VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

We use self amalgamating butyl rubber tape in two opposing layers on heliax connectors on mobile towers.

VK6ADF wrote: That's the same as Denso Tape

Ah yes...I used Denso tape back in the "olden days"...really worked well in a coastal/high wind (read "salt") environment!

mmm,
Yes, I remember Denso tape with bird repellant.
Yuk!

We use self amalgamating tape and then UV electrical tape over that. The self amalgamating tape while they say it's not UV resistant, it holds up pretty good and I've seen it last over ten years on it's own.
20 years later I'm still cutting the tape off connectors.
Denso tape ... yeah, I'd rather not. I occasionally find this stuff on old feeders that are over 20 years old.
It's best for earth cables and stuff that goes underground. Not for things up a tower.

It is rumoured that denso tape is used because it's a bird repellent. Actually it's more like fly paper and every couple of months you have to climb up and pulled the dead cockatoos off the tape.

hey Trash,

Do they still use that black butyl tape then cover it with nitto 'lecky tape on "OJ's" (Openable Joints)?

I used to love plumbing the lead joints on paper insulated lead cable...

I've got some rolls of tape floating around in my toolbox. I've taken them out to see what they are.

The self amalgamating tape we use is: 3M Scotch 23 Rubber "splicing tape". (I live this stuff and I use it on my connectors)
The UV tape we cover it with is: 3M Scotch 33+ Vinyl electrical tape.

I like the quality of the 33+ vinyl tape too, but out of habit I wouldn't use it by itself to seal up connectors. But the 23 on it's own I certainly do.
And that certainly doesn't say anything for the low quality $2 shop rolls of vinyl tape.

I just re-did three feed lines as suggested by the experts here. Two layers of 3M 23, with the first layer in the same direction as the thread tightens so as the tape contracts with time it will not loosen the connecter, second layer the opposite way, then a layer of 3M 33, then heat shrink tubing.

Aren't I a good boy? Please give me a

I still think this would make a good article for AR. Rex? Trash?

73

Wayne VK4WDM

Denso tape, commonly known as baby sh*t tape. It still has it's uses.

Denso tape still has it's uses.

I would probably good stuff to waterproof the connections on the radial system for my vertical.

73

Wayne VK4WDM

More than 800 connectors of a specialised N-type Aluminium outer shell and stainless steel inner, has seen flooding, dust and extreme heat. Only covered with 3-M self amalgamating tape for over 15 years + . Not a speck of corrosion when opened for inspection or maintenance. Take it from me. If the wrap is done correctly, all you ever need is self-amalgamating tape. Never suffered from UV degradation.