Kapton Tape??

Hi All.   Kapton Tape , for insulating DCC Decoders without  over heating? This is the Tape I couldn't remember in an earlier thread. Is it worth buying? In other words does it work?  All the best. Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I use it for insulating the metal surface the decoder will sit on, and insulating older motors that are attached to a live chassis. Use the minimum over the decoder, they cool by convection with air or conduction to the surface. Leave as much exposed as possible if it's a bare decoder. ESU and others are covered in a plastic sleeve, and have high heat tolerance because of heat sinks. Useful item, Kapton tape.

Nigel

Hi Nigel.   I only heard about this morning on a YouTube video, and if I am going to embark on the Hornby Decoder exercise? I thought that I'd better get the gen on it.   All the best. Kevin

BCDR wrote:

Hi Kevin,

I use it for insulating the metal surface the decoder will sit on, and insulating older motors that are attached to a live chassis. Use the minimum over the decoder, they cool by convection with air or conduction to the surface. Leave as much exposed as possible if it's a bare decoder. ESU and others are covered in a plastic sleeve, and have high heat tolerance because of heat sinks. Useful item, Kapton tape.

Nigel

Hi Nigel.    I was uncertain about your comment on “ Older Motors”, I had previously contacted Hornby on the subject regarding my Terrier / DCC job and kapton Tape , and they stated that the terrier chassis isn’t live. Where the 0-4-0 Pugs have chassis contacts that have to be insulated from the motor. Could that mean that the production process has changed???Best wishes. Kevin

It doesn't matter whether the chassis is live or not, you need to protect the pcb from metal, where it will short the tracks on the PCB. So you either tape the chassis / motor where it would touch or you tape the PCB where it would touch..

Hi Kevin,

Is a chassis live? Usually not these days but there are still exceptions. Anything with a split chassis is live. If in doubt test with the multimeter. An absence of wipers is a sure sign. These days the monoblock chassis is usually protected with insulated wheels or plastic axles. PCBs and exposed decoders always need to be isolated from any metal chassis. Dead or alive. Use a thin piece of styrene screwed or glued, or Kapton tape (2-3 layers). FYI, Kapton tape comes in several thicknesses.

Nigel

Hi the Q.    Thank you as it will be my first attempt I have to do it correct. But would you recommend regular Insulation tape or Kapton tape??   Best wishes. Kevin