Waterproofing and Enclosure Sealing
Edit on GitHubIP ratings, sealing every opening and keeping moisture out of a field beacon
Waterproofing and Enclosure Sealing
Overview
The electronics are 3.3 V and water-sensitive. A field beacon should survive rain, snow melt and pack sweat. This page covers making an enclosure genuinely weatherproof.
IP Rating Primer
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IP54 | Dust protected, splash resistant |
| IP65 | Dust tight, water jets |
| IP67 | Dust tight, immersion to 1 m |
A hobbyist build realistically reaches IP54-IP65 with care. Do not claim IP67 unless the case is a sealed product.
Sealing Every Opening
| Opening | Seal |
|---|---|
| Case seam | Closed-cell foam gasket or silicone bead |
| OLED window | Clear acrylic + silicone (not cyanoacrylate - fumes fog the panel) |
| Buttons | Rubber boots, or a silicone sheet membrane |
| SMA | Finger tight + a smear of silicone grease on the thread |
| USB-C | Rubber plug when not charging |
| Audio jack | Panel-mount with a nut and gasket |
After-Seal Test
- Assemble the case fully.
- Wipe it with a damp cloth and check the OLED area for fog.
- Simulate rain for 10 minutes with a spray bottle.
- Open and inspect for water tracks before trusting it in the field.