:usaflag: Seeking Ideas for a water-proof battery housing Dual Field Mod!!

[Cupajo]

(This started as a note to a Hunting Buddy.)

The enclosure would have to be epoxied (perhaps?) to the rear of the housing where it couldn't be knocked off and it would be out of the way there.

A hole drilled into the two mating surfaces that would be sealed after the wire passed through with any one of a variety of chemical sealants/mechanical devices.

The catch is finding the right size without too much bulk!

And a sealing cover with a locking mechanism that would be 100% secure/water tight!

Two sets of batteries would be a good grade of rechargeable changed after each use for a constant reliable power source.

They would pay for them selves in a short while.

There are hunters using recharge-ables now, but opening the case after each hunt will in time cause a leak!! (I know it in my Old Plumber's bones!!)

I'm going to post this note on the Mod Forums for open discussion.

Regards,

CJ

Another consideration would be warranty which would be void after such a mod I'm sure. Also the mod is intended for wading, not diving!! (Although careful planning and craftsmanship may make diving a possibility.)

 

[hershey1]

Plano makes some waterproof boxes that are different sizes. Maybe check at a sporting goods store near you. I was looking at them the other day and they are made very well. HH

 

[Cupajo]

Been looking for a special box that would be as close to ideal as one could find, but 4"LX21/2"HX 21/2"Deep isn't a common size.

It needs to have a sturdy clasp rather than a cover secured with screws

I'm not concerned with diving, but would breath easier if I could find a box rated waterproof for more than 10'.

If it was of clear material that would be great!

Thanks for your reply hershey1,

CJ

 

[Sven]

Take a look at these, some are submersible to 30'
You might find one that will work.
I am going to try a 406 for my water detector as the Plano I used leaked, the lid warped .

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?22,1747505,1749384#msg-1749384

 

[Cupajo]

Sven, your link doesn't take me anywhere, but I am glad to know about the Plano/leak problem.

Thanks,

CJ

 

[Sven]

Sven, your link doesn't take me anywhere, but I am glad to know about the Plano/leak problem.

Thanks,

CJ

http://www.underwaterkineticscanada.com/products/cases/

I am about to order two 406 cases.

 

[Cupajo]

The 206 would likely meet my needs, but where are the prices?

I'm working on a 13V battery pack I can remove from a water-proof housing attached to the bottom or rear of my Dual Field Housing.

10-AA 1.2V reachargeable NIHM= 2000mAH each.

I plan to top off the charge and change battery packs after each use!

I'm contemplating using PVC pipe and a cap on one end and a screw in plug on the other to stay away from hinges and clasps.

I'll attach a flat back plate w/screws and glue to provide stability for attaching to the DF housing where the power cable will be fed through a hole and sealed to keep water out of the housing if there is ever a leak into the battery-pack compartment.

Everything will be pressure tested and field tested before I post anything.

More constant, reliable and cheaper power over the long run is motive enough to get me moving on the project. (I now have all the batteries, a charger and am working on the other details.

Regards,

CJ

 

[Sven]

There are a number of places you can order from if you do a google search for Underwater Kenetics 206
such as this place
http://www.scuba.com/manufacturers/underwater-kinetics/Dry-Boxes.html

http://www.leisurepro.com/1/2/17087-underwater-kinetics-206-ultrabox-padded-liner-black.html

try Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Kinetics-UK25-206-UltraBox/dp/B001G5ZH3S

And maybe your local Scuba Shop can order them.

I still have my Underwater Kenetics waterproof mini divers flashlite from 1980, they make good stuff

 

[Critterhunter]

I'd shoot for higher capacity cells than that. 2500ma or higher is what is the norm these days for great run time. No sense in anything lower than that. I'd also shoot for low self-discharge nimhs so they don't discharge on the shelf between uses. Research on the net as some don't hold up to their claims. With low discharge ones during storage, and 2500ma or higher, no sense in recharging after every outing. If you can measure the amp draw of your detector you can then do the math. Read it's amp draw when on. Divide that into the capacity of the cells. That will tell you how many hours roughly you can hunt between charges. Not good to constantly top of a nimh without at least running it down here and there. They don't suffer the memory problems of nicads in the past but excercise still increases their capacity. Once or twice a year hook them up to a car tail light bulb and drain dead, then let sit dead after the light goes out for say a half hour to insure all cells are at equal discharge. Then charge. Do this drain/charge thing like 3 times and it will increase the capacity of them, and do that about once or twice a year. Just don't let the pack sit for a long period of time after draining dead as that can cause reverse polarity issues.

High capacity low discharge nimhs= Less often you'll open the battery door= Less chance of leaks.

 

[Cupajo]

Many thanks for the excellent info Friends,

CJ

 

[Sven]

Should arrive early next week and I will switch my electronics over and post back with the results.