digitalwaters-jason
commented
2 months ago This is done. We ended up with ML-57F from Poly Case. It as been fantastic.
I removed the requirement to test this with 5m of pressure because that's a ridiculous thing to test at this stage. But all other acceptance criteria have been met.
Th ML-57F is IP68 rated, so totally waterproof. I tested it submerged overnight and there wasn't a drop of water inside the enclosure the next day.
I drilled a 3/4 inch hole in the side to put the a cable gland and the thermometer sensor. It also worked great and kept the water out.
The electronics and camera lighting were put together with tape and thin paper as a light diffuser.
The camera ISO settings need to be tweaked, but the system easily picked up on a tea bag saturating the ~50L tub of water I used to test everything in.
The enclosure must meet the following requirements:
Waterproof Rating: Must be rated IP68 or IP69, meaning it can withstand submersion in water at significant depths for extended periods. Please refer to the IP Ratings Guide for more details.
Capacity: The enclosure must be spacious enough to accommodate the following components:
External Sensor Connectivity: At least one sensor, such as a thermometer, needs to be exposed to the exterior environment. The design should facilitate making holes or using a common waterproof port for all external sensors. The use of silicone glue or caulking is acceptable, but built-in waterproof connectivity solutions are preferred.
Cost-Efficiency: The solution should be cost-effective, with a preference for enclosures that are already available on the market.
Options for Consideration: Evaluate the following options or any others that may meet the criteria:
Acceptance Criteria:
Waterproof Certification: The selected enclosure must have official IP68 or IP69 certification and documentation verifying its compliance.
Component Fitting Test: All required components, including the Raspberry Pi, camera, LED/flash, batteries, and necessary wiring, must fit comfortably within the enclosure without excessive force or modification.
Sensor Mounting Solution: There must be a clear method for mounting and waterproofing external sensors, with documentation on how to use any built-in connectivity features or recommendations for sealing techniques.
Cost Analysis: A detailed cost analysis must show that the chosen solution is within budget and offers a good balance between price and functionality compared to other available options. The budget is "affordable" :)
By meeting these criteria, we will ensure the enclosure provides reliable protection for our electronic components, supporting the mission of continuous and effective water monitoring.