Kapton Tape?

I know this is probably a bare basics simple question. Do you use it with decoder installs or not? If so, I'm guessing it goes between the circuit board and the loco frame? Are there alternatives?

 

Electrical tape may be a substitute in certain cases, but kapton tape is thinner. It also has insulating and heat-conducting properties too, while electrical tape can burn or melt. I think they are relatively interchangeable, but if you have a tight-fitting shell and need to tape something to the chassis, the thinner material may give you some vital clearance.

I have never used it, but doubled stick foam mounting tape may be another option for securing loose decoders. For insulating solder joints, shrink tubing is probably the most professional looking over any kind of tape.

 

Yes, it's mainly used for decoder installs, for electrical insulation between electronic board (aka decoder) and the frame
Electrician tape could work, but Kapton tape is much thinner, which is a plus when there is not too much room in a locomotive....

 

Do not use your typical electrical tape! It's too thick but most importantly the adhesive will deteriorate quickly leaving you with a failed sticky mess.

Stick with Kapton. The adhesive will not deteriorate. There's a reason why NASA uses it for their electrical circuit stuff.

 

Electrical tape has a far lower melting point than Kapton, which is the main reason why the latter is used for DCC installation. In addition, electrical tape leaves a residue. The only acceptable use for electrical tape in a DCC situation is to insulate your bus/feeder wires under your layout, but you're still much, much better off using heat shrink tubing in that case.

 

I definitely do use it since I got into DCC. Fortunately, DCC decoder manufacturers like Digitrax and TCS include a strip of Kapton in many of their drop-in decoders, but it helps to have your own roll regardless. It's not cheap, but most of us have purchased our Kapton rolls via eBay. One roll should last you a lifetime.

 

Thanks for the input guys. It's what a newbie to DCC decoder install needed to know.

 

I've found it for $2.50 to $5.00 for a 36 yard roll depending on width from one model railroad supplier. It is only .001 inch thick. Use it all the time,

Sumner

 

Those are EXCELLENT prices! Can you post your source here or PM me? Running low.

 

I sent you a PM as they aren't an advertiser here. They have great pricing on other items and good service so also just sent them an email and recommended that they consider being an advertiser here,

Sumner

 

Got your PM. Oh, xxxxxx! I've ordered from them before but that was MANY MANY years ago. I'll have to take a look at what other stuff they have!

 

Agree w/ this. Several years ago I started using it. Went to Digi-Key and got 2 different widths. Those rolls will last me a while. Doesn't take much to do the job and it works really well. Kapton tape and a roll of small lacing cord are worth their keep in the electronics tool box.

 

Thanks, I have some Kapton tape on the way. I have two Digitrax decoders that I have had for years to give a try at installing plus 3 locos sitting on shelves that came factory DCC equipped but have never been run.

 

A couple of probably more basic questions. What is lacing cord ? and when might I need to use it ?

 

Lacing cord is utilized in electronics, power control wiring, etc as a wire management tool. It is good in many or most decoder installations when the installer wants to neatly manage the wires and train (no pun intended) them together. Helps w/ neatness as well as impeding wire from spreading all over the place when putting the shell back on.

Here's an image: https://tcsdcc.com/sites/default/files/2019-06/laced_9.jpg

In the linked picture, lacing cord is the black tape looking material wrapped around the wire in the center of the engine.

 

Excellent , I understand now.

 

That's the way it is!

 

I just getting into DCC and appreciate the advice. Now to find a place to get it and the lacing cord. Although the lacing cord looks like that used on bags of bread at the grocery stores. But probably smaller. Right?