Hi Gerald,
Based on SteppIR's manual I first wrapped an element joint with electrical
tape then covered it with fusing tape for UV protection of the underlying
tape. This seems to be the opposite of what you suggest below. Does it
matter? If so, which way is correct?
Tnx
N2TK, Tony
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of TexasRF@aol.com
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 2:39 PM
To: terry@kk6t.com; sdavis@davisrf.com
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AMP Fusion tape for sealing/waterproofing. DAVIS
RFCo. input
Terry, the tape is installed under tension. This makes it grip the
connector
surface very tightly, filling any voids that might be present. Wonderful
stuff and also available from 3M in a linerless version that is even easier
to
install. Home Depot carries this version. An over coating with a couple of
layers of cheap vinyl tape takes care of any UV issues.
73, Gerald K5GW
In a message dated 2/18/2008 12:14:57 P.M. Central Standard Time,
terry@kk6t.com writes:
I guess I'm a little dense. If this tape "only sticks to itself" how
does this create a waterproof and/or moisture proof package? What's to
stop moisture from migrating up under the tape at the junction with the
substrate (coax, whatever)?
73 de Terry KK6T
Steve Davis -Davis RF Co. wrote:
> Regarding AMP Fusion Tape, I prefer that to any other waterproofing (vs.
moisture proof) tape or adhesive backed (water proof) heat shrink (usually
only 2/1 and 3/1), due to no heat required, no application before soldering
or
joining. You can dispense with "marine electrical goop" (which needs
overlaid wrap to avoid cracking from UV ...then the overlay wrap needs to
be UV
resist) or "sealing in mayonnaise jars", etc, etc.
> Descriptive info from Dan Barnes (automotive engr): "Heat-shrink
tubing..
is limited to the sizes on hand, and can adjust to a limited range of
diameters. Plus, it takes heat to install, which is not always desirable.
Self-fusing tape achieves the ideal at which self-adhesive electrical tape
aims.
>
> With AMP Fusion self-fusing tape, there is no separate adhesive, so there
can be no shmoo (edit: mess). The tape bonds to itself. My understanding
is,
polymer bonds are broken when the material is stretched. When it is wrapped
around itself, it is just as easy to reform those bonds with the material
in
the adjacent layer of tape as within the original layer. Thus, the wrapping
becomes a single, homogeneous mass. The result is almost like dipping the
connection in plastic, but the process is dry, free of mess, and happens at
room
temperature. Removing it, if necessary, is just like removing any other
insulation, since it sticks only to itself. (edit: Use a straight safety
razor
blade, or Exacto knife to cut a line down one side and peel off)." end
quote
>
> Contrary to some of the descrip's that suppliers indicate, this tape is
more than "moisture proof". AMP has assured me that it is "waterproof" (to
no
specified immersion depth) and my marine electrical customers use it in
bilges, etc., therein water (two overcoats vs. one, for low voltage DC
applications, but , for liability reasons, WARNING: I must say that a user
must
obtain from AMP a written spec before submersion for any application and
this spec
from AMP does not exist at present..... bear with me gentlemen......, if I
characterize its waterproof aspect by the marine guys' immersed use, then
some
CB'r (ham wannabe of course) monitoring TT will seal his barrel joint from
his RG58 to RG217 with this tape, then lay the cable through his father's
tropical fish pond, turn on the high amp alternators and 10 kW RF, causing
a fish
fry as well as executing the neighbors in their swimming pools). HI
>
> Easy to use: you just peel off the backing, stretch it and apply....it
is
NOT sticky or messy! Simple instructions come with it from us. You can
find this fusion tape, and 3M33+ (flame/U.V. resistant electrical tape) on
our
web site at http://www.davisrf.com/coaxseal.php
>
> Hope this is of some help!
>
> 73, Steve Davis, K1PEK DAVIS RF Co.
>
> sdavis@DavisRF.com
>
> 978-369-1738
>
> ~ Davis RF Co., Div. of Orion Wire Co.,Inc.
> Distribution to numerous industries, Andrew
> Heliax; Times Microwave LMR; RFS Celwave and others.
> Cable design engineering. RF Peripherals.
> www.DavisRF.com
> Tel: 1-800-328-4773 (1-800-DAVIS RF) Tech'l: 1-978-369-
> 1738, Fax: 1-978-369-3484
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
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