Splash-proof / ruggedized radio?

[gobigkahuna]

Anyone have any suggestions for this? I will be using an RC radio near the water and would like to protect it from occasional light splashes of water or wet hands and rough use. At the moment I'm thinking about taking a DX6i, disassembling it and putting it into an IP68 electronics case, which will be a lot of work. Before I do that, though, I'm hoping someone here has a better / easier idea.

Thanks!

[steamboatmodel]

Just use a Large Ziploc bag.
Regards,
Gerald

[Kmot]

I have seen large plastic "rain cover" systems for sale, I think by Graupner. They look cumbersome but probably work well.

[avidjeepr]

http://www.sailrclaser.com/RC_Laser_Accessories.html

[spacephrawg]

http://www.sailrclaser.com/RC_Laser_Accessories.html


Thats great but what about pistol-grip controllers?

[gobigkahuna]

Thanks I already thought about using bags (and similar) but I'm looking for a more durable solution than that. I'm thinking more along the lines of potting as many of the printed circuit boards as I can (with this stuff: http://www.youdoitelectronics.com/id216.htm ) and then re-assembling it, either in its original case or, in an IP68 rated electronics case.

[spacephrawg]

just be aware that silicone will decay over the course of a decade. It will get brittle and turn to crap unfortunately.

[gobigkahuna]

Actually I was thinking of using the acrylic based spray conformal coating and on anything else that moves or rotates, I've heard "Corrosion X" works pretty well. Or I might just use Corrosion X. Haven't decided yet.

[CG Bob]

Maybe you should order the plans for Greg Sharpe's waterproof transmitter case (http://www.deepseadesigns.net/xmittercase.html).

[gobigkahuna]

Thanks for reminding me about that webpage, I had completely forgotten about it. Yes, it might be worth $15 to get some ideas on how to do mine, although I'll need more controls than what are shown on his.

[mrwuffles]

I think that squirrel guy on youtube has a way to waterproof the car electronics by using some coating you could try that on your radio just search waterproofing rc electronics or something on youtube

[tigerbay]

I think the internal gubbings like circuit boards will be pretty immune from most light getting wet scenarios.

The weak spot I found was the sticks. The sticks have a nice hole/slot in the case to let the rain in. This then funnels down to the control 'pots'. These 'pots' (as I have called them) are moving assemblies, so will not be so potable.

A waterproof case would be the way to go, I think.

[gobigkahuna]

@tigerbay - I should also add that I will be operating near salt water most of the time, so all the copper contacts and solder are at risk. I think what I will do is to coat all the circuit boards with Acrylic Lacquer Conformal Coating 419B (link above) and take all the components and put them in a waterproof enclosure. Next I'll look for a pair of IP68 rated joysticks, or make a set of rubber splash boots for them.

[mfr02]

I sail in salt water, and have done so for the 20+ years I have been playing with boats. My oldest transmitter is about 12 years old and still working well, albeit that it is now on its second aerial. The answer is to remember that the transmitter is not a football, and to try to avoid kicking it into the pond.
Some silicon based grease at the stick base will discourage water ingress there, remember that water rarely runs uphill, a cover to keep rain off and remember to wipe your wet hand on either clothing (yours or a close friends) or a piece of towelling.
Most of us have never had the problem that you are envisaging, so I have to wonder what, if anything, you are doing that is so different to the rest of us?