Chip73

iTrader: (11)

Never taped lipos before, what is the best tape, method? I have a cup racer and want to use full size lipos.

HarryLeach

Use a tape with fiberglass strands in it to prevent breaking in impacts, such as these: http://www.amainhobbies.com/advanced...p+tape&x=0&y=0

I've seen guys use duct tape and gorilla tape, but a good "battery" strapping tape will be thinner [so it doesn't drag the track], and more resistant to cutting on the chassis in an impact.

Speaking of which, lightly sand/file the chassis edges that the tape will be going around so there's no sharp edge to help the tape get cut.

After that, cut off a section of tape long enough to reach around the chassis and battery, 2 1/2 times the length of the battery is a good starting length, you can fine tune it with experience later. Route the tape through the chassis slots, across the bottom of the chassis [neatness counts, avoid creases and wrinkles, you want it laying flat on the bottom], with equal "tabs" left on the top side.

Then, put the battery in place, and wrap one end of the tape over the battery and stick it down. If it looks like it might touch the other end of the battery and get stuck in the other free end of tape, trim it back to avoid that, makes battery removal later a bit easier. Strap the battery in snugly, but don't try to put as much tension on the tape as you can possibly get. Before you stick the other free end of the tape down, I like to fold a small pull tab at the end of the tape, again to make battery removal easier.

That's pretty much it. It isn't rocket science.

Chip73

iTrader: (11)

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I am sure it will help more than just me. Do you reuse the tape or re-tape each time the battery comes out?

rc_square24

iTrader: (9)

The top racing (slion) tape delaminates easily from the plastic backing from personal experience, even when peeling a strip from the roll itself. I was told the tape carried by nexus racing to be a good alternative but haven't tried it yet myself.

Usually a strip of tape will last me a whole day of racing. Just replace it when the sticky part is dusty.

HarryLeach

It depends on how the tape looks, how dirty the car/tape gets from track conditions [on the exposed adhesive sections], and how often you remove/change batteries.

All that said, I'll reuse the tape 3-4 times before I change it. Obviously, if there's any tearing where the tape passes back up through the chassis, or dirt is keeping the tape from sticking to the battery everywhere it should be, I'll change it out sooner.

Also, if you're prone to hitting things hard and often [like I am from time to time ], you can usually fit a second strip of tape through the chassis slots to secure the battery with about 1/2 tape width over lap for a little extra insurance against the battery coming loose.

Close fitting lipo stops will also alleviate some strain on the tape, if you have that option.

HarryLeach

Good to know, I haven't used the TOP tape. A roll lasts a pretty good while usually, so I don't change brands often.

clittle

This might be a little over the top, but I also put small pieces of double-sided tape on the bottom of my more expensive Lipo's just to make sure they also don't slide out during impact in the case that the tape has failed completely (Only happened once, but that was an expensive piece of kit getting run over by the rest of the field).

Timbulb

iTrader: (2)

I use the Hudy tape. $25 a roll and worth every penny. I use the same piece for 3 nights of racing.

HarryLeach

No, not entirely over the top, I do it too.

If you do this, use SMALL pieces at each end of the pack, or you can run into some real issues removing the battery.

On that note, I use nothing but the Parma Pro Servo tape, it holds like crazy, yet removes cleanly from the chassis and components.

HarryLeach

I don't remember what brand it is, but I've got some $7 a roll tape that I haven't changed in 8 weeks. I don't pull the pack from the car very often.

jblackburn

iTrader: (14)

The best tape is 3M 890. It is extremely difficult to find in small quantities (lots of places will sell 72 rolls of it). I bought 2 rolls 4 years ago and just finished my first roll. A single piece can be reused all weekend. The tape has 600 psi of tensile strength. Normal strapping tape is about 150 psi. It comes in black as well.

platypus_s13

iTrader: (10)

on the ends of the tape i fold over like a little flap i can grip. when i do that the tape doesn't come apart like you speak of. my roll of top racing tape has served me well.

Timbulb

iTrader: (2)

Every track I race at requires the use of a lipo charging sack so I pull the battery out after every heat, and the Hudy tape still lasts me three race days.

digitrc

Ditto that. My roll of TOP/Sliontec tape has been in my pitbag for almost 4 years now! Still got a good year's worth of tape left on it.

I change it before the finals for safety, but I can't say it has ever come unstuck. Delaminating is not an issue if you fold over a tab to keep the roll ready to use.

HarryLeach

If I pull the battery every heat, I've gotten almost 2 race days from my tape, so congrats, you have superior battery tape compared to what I use.