Author Topic: Waterproof enclosures and external interfaces?  (Read 663 times)

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Offline AndrewMTopic starter

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Waterproof enclosures and external interfaces?
« on: December 26, 2019, 04:45:05 pm »
I need to make a thing that will have a simple external interface (7-seg LCD and numeric keypad), and be waterproof - it will be used outside, and I need it to be able to get rained on, dropped in the snow/puddles, etc...


For the keypad I'm thinking I can use one of these: https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/adafruit-industries-llc/419/1528-1136-ND/5353596
Cut a small slot in the box, thread the connector through, and seal up the hole with silicone or epoxy.


How do I get an externally-visible  7-segment LCD that's waterproof?  Is my bet to have a plastic window sealed to the box, and mount the LCD underneath it contacting the window?


Should I attach the LCD directly flush-mounted through a hole in the box, and add a gasket or silicone around the edge of the LCD?


Is there some other good way to do this?


Thanks,
Andrew
 

Offline i_am_fubar

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Re: Waterproof enclosures and external interfaces?
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2019, 06:14:14 pm »
Going to share a technique I've used on a few things. Works best for plastic enclosures, but works ok on metal if environment isn't too harsh. Also, ok for LED, not so much for LCD but may work, it's quite diffusing.

1) Cut hole in enclosure bigger than display
2) place enclosure upsidedown on aluminium block (as a heatsink)
3) spooge hot melt glue into hole
4) press display into hot melt
5) spooge more hot melt to hold secure.

The aluminium heatsink hardens the glue flush to enclosure face but glue is transparent enough for LEDs and some displays.

The keypad will be fine. Maybe deal around inside of slot if using a textured enclosure.
 
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