Introduction + question

[cwilson]

Hi all,

I ordered my Rostock MAX V2 kit last Friday, and should receive it on Monday. I'm really looking forward to getting the machine built and up-and-running! In the meantime, I've been reading geneb's excellent assembly guide and making sure I have all the necessary tools and materials to do the assembly.

One question I have as I go through the guide:

Is there any compelling reason not to use heat shrink tubing vs. the specified Kapton tape on the various soldered and/or crimped wire connections? I have both supplies, but from looking at the assembly guide pics there are many places where it would seem heat shrink tubing would be easier and possibly look better.

Thoughts?

[BenTheRighteous]

Not that I'm aware of, other than perhaps that kaptop is easier to remove if you screw it up and/or decide to reassemble/upgrade that piece of the machine at some point in the future.

Edit: also, welcome.

[cwilson]

Good point. Thanks!

[jdurand]

With the mention of using waxed wire-tie string I'm surprised that the author made little ties with it instead of running half-hitches. That's how I was taught back when dirt was young.

[Jimustanguitar]

It's about the temperature that Kapton can handle. Not only is it's temperature tolerance considerably higher, heat shrink tubing softens when it gets hot, and because of this it doesn't stand up well to prolonged/repeated heat. Especially around moving parts.

[geneb]

It's because the author is only that anal when doing wiring on the F-15, and even then only rarely.

g.

[cwilson]

Makes sense about the heat tolerance; thanks.

That's a really cool project with the F-15, Gene!

[geneb]

Thanks!

g.