Question: What Kind of Balloons Do You Use to Protect RC Electronics?
Balloons provide great protection of internal parts of RC vehicles from dirt and moisture.
Answer: Plain old rubber or latex party balloons -- not Mylar balloons -- work great to protect certain sensitive RC parts from moisture, fuel, dirt, and dust. Don't use the thin balloons designed for use as water balloons because the skin is thinner and more likely to tear on the corners of square parts such as receivers.
You can usually pick up a bag of latex balloons for just a few dollars at most party supply stores or the party section of your local Target or WalMart. Round or oblong doesn't really matter as long as it fits over the component you're trying to cover. A snug fit looks better and won't get in the way of other components. Color is irrelevant as well unless you want to color-coordinate your RC insides with the body or use a different color for each component.
Using Balloons on Your RC
- A fitted receiver cover helps protect the receiver from moisture and may provide a small amount of vibration protection. If your RC didn't come with a cover you can purchase one, or just use a balloon. Use a zip tie to seal the open end of the balloon. More ways to protect the receiver
- Use a balloon over your servos. Punch a very small hole (it will stretch so you don't want to make it big hole initially -- another reason not to use water balloons) to accommodate the servo shaft. Use a nice tight-fitting balloon, cutting off excess if necessary. Use a zip tie (or twist tie such as from a loaf of bread or trash bags) to seal the open end where the wires exit.
- Use a tiny piece of a balloon to cover the on/off switch to keep out dirt and mud. Follow these steps:
- First, you take the switch and unscrew it from the chassis mount.
- Then you will have two tiny little screws to unfasten in order to remove the face plate from the switch.
- Take a hobby knife or a pair of scissors and cut out a small piece of a balloon (or a piece of a latex glove) that is about the same size as the face plate.
- Sandwich the bit of latex between the switch and its face plate, poking small holes for the screws.
- The balloon stretches over the switch as you poke it through the face plate.
- Put the switch back in the RC.