Wire length - too long or doesn't matter?

[10kman]

Just got my new E-Revo completed. I was waiting on parts and selling some others to fund the project, and finally got it outside today (even in the 20 degree cold). Nice truck, very fast setup. Neu 1515 1/y F, Quark 125, Spektrum DSM2 radio gear, single steering servo, etc. Nothing special or out of the ordinary, just a solid setup.

My only thing I'm wondering about is the wire length. The leads coming off of the packs are longer than I would have personally done, and I also have to use a series harness to get them to 4s.

Should I shorten up the battery pack leads? Does it actually make a difference? It's all 12g wire and Dean's. I feel no heat in the wires after use, this is more of a "does it matter" question.

Thanks all,

10k

[suicideneil]

Technically speaking if the wires arent getting warm, then the length isnt hurting anything by causing resistance or voltage drop (not not noticeably at any rate I figure).

Visually though, yeah, looks like spaghetti on your truck I would say go ahead and shorten the leads as required- less mess and less loose wire flopping around that might get caught on something and damaged- I've worn through a wire once when it caught on the spur, so its definately worth doing if you are happy to and good with an iron.

Looking at the pics, seems you just need to shorten the series harness really, and that should make a big difference- my parallel harness is just plugs forming a T, no extra wire except whats on the batts to start with.

[E-Revonut]

Take your series harness apart, unsolder the two main power wires from the deans and connect the ones right off your esc there. That would take a few inches out of your set up.

[What's_nitro?]

^^ Good idea.

[10kman]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. I went ahead and shortened up my battery leads, I lost about 4 inches off of each pack, which has to help on some level, and it did clean it up a bit. I shorted up the wires between the ESC and motor as well.

If I feel antsy, I may do the series harness as well, but I hate fiddling with stuff that wasn't broke, usually that's a good way for me to end up with a problem!

[Arct1k]

And FYI the answer is yes - Shorter wires mean less ripple - If you run longer wires you need extra caps.

[10kman]

Does it matter at a level we can notice though? I mean, even with all of that extra wire I cut off, it was fine and had no heat issues.

[Arct1k]

Well when your ESC goes up in flames you would notice :) It tends to be more instant failure than heat...

[BrianG]

It's always best to use the shortest wire possible without causing strain on the ESC or battery. Will it help? Depends on the current load and battery quality, but it can't hurt.

On setups where wires are longer than usual, I'd add a couple of caps to the ESC input. Not the best solution, but better than nothing.