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How to Connect a RC Airplane Receiver to a Battery Pack

Before the advent of electric powered RC airplanes, all RC aircraft carried an onboard battery pack to power the receiver and the servos. Electric powered RC airplanes utilize a battery elimination circuit (BEC) that allows one battery to power the motor, receiver and the servos. The BEC cuts power to the motor while there is still enough battery left to power the receiver and servos; this allows the plane to be glided in for a landing.

Things You'll Need

4.8 or 6.0 volt battery pack or Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) with BEC
On/Off switch harness for non-BEC installations

Instructions

Fuel-powered Airplanes
- 1
  Locate the airplane's center of gravity and use the onboard battery pack to help obtain the correct balance. Mount the battery pack securely using rubber bands or hook and loop fasteners.
- 2
  Route the battery cable to the "On/Off" switch. Onboard battery packs use a special connector and the "On/Off" switch converts the connector to a standard servo-type connector.
- 3
  Plug the switch connector into the receiver port marked "battery" to complete the installation.
Electric-powered Airplanes
- 4
  Plug the ESC into channel 3 on the receiver -- this is the throttle channel. The receiver and the servos will receive their power through this connection.
- 5
  Locate the battery pack close to -- or right on -- the plane's center of gravity. Try to balance the plane without the battery pack; this will allow the pilot to use a variety of batteries without throwing the plane out of balance.
- 6
  Mount the battery using hook and loop fasteners to allow for quick mounting and removal. Most electric-powered planes do not use an "On/Off" switch to reduce weight.

Aviation