emyliano2000 Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 Hi guys. I just received the kendrick 8" primary mirror heater and the dewzapper split heater for the secondary mirror and I was wondering if you would know what to use to stick them to the mirrors. I wouldn't wanna use something that is inappropriate for it considering the heaters are gonna be warm. Thanks Emil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigeB Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 Hi Emil The dew heaters are attached to a large heat sink (your mirrors) so I would not be worried about them getting overly warm (even on full power, my heaters feel barely warm to the touch because they're attached to a big cold lump of metal and glass which soaks away the heat). In my view a more significant consideration is the longevity of the adhesive on the tape, which can "let go" if subjected to damp conditions over a period of time. I've had good success with this type of stuff: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roll-Aluminium-Insulation-Bright-Silver/dp/B0153IC8L2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481670578&sr=8-3&keywords=aluminium+tape (similar to car exhaust tape). I use this not because of its thermal properties, but because the adhesive on the tape is really strong, and it provides a good, long-life, moisture-resistant fix. But you definitely don't want this to get anywhere near the optical surfaces! Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emyliano2000 Posted December 13, 2016 Author Share Posted December 13, 2016 41 minutes ago, NigeB said: longevity of the adhesive On the kendrick website it advises to use silicone caulk. What is that? 43 minutes ago, NigeB said: I've had good success with this type of stuff: Does this tape go over the heater? How do you fix the heater with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigeB Posted December 14, 2016 Share Posted December 14, 2016 12 minutes ago, emyliano2000 said: On the kendrick website it advises to use silicone caulk. What is that? Does this tape go over the heater? How do you fix the heater with it? Silicone sealant - the sort of stuff you can seal window frames with. If you're going that route, use one rated for exterior use - the interior sealant is less able to deal with very low temperatures and can degrade over time. E.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evo-Stik-483422-290ml-Multi-Purpose-Silicone/dp/B0041WB7G4/ref=sr_1_3?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1481674163&sr=1-3&keywords=exterior+silicone+sealant Regarding the Al tape - for narrow heaters I cover the entire heater strip with it and stick down on either side. For large areas, I use the tape to stick down around the edge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emyliano2000 Posted December 14, 2016 Author Share Posted December 14, 2016 2 minutes ago, NigeB said: Silicone sealant ? I know what that is, I just thought the silicone caulk is something else. I know the decorators use caulk and I thought the silicone caulk might be some kind of silicone mixt with decorator's caulk ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emyliano2000 Posted December 14, 2016 Author Share Posted December 14, 2016 21 minutes ago, NigeB said: Silicone sealant The other thing is that I painted the back of the mirrors with blackboard paint. Will that affect the adhesion in any way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigeB Posted December 14, 2016 Share Posted December 14, 2016 7 minutes ago, emyliano2000 said: The other thing is that I painted the back of the mirrors with blackboard paint. Will that affect the adhesion in any way? Should be ok; I think the silicone, or the tape, should stick to the paint (take note of any directions regarding minimum temperature at time of application). The bond will only be as strong as the weakest link, which is probably the paint-mirror interface. If it flakes, just clean off the tape and the mirror back and re-stick on a clean glass surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emyliano2000 Posted December 14, 2016 Author Share Posted December 14, 2016 Thanks Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3ptune Posted December 14, 2016 Share Posted December 14, 2016 I have this solution also.. which is a non invasive way to hold a primary heater onto the primary mirror. Inside the bathing cap there is a small pillow of bubble wrap to push on the foam which is pushing on the heater. http://imgur.com/SaUX4Tt http://imgur.com/F0TqhdU http://imgur.com/JBbNlxw http://imgur.com/30jbWgY The final image, the whole assembly with a simple strap around the bathing cap, to keep it in place. http://imgur.com/hDB14YB It's working quite well so far for really cold days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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