Weatherproof permanent power?

If you wasn't to keep your controller outside all the time consider putting it in something like this.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Surface-...pid=100005&rk=3&rkt=6&mehot=pp&sd=32108374525

Or you could run all the wiring into something like this with a multipin socket mounted on a plate then connect a multipin plug to a cable from the controller and take it inside when finished.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Weatherp...733483?hash=item231971a4ab:g:7qgAAOSwF1dUNKpU

With both of these running mains power to the controller will be another consideration.
One solution is to run power to the enclosure for the controller then its just a case of a master switch to turn the whole thing on.
 
Henri - I would strongly recommend that you never leave your controller outside when you are not using it. Moisture will nearly always find a way to get into the controller and eventually cause some serious and expensive damage. Try and find a way to easily plug in and plug out your controller so you can set it up and remove it quickly.
 
Or go DCC with Wireless Transmitters. Yes more expensive, but I would rather have just 2 Sound Locos with my setup than 100 with Analogue Control. Of course 100 Sound DCC would be better still, but not sure there is a System that would support that many on the track at once.
JonD
 
My thoughts here are with that first box that GAP put up, it has a QR lid. It would make a superb box for my turn-out switches if it were a little smaller. Unfortunately there is no manufacturer quoted, and they don't post to the UK (I feel discriminated against!!!:mad:) so the search is ON!
 
Best to keep transformers/controllers indoors and just bring them out to play. Any enclosure outdoors is susceptible to condensation, if not actually water ingress. An easy plug in solution as suggested above is a good idea. Circuit boards do not like condensation!
In time, as Dunnyrail proposes, you may progress to some form of remote control - then I would suggest that all mains electricity/transformers/controllers/receivers remain indoors permanently and a low voltage feed is led to the track.
 
Of course, you can eliminate any worries about weatherproofing your electrics by coming over to the dark side.......
 
I kinda guessed you'd have a good idea where! :D
 
You should see some of the bodges I come across in my work,
 
Dark side - flat batteries again aye!
 
I thought the 'dark side' was steam power, as you've got no 'lectric for making light!

:oops::oops:
 
I used to keep my Crest 13 amp DC power supply, and Train Engineer receivers, outside all year around, for about seven years with no detriment. I did spray the boards with 'conformal coating' (anti corrosion spray).

When I expanded my setup to include DCC with a Massoth CS, I brought all of the TE DC power kit in doors three years ago and they are still working fine with no problems from their years in the wild (whereas a new Crest unit that blew up without being anywhere!).

While outside, the kit was stored under a custom built large stainless steel (with wood core) BBQ food preparation cover. The LGB power supplies for my lighting are still stored there (for 10 years so far with no 'conformal coating'). It is dry there but of course air borne moisture and some condensation would be present

The received wisdom would say that it was not a good idea to do this. Maybe I was lucky.......
 
G-force1 said:
My thoughts here are with that first box that GAP put up, it has a QR lid. It would make a superb box for my turn-out switches if it were a little smaller. Unfortunately there is no manufacturer quoted, and they don't post to the UK (I feel discriminated against!!!:mad:) so the search is ON!
Click to expand...

Any electrical supply company should have something.
In Aust there is accompany called Clipsal that makes all this stuff so surely there is a similar manufacturer in UK/Europe.

There is this from JAYCAR and they are a UK company.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/dri-box-weatherproof-power-connections-box-small/p/HB6175
 
sparky230 said:
You should see some of the bodges I come across in my work,
Click to expand...

I came across a 240V relay circuit in a cardboard box wrapped in insulation tape, at the time I was crawling across the top of a cold room with about 2Ft of space dragging a cable and literally ended up with it under my nose.
 
I have found that it's impossible to hermetically seal any container using normal methods, i.e. inexpensively.

I make sure that the enclosure can breathe, and that water cannot enter. If I have an issue with condensation, then make sure you have drain holes in the bottom of the box.

but condensation is not always an issue, it normally forms when something hot cools a lot and relatively quickly, so a metal box in the sun can get condensation inside in the evening as cool moist air is drawn in and the outside is cold enough to condense moisture.

Since all my outdoor enclosures are changed to plastic this has not been an issue. Grey electrical boxes work fine. If you have a situation with moisture, then a small 3 watt bulb running inside will generate enough heat to evaporate moisture.

I've had my electronics outside for years, in a large box that is open underneath, but screened to keep bugs out, and has worked well.

One caveat, do not bury boxes below where the water can rise. You can make trackside enclosures like what we call signal boxes or relay boxes.

Greg
 
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