vmsguy

Say you've got a removable wing with multiple servo connections, (flaps, retracts, ailerons)...

And that bolts onto your fuse...

What are the methods you use to designate which servo wires (in the fuse) go with which (in the wing) ???

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Wrap a "Flag" of masking tape on each wire with "A" for aileron, "F" for flap, "R" for retract, etc.

Or, if you've got too much time and tape on your hands, use color coded tape

carrellh

I use colored zip ties on the servo wire and the extension coming from the receiver. Something like this is what I picked up:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45057

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

I use a label machine and make labels for the wires. I actually do this for all the wires going into the receiver. I also put the channel number on the label. The reason I do this is that as a product reviewer I actually have 3 of the major brand radios. All of them use different channel assignments of what goes where to the reciever. So when I am at the field and have to do any field maintenance I won't have to sit there and remember what channel is ailerons for an Airtronics radio. With this system I know right where to plug it back in to.

Ken

The Ghost

Use different coloured paints and colour the conectors. Nail polish is good, it is also good as a nut lock.

Cheers

richg99

Pieces of tape...

Red = Rudder;
Yellow = Elevator (sounds like it );
Green means "Go" = Throttle;-
Blue /Red = Left Aileron;
Blue/Green = Right aileron;
Black = Battery

Rich G

dasintex

My Feedback: (10)

I have used tape, labels, etc, and these fall off or the printing on the labels get messed up, etc; the best method by far and it was already mentioned is to use small colored Zip Ties on the Servo Leads and coresponding extensions; they never come off and the color stays intact, end of story.

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

Agreed, colored zip ties works great last long time.

richg99

Pieces of colored zip ties... love it..... thanks for sharing.. Rich

Mode One

I paint the aileron connections green for starboard, red for port (Hey, sailor here! Starboard has an "Ahrrrr" in it and that stands for right. Port has a "P" in it and that stands for "Port". It also has an "R" in it that stands for RED)!

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

I catch colored electrical tape on sale at the local tool store. 6 rolls each a different color and 69 cents a pack. Works great and stays on without problems. I put the same color of flag on corresponding connectors so its just a matter of matching colors.

jib

Nobody just keeps plugging and unplugging until you get it right?????

I tag them with tape and a note. If the connectors were not so much bigger than the wire, I'd use a paper note and clear shrink tubing, like I do on everything else.

Jack

MasterAlex

Ahhh, the old "Plug and Pray" method - nice.

Ken, I gotta admit that's one nice system you've got there. I have to ask, though ... do you label spots in your kitchen for plates, cups, bowls, etc.?? Could resist. It's been a while since the "pick on Ken Friday" thread surfaced. Or was that someone else???

-MA

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Alex,
Yes, that was me on the "pick on ken fridays". And no, I'm not organized anywhere else. just in my plane stuff!!!

Ken

Steve Collins

My Feedback: (8)

Another vote for the colored zip ties. Too easy and absolutely permanent.

I used to use the colored tape and it eventually gets gooey and wont stay stuck. I also used to use the paper labels and they end up becoming a mess over time.

Colored zip ties are the way to go every time!

If you are using air retracts, a great way to work the air quick disconnects is to use the white plastic ones from Robart. They have an "O" ring on one side of the disconnect but not the other. On the two lines coming off the wing you put one with the "O" ring on it on one line and one without the "O" ring on the other one. This way you cannot cross connect the air lines.

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

Steve, order up some freelin wade air tubing (about 12 cents a foot or so) All the jet guys use it, I've been using it 7 years. It is the best stuff available, and all my airlines in my jets are color coded with it. Search the jet forum for more info.

WALKERS210-RCU

My Feedback: (36)

Simple way is use the electricians wiring labels. Most packs come with enough labels to handle a major commercial buildings wiring with numbers that can wrap around wires, and numbers go from 1 - 10 or more.

dasintex

My Feedback: (10)

Great suggestions, but the colored Zip Ties are the only way to go, your choice, any labels or tape just fall off or the labeling runs off the minute some fuel or cleaner gets on it; so enough already, get COLORED ZIP TIES, PERIOD!

AIRPLANENUTS

My Feedback: (2)

Here's the stuff:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102498

These sub-d connectors are gold plated, just as secure as our servo connectors, you can solder multiple leads to one connector, use a male connector in one wing and a female in the opposite wing, and it's impossible to mix up the connections. Love 'em, myself, with no failures. Your mileage may vary.

Rick

Tony Hallo

Here's another method for consideration. Color coded to receiver.

ergocentric

I realize the thread is getting a bit stale, but doesn't anyone other than me use coloured heat shrink tubing?
red-port
green-starboard
blue-flaps

blvdbuzzard

I think there are only two of us that use colored heat shrink tubing. It is the same as the tie wraps. Match color and you are good to go. It comes in enough colors to manage a bunch of connections.

Dru.

spadeng

The only plane I had to do this on is a quad-flap Ultrastick, I did one with shrink wrap and the current one is zip ties. Same concept, only zip ties are quick and easy, and I dont use any set method for designating the color, it is all for refrence. I have a Somethin Extra and a Telemaster where I have right aileron hooks to right lead and left to the left, and always preflight the fligt controls, (even if they are on a Y-harness)

Sandmann_AU

I love new/good ideas... *makes a mental note to pick up some coloured zip ties, and rip off all the masking tape with scribbles on it*

da Rock

I got blue, green, and regular color masking tape.

Don't need no writing at all. And fold the tape so the "flags" point the same way when the connection is made and you don't have to look hard at anything.