Johnboy.46 Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 after reading how to install a chip I an now confused. instruction's showed and said you should wrap the decoder with tape but the first thing on the instrution paper that comes with the decoder chip says do not cover with tape as it will cause the chip to overheat and damage it. Help??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog RJ Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Don't wrap the decoder in tape. Use tape to insulate any metal parts in the area where you are going to fit the decoder. If the decoder comes into contact with any metalwork it can short circuit, which usually results in the decoder failing. You can use a small piece of double sided tape to hold the decoder in place.If you have to insulate any wire to wire joints use some heat-shrink tubing rather than insulating tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 I use Katon Tape (polyimide) to insulate the metal parts from the decoder and also to hold it in place. It's heat resistant and unlike standard electrical tape it doesn't get all sticky yucky over time. It's thinner too so leaves more space for the decoder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnboy.46 Posted April 25, 2012 Author Share Posted April 25, 2012 Thanks for that will not wrap. But it was misleading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashbang Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 HiIts high time Hornby removed all reference to wrapping decoders in tape!They should never be wrapped in anything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Noticed spelling error. Should be Kapton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graskie Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 What about the rubber sleeves Hornby specifically include with DCC ready locos? I've fitted quite a few as instructed, often having to make them less wide in order to fit better. Should I remove them all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashbang Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Graskie said:What about the rubber sleeves Hornby specifically include with DCC ready locos? I've fitted quite a few as instructed, often having to make them less wide in order to fit better. Should I remove them all?No, normally they are ok as the tubing isnt shrunk down.Even if it is shrunk down its quite likely to be of a heat conducting material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 The "rubber sleeves" certainly are heatshrink tubing and can be shrunk using a hair dryer on high with no damage to the decoder - and you'll have a lot over to use on the next decoder fit. But Hornby doesn't say that anywhere in the instructions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbird Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 The heat dissapation requirements of decoders is often missunderstood. Many decoders are supplied fitted with pre-shrunk sleeves, and Hornby supply sleeves to fit to their decoders. If the sleeve is fitted correctly, and shrunk to make direct contact with the discreet components of the decoder, then heat dissapation is not compromised, (the components are encased in insulating compounds). Wrapping in insulating tape is not recommended, as there may not be direct contact between the tape and components (an air gap). There is a big differance between electrical insulation and thermal insulation. An air gap will give thermal insulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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