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Wiring Methods


Boat wiring can be a little tricky, especially when there are more functions on the boat than usual. To wire a boat up correctly you should first check:-

• What is to be wired up.


• What voltages are going to be needed.


• If there is any equipment that is not compatible.

Receiver

Where possible try to have a separate battery for the receiver and not power it through B.E.C. circuits in speed controllers. There is a simple explanation for this.

The speed controller works by switching on and off and different rates. Depending on the rate of switching the motor will speed up or slow down. It is this fluctuating current that is not good for the receiver if its using the B.E.C. *Edit* More modern electronics are not affected so much by this, but if you start to experience problems with reception it could still be something to consider.

The receiver should be placed as far away as possible from other electrical equipment such as motors/servos. Also DO NOT CUT THE AERIAL ON THE RECEIVER. The receiver aerial is a set length and can affect signal quality if made shorter or longer.

All motors should have suppression to avoid any interference with the signal. See suppression >>>

Lighting

Lighting equipment is running at a constant current and can be placed off any battery without it affecting anything else... BUT if it is put onto the same battery as say a drive motor, the lights will dim everytime power is asked from the motor.

If L.E.D.’s are being used you will have to be careful about the voltage. Three things can be done to ensure the L.E.D.’s are getting the right voltage (usually between 3.0 to 3.5v).

One. Use a voltage regulator. See voltage regulator >>>

Two. Put resistors into the circuit.

Three. Put the L.E.D.’s in series with each other. Each L.E.D. Is about 3v so two in series would need a total of 6v.

Sound/speakers

Speakers generate sound using a fluctuating current through the coil. It is recommended that all sound devices are run off a separate battery to avoid interference. Another problem with speakers is the magnetic field. This can play havoc with the signal, especially analogue radio sets, therefore the speaker should be as far away as possible from the receiver and have magnetic protection if there is no choice.

Relays/switches

A switch is always a good idea so that the boat or anything else can be switched on and off easily, but they should only be used if the current is low going through them. To reduce the amount of problems that could occur it is recommended to do without a switch if possible. A switch for the receiver is fine as it is only low current. For drive motors it is better to have a straight link onto the battery.

Fuses

Fuses are always a good idea to ensure they blow up before your boat does! Make sure you use the proper car type fuses for high current applications (blade fuses).