finally did a partial tear down if the X3

[murankar]

Had a very interesting session with the X3 yesterday. I took off the right air frame so I could oil the bearings and to remove the old servos. What I found was not good. It was an error on my part, poor wire management. One of the RX to fbl wires was fraied. I had a spair (unbievable really) so I replaced it. I then flipped the RX around which keeps the wires away from the servo. Only issue now is getting to the throttle lead for the castle link. While it was apart i revisited the install of the ESC. I noticed the wires were running close to the motor. I knew they would at some point. Made a few adjustments and now that's good.

So this leaves me with a delema. Do I do some wire shortening or not. The ESC has some long wires on it. Long wires and this kit dont really get along. I am thinking of trimming the motor leads and the battery leads. The battery connection can be a bit shorter as well. The connection currently has a minor interference with how the canopy installs. This is a known issue and to be honest for me its minor. I think doing a cable redo should solve this. My only fear is once its done, its done can't undo it.

[Derek]

As far as doing some wire shortening, I don't think anyone but you can answer that, Matthias. It's your helicopter and your parts. I know that some people are very well know for shortening the wires, for cleanliness, weight, and clearance from moving parts, but as you said...once they are done, it's done. I also know that some people are just quite happy with using a couple extra zip ties to hide and pull the wires away from moving parts.

[murankar]

The only wires that need shortening are the three motor leads and the two battery leads. Because of where the motor wires are stuffed no zip ties are needed. As for the battery thats diferent story. The distance needed is about the same on a trex 450 pro. Just wrapping up to the "battery tray".

I'll have to get a video or stills of how things are.

[Graham Lawrie]

I am the same Matthias:) I saw Kev,s post on the crimper and ordered one so i can do the same:) I like tidy wires:)

[pvolcko]

Maybe some use of hot glue to keep wires from shifting back toward the motor would help? I do this on a couple of helis and works well.

[Superbad]

Most all ESC power and motor leads are easy to change out on the ESC
So if you do shorten them then dont worry about them being to short for a future use on something else most likely it will never come to that

[murankar]

That's what I was think Jesse. What needs hot glued is the ESC. Due to the design it does not sit flush. This creates an issue with not being able to velcro it in place. I do however have a velcro strap holding in place.

The design of the X3 is very efficient when it comes to cable lengths. Servo leads can be very short. The only long lead needed is the cable from the ESC to the RX.

Looks like I'll be cutting some cables soon.