I am completing my first float plane, a Sea Monster, and have a question about the radio switch and charge jack. Typically, I cut a hole in the side of the fuse and mount the switch/jack. For the float plane, I am concerned about water getting to the switch and other electronics via the switch.

What is the best way to prevent this? The directions talk about gluing a piece of rubber over the opening but I can't visualize how this would work.

Thanks for you help!

Kent

You are right about water causing all kinds af aggrivation so my solution (which has never failed me yet) is to NOT mount the switch and charge jack on the outside. Instead I mount the switch to a Dubro push pull switch mount and put a little grease on the shaft. It has never failed me yet. As to the charge jack I just leave the wire inside the plane somewhere where it won't get wet if water gets in. I figure That since I take the wings off to transport the plane home I can check the batteries before and after each flying session. Even fresh water can cause corrosion on electrical components.
Peter

Peter,

Thanks for the reply. That is exactly the type of switch I was planning on using but the one I have has the charge jack built in. I like to check my voltage before each flight so I would really like to use the external jack. However, I don't want risk the whole plane by getting water in through the jack either.

Kent

Waterr proof charge jack..... I always mount the switch inside the fuse with a rod to push it on or pull it off.. The Du-bro switch mount is perfect for this.. But the charge jack is mounted outside with an Ernst waterproof one....If you have wigs that take a little time to disassemble, then this charge jack is the way to go.....Its got a little rubber plug that seals off the opening to the recepticle... Anyways that was my 2cents Canadian or 1.4cents US....