Originally Posted by
acdii
I always thought the epoxy works to help dissipate heat, and to make it somewhat water and vibration resistant. I have a CenturyJet gear control module that is uncased, and I tend to be concerned using it that it could be easily damaged just from securing it to the wing.
Yes, and no. The potting itself usually traps heat, making the heat sinking enclosure a compromise to help relieve some of that heat..Potting is done for moisture proofing and vibration toughening in most cases. Potting is seldom needed for vibration toughening surface mount components. Potting is a means to better insulate high voltage components, the most applicable here. ..
The main drawback is it renders servicing as well as modifications near impossible. That is why some folks pay a bit more for the otherwise identical CH version of .RCexl ignitions.
With the effects of expansion and contraction, poor thermal conductivity, potting can create more problems than it cures.