Boxes for HF beacon

[stendec]

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

[boston_strangler]

you could 3d print and use sealant or find a outdoor box on amazon with the gasket.

[Rob.]

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.

[Sparx]

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.

[stendec]

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.

[Rob.]

Gland connectors work well to bring wires/cables in and out of the ammo box:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748JLNR4/

[Stretchyman]

Hammond Diecast

[Beerus Maximus]

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/

[syfr]

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

[Teotwaki]

bump for beacon updates

[ThaDood]

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.

[Poppagator]

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.

[Teotwaki]

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/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.