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How to Use a Schottky Diode for RC Boat Motors

Radio-controlled (RC) electric boats are available in an array of types, including tugboats, submarines, boats for racing and boats for show. These boats use 6 to 12 cell NiCad battery packs used in popular RC vehicles. Use of an exterior Schottky diode even for those electronic speed controls (ESC) that have one in it will boost the effectiveness and reduce the working temperature of the ESC. To get the most of a boat motor the use of the Schottky diode will improve the longevity of your equipment.

Things You'll Need

1 to 2 Schottky diodes
Soldering iron
Solder
Wire strippers
Safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Strip the red and black wire leads no more than a ¼ inch from the end on the Schottky diode. Some diodes come with wire leads attached, others are just the diode with metal leads.
- 2
  Solder the silver stripe lead on the Schottky diode to the positive side of the motor. This is the red lead that is coming from the ESC to the motor. If the Schottky diode has wire leads, then solder the red cable to the positive side of the motor.
- 3
  Solder the non-silver stripe lead on the Schottky diode to the negative side of the motor. This is the black lead that is coming from the ESC to the motor. If the Schottky diode has wire leads, then solder the black cable to the negative side of the motor.

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