Protecting Electronics
 

Hi Guys,

I've been reading the forum for some time and have picked up lots of useful info, but this is my first post and I'm looking for recommendations.

I'm the proud owner of an X-Cell Gas and this is my first experience of using gas motors with RC. I plan to use this helicopter at long range for photographic work but I'm very concerned about electronic noise causing interference leading to the loss of my pride and joy.

So here's the question.....

What electronic shielding (products, procedures and methods) would you guys recommend for protecting the RC gear against unwanted electronic noise?

I'm really looking at implementing a full "belt and braces" approach here as weight gain is not too much of an issue.

Thanks in advance

BladeSlap

Protecting Electronics
 

The only thing I did was nothing, but use a PCM receiver. Just have make sure your spark plug wire is in perfect shape and has no cracks and keep receiver and antenna as far away from the engine.

Protecting Electronics
 

Also set up your failsafe to lower the throttle some so if you do have troubles you will hear and feel it before it becomes a big problem.

Carry an extra resistor plug for when it does start to happen. If your plug gets fouled up, it will begin to cause some minor interference, easily detectable with your failsafe.

Always gap your plugs before using them.

If you are running a belt driven tail, bond the tailboom to the front pulley bearing block.

Make certain all your bearings stay greased. Use a good high quality grease.

Judiciously check for loose bolts and stuff that could vibrate.

Preflight, preflight, and most importantly, PREFLIGHT.

Malorie

Protecting Electronics
 

Thanks Malorie and Fury, I appreciate your comments and I'll certainly follow your advice..

I have heard additional suggestions such as:-
Wrapping the High Tension (HT) Plug wire in copper braid shielding (from coax cable) and using a Whip antenna..... what are your thoughts.

Thanks again

BladeSlap

Protecting Electronics
 

Don't complicate the system.

Wrapping the plug wire could increase a problem, if there is one. You are much better off keeping things simple. Plenty of folks out there are running without a shielded plug wire without a problem.

The whip antenna is a good idea if you are carefull to install it properly per the instructions. It allows you to keep the antenna away from the ignition.

Protecting Electronics
 

It would seem from your replies that my initial fear about RF interference from spark ignition systems is unjustified and I'll follow your advice.

Thanks again Malorie, I appreciate you taking the time to put my mind at rest.

Regards

BladeSlap

:)