In a message dated 9/23/2007 5:34:37 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> Don't you have to be careful with the tape?? I have heard (or read) that
you don't want to pull the tape to break it after taping the coax. Pulling
it too hard can damage the dielectric.
I don't know about the damaging the dielectric part (isn't it all
dielectric?), but yes - you should be careful when finalizing your tape wrap.
You
want to have a nice, clean cut at the end of the tape. DO NOT pull it until it
breaks. This pulled out end will not attach itself very well to the wrap.
This will result in "flagging" where the end of the tape pulls off and waves
in
the breeze. Either tear it carefully by hand without stretching it or use a
pair of scissors, dikes, etc. Then let the tape relax before putting it down
on the wrap. Of course you're using Scotch 33 or 88 for this operation - not
the 3 for 99 cents stuff from the hardware store.
The last bit of advice is when taping a vertical joint, to have the last
layer of tape going up. That way it overlaps like shingles on your roof.
Winding
the wraps down will result in the tape channeling the water flowing down
right into the joint - a sorry state of affairs.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
Cell: 206-890-4188
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