reflective leading edge tape

[marc 540]

Where do you guy's find this stuff? It look's like a good idea!! :)

Marc 540

[Twizter68]

www.hilaunch.com
10 Feet for $3
Don's good people.

[GDbot]

http://www.identi-tape.com/deco-holo.html Here is another source

[John Walter]

I use chrome trim MonoKote cut 1" by 6" on my LE. 3 pieces per side. Very thin, highly reflective. Easy to find at your LHS.

[ozmo01]

Some use a prizmatic reflective tape available in most auto supply stores.

[TheNightowl]

It's a long way from me to an autoparts store. I got mine here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Silver-Prism-Tape-1-inch-x-25-feet_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a1Q7 c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3911Q2ec0Q2em14QQha shZitem120336577818QQitemZ120336577818QQptZMotorsQ 5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Nightowl

[marc 540]

Thank's Ozmo for the auto supply store idea. I was hoping to get it locally instead of having to order it. I was also thinking of the local Walmart in the sporting goods or toy dept. Sticker's?? How about the art's and craft dept?

Marc 540 :)

[rogerflies]

I used pieces of foil bags (like potato chips come in) held on the leading edge of each wing with adhesive transfer tape. I see a quick flash-flash (like strobes) when turning in the sun.

Roger

[BrianSmith]

Yep...

I use chrome trim MonoKote cut 1" by 6" on my LE. 3 pieces per side. Very thin, highly reflective. Easy to find at your LHS.

[kwmtrubrit]

Yep...

Me too. Works very well.

[dementia]

Me too. Works very well.
Me three, one piece per tip does the job.

[R. Carver]

Me four. Again.

[John Walter]

The reason that I use multiple pieces per wing is that the swept LE of my Supra will show a series of flashes across the wing. The direction of the flashes helps with orientation and it also increases the odds of seeing the flash in the first place.

[SUNSQUINT]

The vinyl sign shops like FastSigns and others carry the same prismatic material as what the tapes are made of, but are available in 16" wide rolls...

You can also get the same prismatic film without the adhesive backing from craft stores such as Michael's or from party supply stores...it is used as fancy gift wrapping.
3M 77 spray works to apply it to the plane.

Having the option to use larger sheets means that larger surfaces like vertical stabs can be covered with it. With the sign vinyl, you can cut your own logos, shapes, or lettering. Of course, they can also do it for you.
BTW, the vinyl sign material is pretty much identical in makeup and weight to MonoKote trim....

[marc 540]

Do these leading edge tape's work in overcast sky's or does it need to be sunny??

Marc 540

[John Walter]

It needs to be sunny, and the sun can't be in front of you. It doesn't have to be directly behind you as you look at the plane, but that helps.

[prodjx]

Gold trim film work's really on flat verticle surface's, I buy it every chance I get because it's no longer made, and that figure's. Am I wrong or does that sort of thing been happening alot lately? Dave.BTW it really flashe's off well, like the time I launched into a dust devil and specked out in second's, had to put it into an inverted spin to bring it back to a reasonal altitude so I could see it.

[SaltyOne]

This may seem like a stupid question, but is there any chance that the tape on the LE of a moldie could mess up the airfoil performance? I've had doubts about this and never put tape on my planes, even though it seems like a good idea. I'm sure the thinner the tape the better. Any opinions?

George

[ozmo01]

Most of the tape or covering these guys are talking about are to thin to cause airfoil changes. :cool:

[TOSSPilot]

Marc 540

I am not sure what your visual needs are but I highly recommend the monokote trim sticker sheet in bright lime green. We cut strips of this sheet and place it on the leading edge. When the plane is coming at you, the visability is great.

I use this color on my small electric flying wings that do around 80 mph. I had repaired half of one wing and did not put the tape back on. When coming at me, the repaired side was almost invisible while I could clearly see the green side.

If you are looking for high altitude visability, the reflective tape works good on the wing tops and the fin. When making turns, you will get reflective indicators.

Just thought I would mention the green.

Craig

[ozmo01]

This is a good idea and has come up before. Search this forum for "reflective tape" and you will get some nice product pics. :)

[scaflock]

Another source: http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/reflector-tape-eyes/309105.aspx

Jeff