Putting the AQ in a box?

[hogster]

Hi all

Provided I leave holes for the barometer, LEDs and the FTDI pins, I'm wondering if it's a good idea to encase the AQ in a plastic box to keep it protected from the elements? Like this:

http://uk.farnell.com/hammond/1591xxmsb ... dp/1877176

Many thanks for any feedback,

David

[hogster]

Further to this question, would it be beneficial for such a box to be mounted on vibration damping pillars such as these?

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/stud-mounts/7203293/

Many thanks

David

[Max]

Hi David,

First question -- sure, if you want to. There was also a 3D print design of an AQ protection box around here at some point (maybe it's on Shapeways). Many people like to put a clear dome over the whole electronics stack, so the indicator lights, etc, can still be visible.

The dampeners, probably not so good. Typically soft mounts make things worse. It might work better if the AQ board was mounted to a heavy block of something (aluminum, etc). But often you'll get some vibrations amplified instead of dampened, and typically it's less predictable than a hard mount. YMMV, as they say.

-Max

[hogster]

Hi Max, thanks for the reply

Yes I must say I've never had much success damping vibration just using mounts – they have to be designed for exactly the right frequencies or they often make things worse.

I will probably go ahead with the box, maybe I can find a clear one that would allow me to still see the lights easily from all angles.

I will then mount said box on ~10mm nylon standoffs on top of the frame.

Thanks for your feedback!

David

[kinderkram]

AQ protective case at Shapeways: http://www.shapeways.com/model/902635/d ... terialId=6

[hogster]

Thanks for the link Norbert It's pretty expensive though! The box I was looking at is £3.12

Also I was wanting to use a box to protect the AQ from dust and other dirt flying around in the atmosphere – this Shapeways part seems to be completely open on all sides?

Cheers,

David

Edit: I've found a couple of other boxes from RS if anyone was thinking of trying this:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/instrument-cases/7733173/
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/instrument-cases/7733160/
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/general-p ... s/3815186/

[hogster]

Just to bring this thread to a conclusion, I bought this box in the end:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/instrument-cases/7733173/

and the AQ *just* fits inside it. I cut various openings for the PWM and FTDI connections, and so that I could get access to the MicroSD card and see the LEDs ... I'm very pleased with it



Although I think it should be renamed PagodaQuad when used with that GPS shield

Cheers!

David

[kinderkram]

Yeah, looks like one of those Asian huts on lakes.

66x66 is a good size for a box. Nice.