Motor capacitors

[bcrandy]

I am scratch building an RC boat. I will be using an Electrifly T-600 motor with a 35A ESC/BEC running off a 6 cell NIMH battery.

I have found conflicting information on the web about the use of capacitors to reduce radio interference by the motor. The most common info I found was "to solder a 0.01 mfd capacitor from each motor terminal to the motor's case and a 0.047 mfd capacitor between the two terminals". Two other sources said to "never solder capacitors to the motor case as it will short out the motor".

The motor came with a small 0.01 mfd capacitor and instructions to solder it between the terminals.

Should I follow the instructions or use the 3-capacitor setup? Are 0.01 mfd and 0.047 mfd the correct capacitors? TIA - Any help would be appreciated.

[der kapitan]

I am scratch building an RC boat. I will be using an Electrifly T-600 motor with a 35A ESC/BEC running off a 6 cell NIMH battery.

I have found conflicting information on the web about the use of capacitors to reduce radio interference by the motor. The most common info I found was "to solder a 0.01 mfd capacitor from each motor terminal to the motor's case and a 0.047 mfd capacitor between the two terminals". Two other sources said to "never solder capacitors to the motor case as it will short out the motor".

The motor came with a small 0.01 mfd capacitor and instructions to solder it between the terminals.

Should I follow the instructions or use the 3-capacitor setup? Are 0.01 mfd and 0.047 mfd the correct capacitors? TIA - Any help would be appreciated.
The most common information about installing the capacitors is correct for the most extreme RF noise situation, and you need not fear shorting out the motor. You can also simply solder the .047 capacitor between the terminals, if you have a fairly good quality motor.

[Shaun Hendricks]

Shorts can only happen with capacitors that carry current. To test your capacitors, put on a meter and do a continuity check. If you get continuity, those are the wrong capacitors. Usually small ceramic disk capacitors are used and they will not short out the motor! Most hobby shops have these capacitors in stock.

Do the 3 capacitor method, it's the most effective as it helps neutralize signals from the case, bearings, etc...