article / 6 September 2021

Module 6: Ruggedising Devices

Welcome to the sixth module of our Build Your Own Data Logger virtual course. In these videos, we’ll discuss ways to protect devices from water, dust and animals. Then we assemble the WildLogger using cable glands so our device remains protected in its enclosure.

In Module 6 we discuss ways to protect devices from water, dust and animals. Then we assemble the WildLogger using cable glands so our device remains protected in its enclosure.

Mechanical failures are a common reason devices fail in the field, however there’s lots we can do to protect our devices. In this module we cover enclosure IP ratings, screws, and protecting the bare PCB using varnish, potting, heat shrink tubing and silica gel. We also discuss wire gauges and AWG ratings. Plus we cover waterproofing holes with ePTFE and TPU, securing cables using cable harnesses, and getting our cables safely through the enclosure using cable glands and external connectors like barrel jack aviation, SP and M connectors.

Finally, we go through how to disassemble and reassemble cable harnesses so we can thread the WildLogger cables through the cable glands and seal it, ensuring our enclosure remains IP65 rated.

If you have questions while working through this module, you can ask your question in the Module 6 forum thread here.

 

 

 

Coming up in Module 7

Coming up in Module 7, we’ll discuss our approach to testing and piloting so you can have confidence your custom built device will work in the field.


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