Winter maintenance: how to get your RC equipment ready for the new season
For many RC pilots and model-makers, winter is a quieter season. Poorer weather and shorter days often mean less time at the airfield, racecourse or on the water.
That makes winter the perfect time to give your models a thorough check-up and get them ready for the next season.
Start with a thorough clean
Dust, sand, grass, oil and other dirt can build up in various places over the course of a season.
You should therefore clean the model carefully before starting any technical maintenance.
Pay particular attention to the areas around:
- Engines
- Cooling vents
- Landing gear
- Gears
- Bearings
- Hinge points
Check screws and connections
Vibration can cause fastenings to come loose over time.
You should therefore check screws, bolts, control rods and other connections.
For aeroplanes, also pay attention to engine mountings, control horns and servo arms.
Check bearings and moving parts
Bearings and moving parts are subjected to a great deal of stress during use.
Check that everything moves smoothly and listen out for any unusual noises.
Replacing a bearing during a service is far more convenient than discovering it’s faulty just as you’re about to drive or fly.
Check your electronics
Check cables, plugs, solder joints and receivers.
Look out for damage or cables that might rub against sharp edges.
This is also a good time to improve your cable management and secure everything neatly.
Pay attention to your batteries
Check the condition of your batteries and set LiPo batteries that you won’t be using for a while to a suitable storage voltage.
Also check the connectors and cables. It’s best to replace any damaged plugs or insulation before the new season begins.
Check your transmitter
It’s not just the model itself that needs maintenance.
Check your transmitter too:
- Are all the switches and sticks working correctly?
- Is the transmitter battery still in good condition?
- Is the model configuration correct?
- Are the failsafe settings correct?
Time for an upgrade?
Winter is also the ideal time to carry out improvements that you don’t want to waste time on during the season.
For example:
- A new motor or ESC
- New servos
- Better lighting
- Telemetry
- New wheels or tyres
- A new colour scheme
Ready for the new season
Proper maintenance not only ensures more reliable models, but also gives you the chance to spot any issues before they cause problems.
And let’s be honest: for many model-makers, a winter evening at the workbench is simply part of the hobby.
Do you need parts for your winter maintenance or do you want to upgrade a model? At Aerobertics, you’ll find everything you need to get your kit fully ready for the next season.
Enjoy tinkering and building!
