Mounting printed circuit boards

P

playmofire

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I've got an SA1 auto-shuttle and an SA8 station stop from Heathcote Electronics. I'm setting them up for an exhibition in a couple of weeks time and would like some guidance in fitting them in some sort of permanent protection - currently, they are kept in empty ice cream containers. The boards are quite large - the SA1 approx 115mm x 120mm x 30mm, the SA8 approx 115mm x 95mm x 50mm. One answer would be to screw them to the inside lid of the ice cream container, using suitable spacers to allow air circulation and cut holes for the wiring in the body of the container.
 
In the past I've had said pop to Maplin for a suitable project box, but now.... ? RS, Farnell, ebay I guess?
 
Slawman said:
I have been using a few of these:

Waterproof ABS Plastic Electronic Project Box Instrument Enclosure Cover Case | eBay

With cable glands on the underside;

30 Pcs PG7 Waterproof Connector Gland Black for 4-7mm Diameter Cable 4894462434062 | eBay


I am upgrading from these (which worked through many a storm): May end up being a downgrade, who knows.

1L Rectangle - Klip IT™ Rectangular - Sistema Plastics
Click to expand...

The last one attracts me and would certainly serve the turn. Do you have any tips on how you went about things, please?
 
I cut a notch in the rim of the base to accommodate whatever cables needed to enter/exit, making sure the fit was reasonably snug without damaging insulation. This makes it easy to work on as you don't need to thread wires through holes, you just pop the lid.

I always made sure to mount the box with the lid up.

The plastic can crack if you apply too much pressure to it so cut carefully with a razor saw or similar.
 
Slawman said:
I cut a notch in the rim of the base to accommodate whatever cables needed to enter/exit, making sure the fit was reasonably snug without damaging insulation. This makes it easy to work on as you don't need to thread wires through holes, you just pop the lid.

I always made sure to mount the box with the lid up.

The plastic can crack if you apply too much pressure to it so cut carefully with a razor saw or similar.
Click to expand...

Many thanks. How did you secure the pcb in the container?
 
I am usually putting switch decoders and feedback modules in them so they are just left unsecured. I would be tempted to do that with the board as well unless you must have it secured. The box provides pretty good protection from elements etc...

If I am mounting a board my first preference is to use double sided tape but if the bottom (or top) of the board is too lumpy then a few blocks of high density foam and hot glue do a treat.
 
Just be aware how hot these can get in the garden. - Heat can be a killer for electronic modules, as much as moisture..
 
PhilP said:
Just be aware how hot these can get in the garden. - Heat can be a killer for electronic modules, as much as moisture..
Click to expand...

Thanks for the warning Phil. They're going to be used indoors and I'll see they're kept out of direct sunlight.
 
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