What are you using to manage cables on the TM shaft?

[JayDavis81]

For my previous TM transducer which only has a single cable, I was using the Cobra flex route ties because they don't apply pressure to the cable and possibly damage it. With the LVS32/34 those don't appear to be an option because it has a bonded pair of wires. I'm reluctant to use regular zip ties and don't want to use electrical tape because it looks bad and doesn't last.
Any ideas?

[Ryno 615]

Livescope manual specifically states no zip ties to hold the cable to the shaft. I use electrical tape. There are other options out there, but not worth the costs in my opinion.

[MoBob]

1 inch Velcro cut to length needed.

[bassboat1]

Velcro.

[fishin couillon]

Black tape....

[Bill Reynolds]

Black tape....

Me Too. I have tried all sorts of attachment methods over the years but returned to electrical tape.

[bobcoy]

3M or other quality brand if you want it to stay on. Having a clean oil free surface helps as well

[8upwithfishin']

Velcro

[Dennis S.]

Electrical tape for me. It stays put. Never had it turn loose.

[JR19]

I personally like using electrical tape for 3 reasons. One is it will not crush the wire. Two it’s very durable. In the event it does get damaged you simply cover it with another wrap. I’ve been wrapping my TM shaft from top to bottom for the last 15 or more years and I’ve only took it all of twice and that was to do TM repair. 3 it covers up my chrome trolling motor shaft. It may not make a difference but given the choice of a shiny chrome shaft under the water verses a black shaft I’ll choose the black shaft.

[Mcjenson]

I've been using Velcro, but I think I'm going to go back to electrical tape. The Velcro just shifts and slides around too much.

[FLAbassin]

I just installed a new Garmin up front and black tape is what I used. Never had any real problems with it coming off.

[wmitch2]

I use a good quality, not cheap, Black Electrical Tape. It works best and holds up longer if you lightly stretch it as you put it on and use at least 3-4 times around, then CUT it, don't tear it, then smooth out the end. At least, that's what works for me over the last 40+ yrs !!

[JR19]

I use a good quality, not cheap, Black Electrical Tape. It works best and holds up longer if you lightly stretch it as you put it on and use at least 3-4 times around, then CUT it, don't tear it, then smooth out the end. At least, that's what works for me over the last 40+ yrs !!

Its what I've been doing for several years as well...

[billnorman1]

I always use zip ties but I think I'm going to change. I have an issue lately losing sonar on my Garmin. Hope that using tape cures it.

[JR19]

I always use zip ties but I think I'm going to change. I have an issue lately losing sonar on my Garmin. Hope that using tape cures it.

If you have cinched down the zip tie enough that it has crimped the wire enough to cause damage then its already to late. I understand why Garmin says not to use a zip tie. Most people want to chinch them down tight enough the cable does not move. Since a zip tie is a small diameter item it must be very tight to keep the cable from moving. If they said zip ties were ok but just don't chinch them down too tight they would have to try and explain what is too tight and what is lose enough. Buy saying no zip ties this eliminates the issue.

My personal opinion is they are okay as long as they are not tight. But if your going to have them lose then the cable has the possibility of moving around. I 100% understand what I do is not for a lot of people. I just think a total wrap like I done in the picture I posted gives the cables protection as well as keep it in place. plus I like that my chrome TM shaft is now black under the water. Again what I do is not for a lot of people but there is no debating it does give 1000 times more protection to a very expensive livescope cable verse a zip tie.

[fishnhams]

Next season I am going to try a piece of dura-wrap over everything to give some extra protection when going through brush.

[Redngoo]

Screenshot_20231215-061823_Chrome.jpg

No sticky mess!

[JK9027]

I'm trying the Nashua tape. Thanks, looks good. We used to dress cables in robot arms with tie wraps but you can't pull them tight or let it bind. Operator error if you do.

[lisa1117]

I use a cable guide on the Ghost mount, to keep cable from pinching the cable, and then use Velcro ties. I find where I'm going to put the ties and the add a couple wraps of electrical tape to the tm shaft below that spot, it will act as a stop and the tie will not slide down. Clean and serviceable.