4 replies to this topic

[Edward the Assassin]

Hey everyone. I am planning on learning new skills with sodering and rewiring my first Stryfe. I have spent some time on the web looking for what gauge wire to use. It seemas like there is alot of variety in modders choices. So I decided to come to the forums where I can question people and learn from there answers.  I need know what gauge other people use for a complete rewire before I start buying materials. I'm not sure if this is a factor or not so I'll say it anyway just in case. I am planning on using trustfires instead of a lipo at first.(I know,I know, nobody likes trustfires and they are so much worse than lipos. I currently do not have the money to buy a lipo and chargers and so forth. I will also either use the stock motors or some other motor that is relatively cheap. I think that covers it. Also is there a difference between IMRs and Trustfires? Thank you all for your help!

 

P.S- If i did anything wrong by posting or in my post, please tell me. I want to learn from my mistakes. Thanks!

[jwasko]

There is definitely a difference, and IMRs are better in every way (aside from cheapness, unfortunately). See a previous post about them here.
 
Try to get at least 18 gauge wire, or 16 gauge (which is thicker) would be even better.
 
Make sure you get stranded wire (i.e. there are a hole bunch of thin copper wires twisted together), not  solid wire (which is hard to bend and easy to break). You can find PVC-insulated wire in Lowes/Home Depot. Silicone-insulated wire is better (the insulation is thinner and more flexible so it fits in blasters better, and is heat-resistant), but more expensive and you'll probably have to order it online.
 
There are $5 motors available from Containmentcrew.com, but I wouldn't run them on Trustfires.
 
If you are going to use trustfires, please don't buy ultra cheap ones from ebay, which are probably knockoffs and are rather likely to explode on you.
 
Edit: Also, I don't know if you already own Trustfires and a charger for them, but Lipo chargers can be as cheap as $13 and a LiPo as cheap as $3.50 (may want 3S instead of 2S, depending on the motor).

Edited by jwasko, 26 April 2016 - 11:07 AM.

[shandsgator8]

A high quality 20 or 18 gauge wire (like those used by R/C car enthusiasts) will be fine. If you want to be absolutely sure you're getting every bit of current most efficiently, 16 gauge is the way to go. But practically, 18 or 20 (as long as they're high quality), will be fine.

[Edward the Assassin]

Thank you both for your help. I think I'll save up for a lipo instead. the one i want to get is more expensive that what jawasko says, but I expected that. Recap-Get high-quality 18 or 16 gauge with twisted strands that have PVC or silicone insulation. Thanks again!

[TheOrk]

A good rule of thumb is Amperage divided by 10 is minimum diameter for cable. If you got a Lipo and motors that draw 10 amps, thats 1mm² cable (AWG 17 oder AWG 18?).

 

As said above, Silicon cable with twisted strands (Litze) is a lot more flexible, would recommend using that for the inside or blasters/modding.