corrosion resistant connectors

Yes - when the connector doesn't have its cable connected, plug in a dummy connector to keep it sealed. You could tether the dummy connector so it just dangles when it's not connected. This is done routinely in military stuff.

A "Caplug" might even work, if it's not subjected to a lot of physical abuse.

Cheers! Rich

For a little project, i'm need to connect a RS232 lead to a small box, which is exposed to a harsh enviroment. Most off the time, the connector will not be connected to the RS232 lead, so the contacts will be exposed to the harsh environment. Doesn't have to be a DB9 , another connector might do, coz its customized anyway. 'Harsh' will be salt air, even the occasional salt water, heat upto to 70 celcius, to -25 celcius, and high humidity to extreme dry.

I'm afraid there is not really a connecotr up to this task. Maybe gold plated, not sure though. Expected lifespan about 2 to 3 years.

Any thoughts?

Mich

You'll need to 'cap' the connector when not in use.

It'll need to be water tight too. There are specialist connectors up to the task but I've never heard of one in a DB9 style.

Graham

You are sort of asking the imposible. If you combine sea water, metal parts and voltage, you end up with ugly colored seawater and no more metal. You need to keep the sea water off the live contacts.

There are round connectors that have a spring loaded cover that snaps closed over them.

I think it may be a

product but their web site junk so I couldn't check.

You can also try

Go to

and look at the "All-wet" ones. They can be coated in DC-111 to keep the water out. You can get ones that are the same but different from SubSea also.

If you can trust the customer, you can provide a cover on a chain. This works for well military products but nowhere else. Your customer is Dr Jeckle when he's talking to you and Mr Hyde when he get in the field.

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kensmith@rahul.net   forging knowledge

How about a Molex "Industrial Ethernet" connector. These are standard

8-conductor RJ45 plugs and jacks that come in a round housing with O- rings and such to keep the elements out. The male connector holds down the locking tab all the time and the locking is provided by the round housing, like a big BNC. They also offer a matching cap to cover an unused receptacle. They are US$20-$30 a pop, but if you only need one set, they might work. Digi-Key part numbers WM17486-ND through WM17490-ND .

If the RS232 lead does not also have to provide power, how about pointing an IR LED and phototransistor through the side of the housing (or looking through a clear window; the window might fog up, though), and exchanging data that way. Electric meters that are designed to live outside all their lives have this kind of interface.

Matt Roberds

Ok - a different low-tech approach.

Each time you use the connector, smother it liberally with silicone grease after use and fit one of these

Wipe the grease away when you need to re-connect.

Graham

harting amphenol and lots of others. look at rs-components for long list or if needed something special i can order them. i work for a shipping company.