Weatherproof electronics

[davisgraveyard]

I wasn't sure where to post this so I'll put it here. 

I was wondering what most of you do to protect your prop controller and various other boards from the weather when the prop is outside?  I have used several techniques but was wondering if there was a common solution that most people used?

On a project that had several boards I enclosed it in a sprinkler box.

On a Prop-1 project I enclosed it in a small plastic project box and sealed the seams.

I have also just sealed a Prop contoller in a plastic anti-static bag with tape.

What are some of the other common ways to keep the weather out of your electronics?

Jeff
www.davisgraveyard.com

[JonnyMac]

I've heard of some users mounting things in Tupperware-type containers.   Our stand-offs kit should be helpful to those wanting to mount boards in thin-walled (less that 1/8") containers.

[menehune]

I have used a NEMA4?  (the expensive, certified outdoor weather-tight boxes) enclosure for AC stuff. 
For my Christmas light strings on plantings, I use two sandwich bags or plastic shopping bags taped to the extension cord to keep weather/sprinkler water out of the connection.

[clinefx1]

At home improvement stores there are some options.  I like using the gray plastic junction boxes.  For $20 and less you can a 8" x 8" x 4" box that is very nice.  It has no pre-drilled holes and no knock outs.  Usually in the same area to those they have water tight bulkhead fitting for passing wire/cable into them. 


Chris

[davisgraveyard]

I went the grey plastic junction box route.  There is a 4x4x2 box that fits a prop1 board very nice.   I have 16 22ga speaker wires going to the prop so at first I layed them all flat and closed the lid on them.  Several days later I went to check the box and it was FULL OF WATER!!!!!.   So my Prop1 was floating in water with a 12V power supply attached!  Needless to say it was toast.   So I bought the bulkhead fitting for the wires and sealed it up with a replacement controller and all is well.

I also used a 8x8x4 to house all the guts of my talking skull (prop2,uMP3, Scary Terry Audio)  4 servo cables, 3 power supply cables 2 LED 22ga leads, 1 audio cable all out a single bulkhead fitting.  Sealed the box up tight and it works great.

Jeff
www.davisgraveyard.com