Weatherproofing a circuit board.

[porsche4life]

I had to open up a box on a motorcycle that now leaves a circuit board exposed. I would like some way to seal the board up before I close the box up. On some of the LED message centers we work on the board is flooded with a silicon like stuff. Anybody know where to get this? I know silicon caulking will corrode the solder. Anything at The Shack?

[jeffgrant]

Just be careful that you don't trap unwanted heat.

[porsche4life]

Well it was covered in some type of foam and sealed in a box previously. I cut the back out of the box to fix the solder joints and now I want to seal up the baord before I glue the back on the box. The silicon should conduct heat extremely well.

[island911]

Use epoxy ...there are various epoxies esp for potting electronics.

[WilsonTC]

Silicon:



Silicone:



Silicone is what you want.

[porsche4life]

Ok well this stuff I am thinking of feels like Silicone and is flooded on these boards. Feels kinda rubbery.

[Rusty Heap]

expoxy.

or

silicone.

either will be fine.

[porsche4life]

Ok but what type of epoxy or silicone?

[Rusty Heap]

google is your friend.


call up one of these manufacturers and ask for a small sample, if you like their product say you'll buy 5 gallons worth..........


http://www.pottingsolutions.com/

http://www.tough-seal.com/?gclid=CKCzsY3qyZwCFSUMDQod4B4sJA

http://www.epicresins.com/

http://www.solarcompounds.com/products/epec.asp

[9dreizig]

conformal coating is what most electronics manufacture's do

[dad911]

You can buy potting compounds at an electrical supply house. It is used for the underwater grounds in the light housings on swimming pools.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

conformal coating is what most electronics manufacture's do

Is that the stuff that looks like it is shrunk on? It is ok but in this case I really feel like the more rubbery silicone type stuff would be best.

[M.D. Holloway]

Silicone will seal but you will never be able to repair it if needed - there are special coatings that can be sprayed on and will protect that will also be able to be peeled off if need be. We make an aerosol product that will help you. Send me a PM with your shipping address and I will send you a can gratas...

[porsche4life]

Mike you have a PM.

Thanks again. Sounds like this is the answer.

[RoninLB]

silicone caulking sucks

it will cause corrosion on anything it's used for to protect.

ask any boat yard wrench guy

[RoninLB]

If I wanted to seal the board permanently with something that won't crack I'd use this Marinetex product. I costs around $20 at a boat store.

I'd also clean the board before applying

[porsche4life]

Ronin can you tell me what that marinetex stuff us made of? I might be able to find it under another name at a hardware store. I'd like to get this bike running.

[masraum]

how about liquid electrical tape?

The guys that build their own weather sensors use it.

[GH85Carrera]

This is off topic but I am curious. Sidney, How many toys do you have? I know about the 944 & the VW now a motorcycle, do you have a boat? How about an airplane

I have always loved the quote "you are never too old to have a happy childhood" and I have worked on that all my life. You have a great head start. Just keep playing with toys and having fun!

[porsche4life]

Glenn the toys are my dads. He buys them doesn't play so I do. Oh we have a boat. We have a ski boat, a small jet boat, a canoe, a little plastic fishing boat. None have seen water in years. On needs a new motor and one needs a hull crack repaired. I would like to buy a sailboat but my cash is spent as soon as I get it trying to keep the 944 and VW running. Oh and we have had this bike since I was 13. I got a 125 so my dad got this 250 to ride with me. I sold the 125 and got a 250 streetbike and rode it till I was 16 and then sold it. Dads 250 has sat all this time. I decided that I would get it running and ride it.