How to Fix Faulty Wiring for an RC Airplane

Faulty wires can cause a delayed reaction in aircraft controls.

Faulty wiring in your radio-controlled (RC) aircraft can cause a loss of control and damage from electrical shorts or vehicle crashes. Your success as a pilot as well as the longevity of your aircraft depends on a well-connected electrical system. Repair faulty wiring in your RC airplane to prevent mishaps and damage.

Things You'll Need

• Soldering iron
• Wire
• Wire strippers
• Solder

Instructions

1. Remove the aircraft's canopy by disconnecting the mounting clips, then slide the canopy off the fuselage. Find the faulty wire, often identified by melted insulation or cracked solder joints.

2. Heat up the solder iron, then touch the hot tip to either end of the faulty wire. Pull the wire from the fuselage, then use it as a template to cut a second wire of equal length. Remove 1/4 inch of insulation off both ends of the wire with the wire strippers.

3. Touch a small amount of solder to the hot iron, then wipe the two ends of the wire with some solder (this is a process called tinning). Press one end of the wire against the connection point in the fuselage, then hold the solder iron against the junction to heat it up. Apply solder to the heated joint to fuse the connection. Repeat this for both sides of the wire.

4. Close the fuselage by clipping the canopy back into position.

Tips & Warnings

• A shiny solder joint is excellent; a dull solder joint indicates a cold - and improper - connection.

• Always solder in a well-ventilated room.

• Never touch the hot tip of the solder iron.

• Wash your hands after soldering.

• Always return the hot iron back to its stand when not in use.

References

• Control Chat: Hot To Solder For RC
• KP Sec: Soldering Guide