[Elecraft] [W2] Waterproofing the sensor

[David Ferrington, M0XDF]

Ok, GM3SEK would have something to say on waterproofing - like it's almost impossible and since there will be air in the box, and temp variations (I'm putting it on the masthead remember), then that will cause worse corrosion, so better to leave a very small hole to allow it to breath. Getting the kind of box you mention Ron is no problem, Tesco sell them here and I had that in mind.

Now if I can get a vent with a muslin type cover, that would stop the spiders. I wonder if I can make one while a ordinary cable gland, a very small holed washer and some material?

Next problem - how long can the UTP be?

73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
-- 
Natural ability without education has more often attained to glory and virtue than education without natural ability. -Cicero, statesman, orator, writer (106-43 BC)

On 27 Jan 2012, at 22:26, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Keeping something outdoors dry isn't a big issue. An plastic food container
> will keep it dry. Just be sure to arrange the exit points for the cables so
> they are pointing downward to prevent rain from running down a wire into the
> enclosure. 
> 
> I've not remoted a W2 sensor, but have used that technique on many matching
> networks. 
> 
> But that leaves two other issues:
> 
> 1) If the unit is not totally sealed you'll get tiny bugs inside it -
> including the famous pin-head size spiders that are so adept at shorting out
> antenna traps. Unless you'll be checking and cleaning it regularly, I'd
> carefully caulk the openings for the cables so the box is absolutely sealed
> and use a container with a good seal on the lid. One of the types of
> water-tight containers that has a rubber o-ring seal around the lid is best.
> They are available in the USA for under $5 in the size you'd need. (If you
> buy a "Snap-Loc" brand container, it's made here in the USA too :-)
> 
> 2) Has anyone tried really long runs of the sensor cable to see how the
> system behaves, especially in a strong RF field? I don't know of a spec for
> the maximum cable run for the sensor wire. 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill K9YEQ
> Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 1:55 PM
> To: 'David Ferrington, M0XDF'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [W2] Waterproofing the sensor
> 
> I will watch for the response as well.   I would rather have the unit near
> the base where I tune.
> 
> 73,
> Bill
> K9YEQ
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> Reposting this since I haven't seen a reply, which is unusual for this list.
> 
> I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has waterproofed a W2 sensor, I'm
> considering the W2 and want to put the sensor on the masthead.
> 73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
> 
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