metalic tape instead of bottom plate?

[johnny riff]

Hello
Has anyone used metalic tape for shielding instead of a bottom plate.I just aqiured a roll of alum.and copper tape.checked it for continuity with a dmm.Would it be to thin or would that matter.You could attach it to to the bottom of the amp cab.
Thanks
JR

[Phil_S]

I routinely use a sheet of heavy duty kitchen-type aluminum foil glued to a plank of wood. What you have is probably more expensive than what I use. It's purpose is to block RF. You'll be fine.

[doctord02]

Should be fine, just make sure the chassis makes contact with it all the way around. Thickness makes no difference. If I remember correctly, the signals we are trying to shield out can be blocked by chickenwire mesh...

[johnny riff]

Thanks for the input.What would be better alum or copper or would it matter.
Thanks
JR

[Phil_S]

Silver will keep the vampires out

I forgot to mention that I've got a couple of amps where I applied the kitchen foil to corrugated cardboard (like from a box) and that works, too. and is at least $10 less than purchasing a bottom plate. Of course, this is homebrew for personal use. If I was making a commercial product, I'd get a proper plate. If it mounted inside a wood box cabinet, I'd probably put the foil on the wood and skip the plate.

This is a simple thing. What you have is good. You can choose by it's good looks or ease of handling or whatever reason floats your boat. It makes no difference.

[johnny riff]

Thanks Phil
It's much less than I thought.
JR

[butwhatif]

Just make sure it's stuck on well, maybe even put a few staples. In hi heat situations it can come loose, and I've seen old tape oxidize and start flaking.

[FunkyE9th]

Just curious...how wide is the tape? If you are using a 2" wide tape and need to make a wider sheet by layering the tape together, you might want to check if the adhesive is conductive. If not, it will be a good idea to solder them together to ensure continuity. Can't solder aluminum, so I would use copper.

[tubetek]

For cab shielding, I use a roll of roof flashing; thin enough to be easy to cut and strong enough to not tear & stay in place with a little glue and a few staples. Pick up a roll at any "home improvement" store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) I didn't have much luck with the foils; self-adhesive or otherwise. HTH
Tom

[Structo]

On my D'Lite I used some of that Stew Mac 2" copper shielding tape.

It has conductive adhesive plus I used staples as well in case the adhesive failed.

I didn't notice any difference before or after the shielding......

[butwhatif]

Good old steel window screen is still the best imo, if u can get it, and it had some magnetic permeability. Leo used it for more than 1 reason.

[xk49w]

Just as a point of reference, Hammond used either foil-on-cardboard or bent steel for shielding the bottom of the AO-28 Hammond organ preamp. No difference as far as I know. I prefer the steel, only because the mounting holes eventually get galled out in the foil-cardboard version.

[johnny riff]

The copper I have is a roll 3 ft.wide and close to 10-12 ft.long.It looks like the same stuff used for flashing exterior decks and such with a adhiesive back.I plan to cut a piece the same size as the bottom of the chassis or maybe a little proud and trim in place.I figure the mounting screws will sandwhich it tite.Maybe a few staples in the field.The alum.tape is 3 " wide so that would have to be over lapped a bit.

JR