Are they watertight? If so, I think I could make it all fit inside
(except for the 1' X 3' solar panel

Scott
N0EDV


Roy Lewallen wrote:

Would you consider an ammo box? They're readily available at surplus
stores.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Scott wrote:

I'm looking for a NEMA type 4 box or equivalent. New one are a bit
pricey. It must be weather proof. Small holes OK, since I could weld
pathes on to keep it watertight. It will be for my 432 beacon and
will be mounted up on a tower (up to 200 feet above ground). Prefer
metal. Size needed would be about 12" X 12" X 6" or so...

Thanks,

Scott
N0EDV

Yes, they have a heavy rubber seal under the lid, and the lid is held
down tightly. They're made of heavy gauge steel, which might be better
(it's shielded) or worse (it's probably heavier) for your application
than the plastic box others have recommended. They come in at least a
couple of sizes and are relatively inexpensive. Think I paid $15 or $20
for some fair sized ones a while back. Considering their objective of
keeping ammo free from corrosion and excessive moisture in virtually any
environment, they seem to be a viable choice for an outside enclosure.
You might want to seal it up when exposed to dry air and possibly
enclose a dessicant, also, to reduce condensation problems. Some of the
plastic boxes have a one-way valve to let air out but not in, which
might be an advantage.

I don't have any real experience with keeping a weathertight box outside
for an extended period, though. It would be good to get some opinions
and advice from people who do.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Scott wrote:
Are they watertight? If so, I think I could make it all fit inside
(except for the 1' X 3' solar panel

Scott
N0EDV


Roy Lewallen wrote:

Would you consider an ammo box? They're readily available at surplus
stores.

I don't have any real experience with keeping a weathertight box outside
for an extended period, though. It would be good to get some opinions
and advice from people who do.
===================================
Some time ago I was given an enclosure for an outdoor surveillance TV camera
which had a suitable heater (50 Watts resistor) switched by a bi-metallic
temperature switch. A homebrew solution would be an opamp circuit with 2
diode type temperature sensors,measuring in-and outside temperature
,maintaining an inside temperature approx 2degr C higher than the outside
temp.
This would be adequate to prevent condensation .
Seems a bit overdone at a first glance ,but would ensure protection of
valuable RF equipment.

Perhaps someone involved with Mobile Phone Cell Systems outdoor equipment
would care to comment.

Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH