desiccant and electronics

Jan 18, 2007 1 Replies

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Hi all,

I have a large software receiver that I've built that includes a PC, relays, power supplies, amplifiers, coax, etc etc .. all housed in a big 3x3x1 feet metal box. Some of these items are mounted to this outer box directly and others are in additional smaller metal boxes.

My concern is that I'll be taking this receiver unit outdoors this winter in 0 degree temperatures and then bringing it back in to a room temerature setting over and over. I was hoping for some suggestions conerning protecting the electronics from any condensation that may take place. Is desiccant the way to go? If so would it be necessary to put desiccant into the smaller boxes as well or just inside the large box? Any suggestions on a distributor? Thanks for any info,

Kev

Just seal it up in a Large Plastic Trash Bag trapping the cold air, Dewpoint will be well below room temperature. Allow to warm up to the temperature of the Room before un-sealing ! If you can't find a large enough Bag, get a suitably large sheet of Plastic Vapour Barrier and Duct Tape and create your own BAG, You said 0' ! Is that Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit ! I live in -40 land, so I have to wonder which Temperature Scale you are quoting ! Desiccant is not needed, unless SNOW is a problem, even then just keep the stuff wrapped unsealed in plastic while operating outdoors if there is a blizzard going on. I've worked with Silica Gel, Calcium Sulphate, "Linde A", Magnesium Perchlorate, and Sulphuric Acid as desiccants. "Drierite", Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate is likely the cheapest.

Yukio YANO VE3YS

desiccant and electronics

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