bowlman

I been in this hobby for 2 years next month and I always used the motor wires from the motors I was replacing .
What size and kind of wire is best for 380 and 400 motors I know to use Deans connectors but is there a better wire out there .

Thanks
jimmy

Panther F

If we're talking about the stock Tamiya wiring, well it's good enough. Generally I use them all the time but I wouldn't go any higher than a 12 gauge wire, just because there isn't that much amp draw and any benefits from aftermarket wire shielding would be a waste of money, especially the short length we use.


- Jeff

bowlman

Jeff im putting in speed 400 in gearboxes that never had any motors in them just making shore I dont over kill on the wire size .

Jimmy

Panther F

The only overkill would occur when you attempt to solder a much larger than needed wire to the motor lugs and the deans connectors ... that is tough to do to get the wire hot enough. Like I said, the amp draw isn't an issue enough to require big wires, so even at 12 gauge is large enough. A good quality wire (hell speaker wire would work) as long as it doesn't oxidize (like appliance cords will) will work.


HTH


- Jeff

bowlman

Ok thanks Jeff .

Jimmy

Panther G

You also want a wire with a high strand count for the proper resistance. ServoCity has really nice short lead motor wire sets with gold plated bullet connectors. the Deans plugs are generally used more for the battery connections. But I guess there are those that use them on the motor leads also. I don't see the need at that application my self.

bowlman

Hmm that's a thought thanks Panther G .

Jimmy

Panther F

I don't use ANY connectors on my motors leads, I just hard wire/solder them into the electronic leads.


- Jeff

shenlonco

My Feedback: (2)

Hi 18 gauge is plenty enough for those motors.
I would buy the nice fine stranded silicone coated 18 guage wire.
You can buy it here they sell black and red by the foot.
http://cheapbatterypacks.com/index.a...2A9&sid=318393

Saxondog

18ga Works fine as does 16ga with Graupner Speed 400 race motors Asiatam 3:1 Gearbox but the double fan cooled RX-18 is the real issue,Without fan cooling you could risk a overheated Board.

Panther F

A good factor is looking at your electronics power leads. No need in going larger than those and serves no gain either.

Years ago I raced electric boats and even then, ran a mechanical speed controller. The key was the largest wire to put down for the amp draw was HUGE and run times were not very long at all. PLUS, larger wire is hard to work with, so folding and placing them is a bit more difficult too.

Save your deans connectors for your batteries.


- Jeff