karolh

I have some almost NIB (very lightly used) Futaba S148 servos purchased in the mid 90's, that show no signs of their age on my servo tester. Is it safe to put them back into service or should I replace with newer units ??

Calvinman

Hi Karolh, I would use them as long as you are using them for what they are intended for(ie 40 to 60 size aircraft)

Calvi

flyinwalenda

My Feedback: (5)

Well. is the plane and everything in it worth more than $60.00 ? If not then use them. If so then buy some brand new $15.00 servos !

Rodney

You will find that those 148 servos are very good. I've used them for years and still have some in use. I also used them in a number of 1/4 scale with no problems. Other than being slightly slower than some of the newer servos, they are still a very reliable product. They will serve you well.

pilotpete2

Those S148's were made before the use of lead free solder was mandated I think, so reliability of the electronics may be better.
In 30 years of RC flying, I've experience 2 servo failures in flight, both were virtually brand new servos, and both were RoHS compliant.
I'd use those servos in an appropriate sized sport model without hesitation
Pete

jrf

My Feedback: (551)

Re flyinwalenda's comment above. Those 148s are MUCH more reliable than ANY modern $15 servo.

nmav8r

I have 4 that I'm still using. They are in a Great planes super Skybolt powered by a DLE 20. Think they are still available.

geneh-RCU

My Feedback: (6)

I am still using 148s in up to 90 size planes. No problems.

Calvinman

What aircraft is that a picture of geneh-RCU?

karolh

And so do I but my reference was specifically about servos that are 20 plus years old.

JollyPopper

My Feedback: (6)

These servos were initially very reliable, and that reliability does not erode while sitting on a shelf. If they have very little use on them, they will be dead reliable for a long time to come.