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Weatherproofing circutry

For discussion of DIY weather equipment - sensors, accessories, improvements to existing kit etc
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ScottM
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue 20 Mar 2012 5:42 pm
Weather Station: homebrew
Operating System: Win 7
Location: Lunenburg, MA

Weatherproofing circutry

Post by ScottM »

I have the electronics for my weather station working. But I can't put it outside as is; it wouldn't survive long.

What techniques to people use to weatherproof the circuitry? The two obvious problems are water, and having an enclosure heat up in the sun and throw readings off. I can smear vasoline on the circuit boards and wrap them in plastic, but that's clearly not going to work for the humidity sensor and temperature sensor...

Anyone got an enclosure design they've had long term success with? The Arduino and wifi board together came to over $100 and I'd rather not repeat that expense in three years. Thaniks!
BCJKiwi
Posts: 1255
Joined: Mon 09 Jul 2012 8:40 pm
Weather Station: Davis VP2 Cabled
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Contact:

Re: Weatherproofing circutry

Post by BCJKiwi »

1. Buy a spray can of 'protective circuit board lacquer' and liberally cover every part of the assembled board (except any sensor elements of course!).
2. Put it in a ventilated cabinet. If you use a plastic electrical box designed for outdoors, then you can put extra conduit bushes in the unused cable holes on the bottom (you could also do the same on the side near the top and add an elbow so any opening is facing down). Pack the open conduit bushes with fine gauze (plastic or stainless steel mesh etc) or similar. This will allow the cabinet to breathe but will keep out all the water and bugs etc.
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