Several months ago, somebody on the Big Gun email list pointed out that Traxxas had released a servo with o-ring seals that was labeled "waterproof". Rob acquired one of these servos, and gave it to me for testing. It worked fine in 3 feet of water, but the deep-water test was inconclusive due to failed receiver waterproofing. I then installed the servo in my miniature merchantman, saying "we'll test it when it sinks". Well, it finally happened. USS Silverfish, un-sunk since I installed the Traxxas waterproof servo, finally got sunk. They shot over it, they shot under it, they even shot into it, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, they ran it over with a battlecruiser, and that put the Silverfish down for good. Or did it? My tiny little transport sank in approximately 8 to 10 feet of water, and stayed on the bottom for about 20 minutes before a time-out was called to recover sunken ships. When I got it back on the bench, I dumped out the water, cycled the power switch, and ran a quick systems check. Everything worked fine. The skotchkote-covered receiver was great, the geared 280 motor was fine, and the traxxas waterproof servo was working just like normal. I was back on the water within 5 minutes of getting on the bench, no maintenance required. USS Silverfish then went on to complete at least 10 more cargo laps, scoring many points for the Blue-Flag team. Based on these results, I give the traxxas waterproof servo an "A" for its combat test, and I intend to use it in all future ships. They also have a sub-micro version suitable for destroyers. I can't wait until they come out with a micro metal-gear version for cannon depression Waterproof "standard" servo: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTKL0&P=ML Waterproof "sub-micro" servo: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTKL3&P=M -Carl
Ha I was going to post asking about it today. Should we do anything more to it than stock? What about the oring on the spline?
For those in Canada Great hobbies carries them. http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=TRX2075 Seems to be a great idea Futaba connectors but easy to switch to JR if needed Here is the way if any of you need end connector changes most with trimming will fit physically,just check the pins before plugging in, check the link they say it better than i will ever be able to http://www.fatlion.com/sailplanes/servos.html Bryan
And o-rings around the bottom, and middle, and wires, and even around the screws. What will they think of next?
I'm hoping they come up with a metal-geared micro version, suitable for the depression servo on Big Gun battleships. Standard servos are great, but only for the ships with really big barbettes.
Carl, Since you first bought the servo how many times has is gone beyond the traxxas '3 foot waterproof' threshold, and for how long each time? Thanks, Johnny
just received email from traxxas l Our waterproof components are waterproof at 1 ATM. ATM = depth of water of 33 feet.
Awesome. I bought 3 but I have been told to add diving grease to them anyway. Has anyone else 'water-proofed' the water proof servos?
I think the grease is a good idea... 1ATM is sea level, 2 ATM's is 33 feet of seawater. You still have 1ATM sitting on top of the water... Scuba Phill
There is much to be said about keeping your ships in 5ft of water max. I've pulled one up from 12 feet and that was tough. The problem is keeping that much weight up while you are trying to swim. Not that I want to loose the ship, but I really don't want to lose a captain. When we battle in deeper water, we insist on floats for the ships and use a rowboat for picking them up!
I'm in Olympia, a pretty short distance out into Puget Sound will get you into 600 to 1000 feet of seawater. I'd rather battle in the settling ponds. They are gravel bottomed and usually 4-6 feet max!
