HFU HF Underground

Technical Topics => The RF Workbench => Topic started by: stendec on May 22, 2021, 0358 UTC

Title: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: stendec on May 22, 2021, 0358 UTC: What weatherproof enclosures are people using for HF beacons? The planned site is in the high desert, but gets occasional heavy rain from summer thunderstorms. I'm appreciate any suggestions on enclosures and weatherproofing.

Thanks,
/stendec
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: boston_strangler on May 24, 2021, 0052 UTC: you could 3d print and use sealant or find a outdoor box on amazon with the gasket.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Rob. on May 24, 2021, 1728 UTC: I used NEMA boxes for various outdoor projects. They have a seal and are very good at keeping water out. Not cheap but sometimes you can get one on eBay for a decent price.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Sparx on May 24, 2021, 1838 UTC: I've used army surplus ammo boxes. They come in various sizes and are rugged, inexpensive, usually gasketed, and often painted in a camo color.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: stendec on May 24, 2021, 2047 UTC: I like the ammo can idea and got one with a gasketed lid from my local surplus store.

There's not only room for the beacon and charge controller, but also room to fit a 12v 5AH SLA inside the can. This will keep the battery (and its connections) out of the elements. Now I just need some weatherproof connectors for the solar panel and antenna cables. Or maybe just drill holes in the box and bring the cables in that way -- but might be more difficlult to get a long lasting weatherproof seal that way.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Rob. on May 24, 2021, 2332 UTC: Gland connectors work well to bring wires/cables in and out of the ammo box:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748JLNR4/
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Stretchyman on May 25, 2021, 0700 UTC: Hammond Diecast
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Beerus Maximus on May 28, 2021, 1835 UTC: I do like the ammo can idea. If you get a choice surplus military can the gasketing is unbeatable. I've bought cans from this place: https://ammocanman.com/
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: syfr on June 03, 2021, 1724 UTC: Im using a 30 cal ammo can to house my 10M QRSS monitor.

One thing I discovered: They can leak . Mine did somewhere around the handle.

Make sure to check before deployment
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Teotwaki on January 10, 2022, 1559 UTC: bump for beacon updates
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon?
Post by: ThaDood on January 11, 2022, 2012 UTC: I've seen where someone used a trashed cooler. All plastic, and easy to drill through. Especially, small drip holes on the bottom. Paint that all white, and the reflected radiation will keep it cooler in the summer.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Poppagator on January 12, 2022, 1749 UTC: You might try a NEMA box, the heavy plastic type, available at big box home improvement stores. They're cheap (relatively), weathertight and UV resistant. An option to consider is painting it white to reflect the heat if it's out in the open. Be sure to ventilate the enclosure.
Title: Re: Boxes for HF beacon
Post by: Teotwaki on February 06, 2022, 1542 UTC: When they are on sale for $7-$9 the smallest model 1800 of the Harbor Freight Apache series of Pelican clones are great
Interior dimensions: 8-1/8 in. x 5-5/8 in. x 3-3/4 in

(https://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/9fc4a8332f9638515cd199dd0f9238da/6/4/64550_W5.jpg)

https://www.harborfreight.com/1800-weatherproof-protective-case-small-black-64550.html

When you lock them use a small computer security cable that wraps around a tree or some other object to prevent the theft of the beacon.