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Moment with Mike: Arc welding with LiPo batteries

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Main Photo: Moment with Mike: Arc welding with LiPo batteries
10/7/2013
By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com
 
You may remember a few weeks ago when Novak tech guru, Charlie Suangka, shared an informative "How-To Avoid Reverse-Voltage Accidents" article. In the article, he specifically states word for word the following instructions, "Never replace ESC's Red & Black battery wires with the same color. This may look cool, but it is just inviting trouble in the form of expensive electronics permanently damaged."
 
Growing up racing motocross, R/C cars, and/or whatever else, I have also strived to look cool. It was unimportant to me whether I finished first or last on the motocross track...what mattered was how cool my gear looked and if I threw big whips. When I first started R/C racing, I couldn't drive a straight line (still can't most of the time), but you can bet I was willing to spend an extra $100 for a paint job that made me LOOK like a pro.  
 
In an effort to continue the "pro look," it just so happens that I did not heed the advice and wisdom of Mr. Suangka when it comes to wiring. As it turns out, I learned that in fact there is no need to buy expensive arc welders when instead you can just use matching wire colors on your remote control car ESC, not pay attention, and plug your LiPo battery in backwards. This will create the arc welding sparks, snaps, pows, and very hot flying sparks/splatter desired.
 
The one major thing that Charlie has forgotten to mention, is that if you DO run same colored wires, please always pack an extra pair of underpants, as the first time you plug those in backwards it is going to scare you so bad you'll need them...trust me from experience.
 
Fortunately the ESC, battery, and motor Gods were looking out for me this weekend, as I did not ruin any of my equipment in the mishap, but ironically it un-soldered the positive wire from the ESC and my bullet connectors, as if a sign from above was saying, "How cool do your wires look now...idiot."
 
If you have not read and/or listened to Charlie's article, I highly suggest doing so at this time by simply CLICKING HERE
 
 
 
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