Does anyone have experience with electrostatic "build-up" on a model aircraft? I know it causes noise on the COM and NAV radios of full-scale aircraft, but could it generate rf noise on a model? I have a 50cc YAK that has developed what seems to be an rf noise problem. After trying everything I could think of (metal on metal noise, ignition, receiver, transmitter, servos, batteries), a friend suggested static electricity could be building and generating noise. After a little research, this makes more sense than you'd think. Static builds-up anytime two unlike materials (air and fiberglass or monokote) pass over each other. The less conductive a material is, the greater the static build-up (think latex balloon and your hair). It also develops more strongly in cold, dry air. This would explain why my problem is so sporadic. It would also explain why my YAK flies fine for a few minutes before the failsafe starts kicking-in.

Anyone know how I could build static wicks, where to mount them, or how many would be needed? I believe the normal resistance used on full-scale aircraft wicks is around 15-20 mega ohms, but would I need that much for a small model?

Any input would be appreciated.
-Clint

There have been numerous cases of people noticing static electricity buildup with the jet folks. I've never experienced it my self, but the concensus seems to be a charge is created during the refueling process (fast moving kerosene passing thru fuel lines, both largely nonconductive). Before flying, enough time isn't allowed for the charge to dissipate, so one receives a shock when touching a part of the model, or the charge finds itself elsewhere in the ECU electronics, etc. Some believe refueling more slowly allows the charge to dissipate, or create less of a charge. Proper grounding could solve the problem if one knows definitively what causes the problem. BVM is selling an additive to the fuel, along with some special fuel line, I assume to increase the conductivity of the media, to allow the charge to balance.

There has always been talk if a model flying thru the air creates enough of a charge to be measurable, or to have an effect on the model systems. For that I have no answer. I know a sharp edge or point is normally what is needed to get rid of an excess charge.