Finding a large shoe box sized weather proof enclosure with a window? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: e100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 02:35:11 am
content: A web search didn't turn up much.What are other people using?At the moment I using transparent Plano fishing tackle box which is OK except that it's polycarbonate which requires a special glue and is somewhat brittle and susceptible to solvent and mechanically induced stress cracking.Food storage boxes aren't designed to survive the UV radiation we get under an Australian sun and tend to crack easily when cutting holes etc. unless you cut by melting.Ideally it would have a hinged lid and be made from a UV resistant glueable plastic like PVC, ABS, epoxy/fibreglass, SAN or PET and be RF transparent at 2.3GHz, or at least RF transparent at one end where the antenna can go.Polycarbonate and Acrylic are OK for the windows but not so good for mechanical bits and pieces and weather proof seals require mechanical gasgets because most sealants either attack the plastic causing cracking or have poor adhesion.Mike

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 05:32:29 am
content: Have you looked at some of the stuff available for use by Electricians in outdoor industrial situations?Most of them are rugged & waterproof,but you would probably have to fit your own window.(Make a cutout,then Araldite a piece of glass in as the window.)I'm not quite sure what the plastic is they use,but it should be RF transparent.

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 05:48:30 am
content: Quote from: e100 on July 21, 2012, 02:35:11 amhttp://uk.farnell.com/abb-control/12748/enclosure-ip65-8m-205-x-220-x-140/dp/1895170

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 06:29:34 am
content: Electrical suppliers, and ask for a GRP box with window. Weatherproof, can be drilled for cable glands and generally comes with a baseplate for mounting the insides proir to placing in box. Generally transparent to RF, and most come with a sealing gasket and either screw or hinge and latch to close. Ask for a look at York boxes.A tip for the windows is you really must add an extra silicone bead inside and out to the window, as often the bond from manufacture is pretty poor, but is easy to fix properly cheaply.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 07:09:02 am
content: As you mentioned you are in Australia [hint - change your profile so we see an aussie flag], try these dudes, not sure if they sell to public but worth a lookedit: here's the linkhttp://www.brenclosures.com.au/

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 07:16:44 am
content: http://www.hammondmfg.com/1554FSLP.htm*180mm x 120mm version NZ$32 from digikey. (Not in stock but digikey do stock other Hammond cases so they should be able to get hammond stuff in easy)*Material - Polycarbonate - UV stabilized recommended for outdoor use.*Gasketed lid with two piece "tongue & groove" construction provides protection against access of oil, dust and water*Designed to meet IP 66 & NEMA 4, 4X, 12 & 13 ratings.http://www.digikey.co.nz/product-search/en?x=0&y=0&lang=en&site=nz&KeyWords=1554T2GYSL

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 07:21:28 am
content: Quote from: notsob on July 21, 2012, 07:09:02 amI am. Without an account you will need to source Hager B&R from an electrical wholesaler.Altronics have some decent weather proof clear lid enclosures up to around 230mm bigger than that you are looking at Electrical stuff. Have a look at L&H clearance site, they some times have bargains on slow moving stock.

author: e100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 09:14:19 am
content: The 'Polynova PN'http://www.brenclosures.com.au/pn.htmlooks like a polyester & polycarbonate version of the all polycarbonate fishing tackle box I'm currently using.No pricing information though...Mike

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2012, 09:33:24 am
content: email them and ask for a local distributor or sales contact