
05-27-2011, 09:23 AM
Use a water proof receiver box from a Traxxas Stampede VXL part number TRA 3628.

sailr
05-27-2011, 09:56 AM
Well, after several diligent searches at the stores around here, I cannot find that tape anywhere. I tried the Glad Cling Wrap method and it did NOT keep the receiver from getting wet. I bought some of the spray stuff and for whatever reason, it destroyed my airtronics 2.4ghz receiver. After coating it, the receiver refuses to bind. I'm not gonna risk another receiver to try it again.

For now it's back to balloons for me!

SweetAccord
05-27-2011, 10:19 AM
Try the .99 cents store I just found them there for some whacky reason. I grabbed them all! LoL.

sailr
05-27-2011, 01:12 PM
6 rolls of the silicone repair tape here for $28 including shipping:

http://prostores4.megawebservers.com/pocketrubber_com/Cart.bok?cart_id=1546522

sailr
05-27-2011, 01:14 PM
Try the .99 cents store I just found them there for some whacky reason. I grabbed them all! LoL.

WE have the Dollar Store, Dollar Saver, Big Lots, but nuthin called the .99 cent store. Dang!

sailr
05-27-2011, 01:16 PM
99 cent stores only in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Bummer.

midnightsabotage
08-08-2011, 07:04 AM
i have used the non conductive epoxy before on my reciever board being careful not to get it near the crystal or the 3 pins for the plugs, but with all the low priced 2.4 stuff that is around i was thinking why not just put a few extended harness for 1.2.3 channels and encase the entire reciever in the non conductive epoxy and have a nice little receiver cube and never have to worry again

That's exactly what I did for the receiver in my airboat - opened the case to a cheap HK OrangeRX Spektrum-compatible receiver and loaded both halves with clear silicone, plugged a couple servo extensions into the board for the channels I needed to use, then put the board back in the case and closed it up. All that was left was to clean all the silicone off the case that pooched out through the seams when it was all pressed together. Air/water tight.

And then I just bought a can of plasti-dip yesterday and used that on the speed control board, conveniently able to leave the heatsink exposed too. Works great for me.

carlcisneros
08-10-2011, 12:54 AM
Diesel;
I used to work F-4's at one time when I was in the AF.
Believe me, with out F4 Tape, those hogs would still be on the ground.

madmorgan
01-22-2012, 10:57 AM
hey diesel have u ever done the coating on servo innards? it would be nice to have a waterproof servo . considering traxxas has their supposed wp servos that most arent as i have had one fail on my summit because of water getting into a steer servo . any advice?

Diesel6401
01-22-2012, 11:28 AM
hey diesel have u ever done the coating on servo innards? it would be nice to have a waterproof servo . considering traxxas has their supposed wp servos that most arent as i have had one fail on my summit because of water getting into a steer servo . any advice?

Haven't tried the servos... I guess I have another project to try lol. Ill tear apart a spare servo and see what I can figure out one of these days. On a positive the rx and esc's I have waterproofed have been running flawless (knock on wood) since.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

oscarel
01-22-2012, 01:10 PM
Conformal coating works well too http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Silicone-Conformal-Coating/dp/B004SPJOKK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327255249&sr=8-2, I get it from Frys. I've also got a GPS that's been encapsulated in casting epoxy and it's worked perfect for the last couple of years, saw the Traxxas guys with one done this way. And for the servos I've started using the new waterproof Hitec ones, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitec-HS-5646WP-Digital-Waterproof-HV-MG-Dual-BB-Servo-/380400284317?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58919fb29d

68742

oscarel
01-22-2012, 01:13 PM
The acrylic would be a little stronger than the silicon, http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/419b.html. There's also a stripper if you need to remove it for any reason.

JackBlack26
01-25-2012, 01:13 PM
Don't know if this has been mentioned before but this is "rubber tape" used for electrical splicing up to 600V. I'll have to try this on a 200A Birdie ESC I need to WP.

Steven Vaccaro
01-25-2012, 06:49 PM
Anyone ever use a hot glue gun? Seems like it may make a nice coating.

desmobob
01-25-2012, 07:23 PM
I find it so easy --and effective-- to simply give my ESCs an overnight soak in CorrosionX, I've never tried any other means of waterproofing. If only the stuff didn't smell so damn bad.... :-)

Take it easy,
desmobob

JackBlack26
01-25-2012, 07:34 PM
I have been using Heavy Duty Liquid Nails and then I go over it with Plastic Dip. Been working fine so far. Not the prettiest but gets the job done. Here is one that I just did and is drying. Takes about a day. Then I will put on the black Plastic Dip with a brush, both to seal once again and so it doesn't look so freak'n ugly:blush:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/rlopez75/f546012b.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/rlopez75/e1055aef.jpg

Jeff Wohlt
01-25-2012, 11:37 PM
Sure seems with all this work a simple plastic box and sealed around the inlets and wires would be just as good. You are already killing any possible air cooling the ESC may need and you are now keeping that heat in. Water alone is not getting all this heat out. Just my 2 cents...they make tons of different size small plastic boxes with snap lids...even small tupperware boxes are aire tight. Not sure you are looking for total submerging or just somethig to keep most water out if you blow a lid off. US plastics and others have any size box you can think of with snap lids. I prefer not to put all that stuff in an ESC if I ever have to get back in to it. KISS is what I like.

Diesel6401
01-30-2012, 02:56 PM
hey diesel have u ever done the coating on servo innards? it would be nice to have a waterproof servo . considering traxxas has their supposed wp servos that most arent as i have had one fail on my summit because of water getting into a steer servo . any advice?

SUCCESS! I waterproofed the control board on a servo, converting a video now and will upload to youtube tonight. The video is a servo, rx and esc all working submerged. The esc is hooked to a edf fan/motor.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

Diesel6401
01-31-2012, 12:13 AM
Video posted. Tomorrow i'll try to put together the how-to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrebSIwFSvE

sailr
02-07-2012, 09:36 AM
Looks like another spammer got in here! DROP HIM!

SweetAccord
01-13-2015, 03:08 PM
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal is the new great way to dip and seal electronics! Easy and cheap and may be removed if need. Walmart!

sailr
01-14-2015, 11:29 AM
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal is the new great way to dip and seal electronics! Easy and cheap and may be removed if need. Walmart!

It's in an aerosol can? How can you dip in that?

flraptor07
01-14-2015, 01:34 PM
Just use the traxxas RX boxes and be done with it. http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=dh-3628 I submerged one of these in a 5gal. bucket for a week and it had zero water in it and you don't need to peel all that crap off your Rx if you need to do something with it. Steve is out of stock on them at the moment but there are lots of places to get them.

ray schrauwen
01-14-2015, 04:10 PM
You really don't need extensions. Covering the pins while coating with DP270 or other is fine. If the connector and pins get wet, it's no different than the extension getting water in it. Just blow them out after a water incident.


i have used the non conductive epoxy before on my reciever board being careful not to get it near the crystal or the 3 pins for the plugs, but with all the low priced 2.4 stuff that is around i was thinking why not just put a few extended harness for 1.2.3 channels and encase the entire reciever in the non conductive epoxy and have a nice little receiver cube and never have to worry again

SweetAccord
01-14-2015, 05:38 PM
It's in an aerosol can? How can you dip in that?

Dip it! It comes in a small can. There is a spray too. Stuff works great and can be removed.

SweetAccord
01-14-2015, 05:42 PM
Just use the traxxas RX boxes and be done with it. http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=dh-3628 I submerged one of these in a 5gal. bucket for a week and it had zero water in it and you don't need to peel all that crap off your Rx if you need to do something with it. Steve is out of stock on them at the moment but there are lots of places to get them.

Not everyone has that much room to put a box in their boat. That box would not fit in any MiniCat boat nor in any mini rigger or mini hydro or mono. Plus it just adds unnecessary weight.......

SweetAccord
01-14-2015, 05:43 PM
You really don't need extensions. Covering the pins while coating with DP270 or other is fine. If the connector and pins get wet, it's no different than the extension getting water in it. Just blow them out after a water incident.

Correct. But you can even dip past the connections if you wanted to I guess.

SweetAccord
01-16-2015, 01:42 PM
You can also apply over already sealed shrink tubed devices like a PisStix instead of dipping too as the shrink tubing is already great water protection. Take a toothpick and apply a little over the existing wires and it will conform easy. Dries evenly also. I'm really loving this stuff, so easy to use and works great and is flexible enough to last stress but not easy enough to scratch off or crack.

126871126872

kfxguy
01-16-2015, 02:03 PM
I have used hondabond (high grade silicon...much better than regular silicon) to seal the end of heat shrinked items...so far so good. On my receivers and escs i used clear general purpose two part epoxt from walmart. thin coating. then i usually put dielectric grease on the connections.

Pau7060
01-17-2015, 01:09 PM
Conformal coating works well too http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Silicone-Conformal-Coating/dp/B004SPJOKK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327255249&sr=8-2, I get it from Frys. I've also got a GPS that's been encapsulated in casting epoxy and it's worked perfect for the last couple of years, saw the Traxxas guys with one done this way. And for the servos I've started using the new waterproof Hitec ones, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitec-HS-5646WP-Digital-Waterproof-HV-MG-Dual-BB-Servo-/380400284317?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58919fb29d

68742 Hi Oscarel would this servo work set up as dual servo's on Zenoah style outboard linked with arms together push-pull

ron1950
01-17-2015, 05:35 PM
126941

I had a 10th scale hydro that always had water in the tub ..mitch dillard at hsc makes these little tubs for t120 size esc that work great