Informational > Tips and Tricks > Helicopter Wiring

The tools:
Zip ties
Rubber bands
Velcro Straps
Fuel Tubing
Foam Rubber

Whenever you build a kit, one of the things that is left up to the imagination of the modeler is how to route the wiring. Many modelers will ignore the details of where they route their wires, and then experience trouble with interference, gyro problems, or worse. A clean installation can not only make your helicopter look better, but it can also help protect your investment. A poorly done wiring harness may subject the wires to sharp edges that can cu or fray them, or they can get caught up in a rotating part. A single frayed or cut wire can cause loss of control and a major crash. Vibration can wreak havoc on electronics that are hard mounted, causing problems with setup or unexpected failures.

Before You Route The Wires

There are many options when routing wires. Begin by installing all of your servos and start looking for a common route to guide the wires. Avoid routing any wires near the motor and speed control on an electric model. On a fuel-powered model, be careful to keep all wires away from hot engine and exhaust components. Plug the servos into the receiver and make sure you know each servo is in the proper channel before you begin routing. It may be helpful to label each servo load next to the receiver, so that when you are done routing it is easy to figure out which lead came from which servo.

Watch out for those Moving Parts!

If you have to route wires around the main gear, make sure to find a route that you can secure with zip ties. One popular method is to use a short piece of fuel tubing over the zip tie to insulate the wire. This method is well proven and looks good. Anytime a zip is used directly on the servo wire, it is best to insulate it with fuel tubing. Make sure to watch out for not only the main gear, but also the pinion, clutch, tail drive system, or any other part on the heli that rotate or moves.

Like A Glove

Braided sleeving or spiral tubing can be used with good results. These can be expanded to fit over connectors, and wire can be looped over itself and hidden to make it look like a custom installation. It is best to use shrink tubing on the ends to finish the look and zip ties should be sued over the sleeving to secure it.

Mounting Step-by-Step

Before you begin, wash your hands and be careful not to let dirt or oil prevent a good connection.

• Clean both surfaces with denatured rubbing alcohol or motor cleaner before applying double sided tape.
• Cut and apply a piece of tape to the component.
• Press the component down firmly and make sure you have a solid connection.

Final Word

The only thing that really matters when you are done is that the wires secured from moving around, and insulated from being cut or otherwise damaged. All components such as the receiver, gyro speed control, governor and so on should be soft mounted to isolate vibration. Taking your time here will pay dividends in the form of a helicopter that is good looking, and protects its expensive electronics from the vibration demons. Personal taste plays a big role here, and making the wiring look clean will show that you paid attention to details and took your time.