Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
an 8" circular access panel. It's a dry environment, well dry in that it
doesn't get direct exposure to moisture, or sunlight for that matter. But
given that it's on the top of the arch it can get pretty warm in there
during the summer month. Thus far a router left out in direct sunlight for
several days didn't overheat so I'm not anticipating it'll be much of an
issue. I won't be using the boat during colder months. This being the
mid-Atlantic region.
Most of the NEMA boxes I've seen are too bulky to consider. Or is there
some homegrown solution I should consider?
Bill Kearney wrote:
> Hi
>
> Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
> something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
> of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
> There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
> an 8" circular access panel. It's a dry environment, well dry in that it
> doesn't get direct exposure to moisture, or sunlight for that matter. But
> given that it's on the top of the arch it can get pretty warm in there
> during the summer month. Thus far a router left out in direct sunlight for
> several days didn't overheat so I'm not anticipating it'll be much of an
> issue. I won't be using the boat during colder months. This being the
> mid-Atlantic region.
>
> Most of the NEMA boxes I've seen are too bulky to consider. Or is there
> some homegrown solution I should consider?
>
> Thanks,
> -Bill Kearney
>
Go to home depot and get some sheets of lexan and make your own. Cut to
size. Cheap and quick.
>Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
>something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
>of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
>There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
>an 8" circular access panel. (...)
Dig through: http://www.stahlin.com
I'll measure out the board and see what fits.
However, I think the 8" clearance is going to be a problem.
If all else fails, go to a plastic sheet supplier and cut some 1/4"
thick pieces to make your own box. Not elegant, but you're the only
person that will see it.
Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 23:23:24 -0400, "Bill Kearney"
> <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
>> something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
>> of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
>> There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
>> an 8" circular access panel. (...)
>
> Dig through:
> http://www.stahlin.com
> I'll measure out the board and see what fits.
> However, I think the 8" clearance is going to be a problem.
>
> If all else fails, go to a plastic sheet supplier and cut some 1/4"
> thick pieces to make your own box. Not elegant, but you're the only
> person that will see it.
>
> > Dig through:
> > http://www.stahlin.com
> > I'll measure out the board and see what fits.
> > However, I think the 8" clearance is going to be a problem.
> >
> > If all else fails, go to a plastic sheet supplier and cut some 1/4"
> > thick pieces to make your own box. Not elegant, but you're the only
> > person that will see it.
>
> Is this not what I said ? (Lexan)
Hey, let's not fight over answers! The more the merrier.
Seems like making my own case might be the best plan. Got any links on
fabricating one's own? I'm especially interested in how to set it up with
positive pressure to help stave off moisture and such.
"Bill Kearney" <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote:
>Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
>something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router?
>It's in the radar arch of a boat.
>There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
>an 8" circular access panel. It's a dry environment, well dry in that it
>doesn't get direct exposure to moisture, or sunlight for that matter.
I'd still put it in a box and add some desiccant, there's no such
thing as a dry location in a marine environment...
cases4less.com has all kinds of different options.
Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us> hath wroth:
>On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 23:23:24 -0400, "Bill Kearney"
><wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
>>something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
>>of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
>>There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
>>an 8" circular access panel. (...)
>
>Dig through:
> http://www.stahlin.com
>I'll measure out the board and see what fits.
>However, I think the 8" clearance is going to be a problem.
I have a WAP54G v1.1 open. If everything has to fit inside the box,
including antenna connectors, then the minimum inside dimensions are:
6.4" x 7.0"
The 7.0" is somewhat of a guess as finding a right angle RP-TNC to fit
will be a problem.
Looking at the Stahlin catalog, I find that the CL907W (classic
series) looks like it will fit. (No guarantees from me). Inside box
dimensions of
8.59 x 6.59 x 4.84
Outside of:
9.21 x 7.21 x 5.09 http://www.stahlin.com/web_size_img/...fm?configsuf=W
There may be some interference on the inside corners, but it looks
like a good fit. It's going to be tight. Print the AutoCAD template
(or scribble the box outline on a piece of grid paper), install all
the connectors, and see if it fits.
| http://www.stahlin.com/DisplaySelCon...TOKEN=36508898
Bill Kearney wrote:
>>> Dig through:
>>> http://www.stahlin.com
>>> I'll measure out the board and see what fits.
>>> However, I think the 8" clearance is going to be a problem.
>>>
>>> If all else fails, go to a plastic sheet supplier and cut some 1/4"
>>> thick pieces to make your own box. Not elegant, but you're the only
>>> person that will see it.
>> Is this not what I said ? (Lexan)
>
> Hey, let's not fight over answers! The more the merrier.
>
> Seems like making my own case might be the best plan. Got any links on
> fabricating one's own? I'm especially interested in how to set it up with
> positive pressure to help stave off moisture and such.
>
Who said I'm fighting ? This Is why for over a yr now that I've left
this group and thought I would come back and see if anything had
changed. (It has not) So, I quess I'll back out again and come back in
another year. Same shit as usual.
> Who said I'm fighting ? This Is why for over a yr now that I've left
> this group and thought I would come back and see if anything had
> changed. (It has not) So, I quess I'll back out again and come back in
> another year. Same shit as usual.
Hmmm, well if your idea of coming back is to post once, carp about someone
else posting the same thing and then insult everyone for the 'same shit'
then perhaps you'd do well to sit it out for another year, eh? I'm kidding,
but only barely.
Usenet's always been this way, that some folks don't get it comes as no
surprise (again).
Meanwhile, thanks for the lexan suggestion, it was the first one I read
(happy now?).
I'd prefer to avoid fabricating my own enclosure, if just because of sheer
laziness and lack of time. Getting something that's got a hinge and/or
o-ring type of seal would be a nice setup. I don't envision having to get
inside the box on any sort of regular basis. But it'd be nice if it didn't
involve re-sealing it every time. Making a sealed up box would be pretty
trivial, making one that lends itself to being re-opened is a bit more of a
hassle.
Bill Kearney wrote:
>> Who said I'm fighting ? This Is why for over a yr now that I've left
>> this group and thought I would come back and see if anything had
>> changed. (It has not) So, I quess I'll back out again and come back in
>> another year. Same shit as usual.
>
> Hmmm, well if your idea of coming back is to post once, carp about someone
> else posting the same thing and then insult everyone for the 'same shit'
> then perhaps you'd do well to sit it out for another year, eh? I'm kidding,
> but only barely.
>
> Usenet's always been this way, that some folks don't get it comes as no
> surprise (again).
>
> Meanwhile, thanks for the lexan suggestion, it was the first one I read
> (happy now?).
>
> I'd prefer to avoid fabricating my own enclosure, if just because of sheer
> laziness and lack of time. Getting something that's got a hinge and/or
> o-ring type of seal would be a nice setup. I don't envision having to get
> inside the box on any sort of regular basis. But it'd be nice if it didn't
> involve re-sealing it every time. Making a sealed up box would be pretty
> trivial, making one that lends itself to being re-opened is a bit more of a
> hassle.
>
> -Bill Kearney
>
>
My Idea was not to come back, make one post then carp. But I will tell
you that your a *asshole* Cya next yr.
Maybe I can stick around for a day or so just to have a little fun. :)
> http://www.bawug.org/howto/hacks/outdoor_intel2011/ uses a Pelican
> case. My brain is mush this morning, but one of the vendors of those
> small form factor computers has a housing with antenna ports...
Hmm, nice box. A bit too large for my situation though.
> I'd still put it in a box and add some desiccant, there's no such
> thing as a dry location in a marine environment...
Yep, been saving them up for a while now. In a sealed bag of course.
> cases4less.com has all kinds of different options.
Looking through their cases it occurs to me something like a handgun case
might be the right size.
I'll be at the boat this afternoon and will get actual measurements.
Bill Kearney wrote:
>> My Idea was not to come back, make one post then carp. But I will tell
>> you that your a *asshole* Cya next yr.
>
> Well, at least I use better grammar.
>
>> Maybe I can stick around for a day or so just to have a little fun. :)
>
> Oh joy, I'm sure we're all just thrilled to hear that...
Well, it's apparent you've some sort of problem. If this is how you 'enjoy'
yourself you need to get out more. But hey, it's your choice, me I'm headed
out to the boat to fiddle with some audio and wifi gear.
Meanwhile, how 'bout you just crawl back to the alt.cellular.verizon
newsgroup? But
from the looks of the responses they're just an unlikely to welcome you
back.
"Kevin Weaver" <kevinkeithweaver1@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:44C90E0C.4070604@sbcglobal.net...
> Bill Kearney wrote:
> >> My Idea was not to come back, make one post then carp. But I will tell
> >> you that your a *asshole* Cya next yr.
> >
> > Well, at least I use better grammar.
> >
> >> Maybe I can stick around for a day or so just to have a little fun. :)
> >
> > Oh joy, I'm sure we're all just thrilled to hear that...
>
> Count on it jerk. I'm going to enjoy this.
> Looking at the Stahlin catalog, I find that the CL907W (classic
> series) looks like it will fit. (No guarantees from me). Inside box
> dimensions of
> 8.59 x 6.59 x 4.84
> Outside of:
> 9.21 x 7.21 x 5.09
> http://www.stahlin.com/web_size_img/...fm?configsuf=W
Seems like they're having some webserver woes over there. I tried loading
their pages and got a BUNCH of cold fusion error messages.
On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:13:52 -0400, "Bill Kearney"
<wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote in
<ULmdneM6hokcg1TZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@speakeasy.net> :
>> Looking at the Stahlin catalog, I find that the CL907W (classic
>> series) looks like it will fit. (No guarantees from me). Inside box
>> dimensions of
>> 8.59 x 6.59 x 4.84
>> Outside of:
>> 9.21 x 7.21 x 5.09
>> http://www.stahlin.com/web_size_img/...fm?configsuf=W
>
>Seems like they're having some webserver woes over there. I tried loading
>their pages and got a BUNCH of cold fusion error messages.
Works fine here -- I'm guessing your problems were due to mangling of
the long URL -- try <http://tinyurl.com/hayqn> instead.
--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>
"Bill Kearney" <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote:
[Pelican cases]
>Hmm, nice box. A bit too large for my situation though.
Pelican cases come in all sizes from smaller than a cigarette pack to
oversized suitcase.
>> I'd still put it in a box and add some desiccant, there's no such
>> thing as a dry location in a marine environment...
>
>Yep, been saving them up for a while now. In a sealed bag of course.
Use new ones. Mcmaster.com 2219K92 and everything else on that
page...
>> cases4less.com has all kinds of different options.
>
>Looking through their cases it occurs to me something like a handgun case
>might be the right size.
The guts of a WAP aren't very big. Find the right case that'll fit
thru your hatch and still hold your WAP... If Pelican isn't it, there
are a bunch of other options.
Cases4less.com doesn't carry Otter boxes any more, but http://www.otterbox.com/ has a few other options if none of the
Pelicans or others work.
Bill Kearney wrote:
> Well, it's apparent you've some sort of problem. If this is how you 'enjoy'
> yourself you need to get out more. But hey, it's your choice, me I'm headed
> out to the boat to fiddle with some audio and wifi gear.
>
> Meanwhile, how 'bout you just crawl back to the alt.cellular.verizon
> newsgroup? But
> from the looks of the responses they're just an unlikely to welcome you
> back.
>
> "Kevin Weaver" <kevinkeithweaver1@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:44C90E0C.4070604@sbcglobal.net...
>> Bill Kearney wrote:
>>>> My Idea was not to come back, make one post then carp. But I will tell
>>>> you that your a *asshole* Cya next yr.
>>> Well, at least I use better grammar.
>>>
>>>> Maybe I can stick around for a day or so just to have a little fun. :)
>>> Oh joy, I'm sure we're all just thrilled to hear that...
>> Count on it jerk. I'm going to enjoy this.
>
Like john navas, I don't think verizon is the best. What's nice about
newsgroups is that I can say what ever I want. If they don't like it
they can filter me out. But I will speak my mind.
Not back at the boat yet but the cast aluminum case I got sent with mine
prolly would fit. I'm about to sell my gear and start over; if it fits,
we'll work something out...
"Believe me, my young friend, there is *nothing*-absolutely nothing-half so
much worth doing as simply messing, messing-about-in-boats; messing about in
boats-or *with* boats.
In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's
the charm of it.
Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your
destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get
anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in
particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and
you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not."
"Bill Kearney" <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:n8Wdnc8gRKYxrFXZnZ2dnUVZ_u2dnZ2d@speakeasy.ne t...
> Hi
>
> Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
> something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited
> amount
> of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
> There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
> an 8" circular access panel. It's a dry environment, well dry in that it
> doesn't get direct exposure to moisture, or sunlight for that matter. But
> given that it's on the top of the arch it can get pretty warm in there
> during the summer month. Thus far a router left out in direct sunlight
> for
> several days didn't overheat so I'm not anticipating it'll be much of an
> issue. I won't be using the boat during colder months. This being the
> mid-Atlantic region.
>
> Most of the NEMA boxes I've seen are too bulky to consider. Or is there
> some homegrown solution I should consider?
>
> Thanks,
> -Bill Kearney
>
Hmm, in double-checking my measurements there's not enough room for much
more that the WRT54GS itself. The access panel isn't 8", it's only 6" in
diameter. I have to remove the mounting ring in order to get the WRT54GS
inside the arch. In fact I have to remove the ring just to get the bare
circuit board in there. As it stands I have to pull the front half of the
case off, put the pieces up through the opening and put it back together.
This means any sort of self-made box would also have real trouble trying to
fit.
So now I'm wondering, what sort of real signal loss am I going to suffer
coming down through the arch to a place where a proper box would fit? I'd
have to come through the arch (from the antenna) using an N-male to RP-SMA
connector, presumably using 195 wire. This to get the connector through the
base of the mount along with being flexible enough to allow tilting it down.
I'd expecting to use a 2' patch cable here.
But once I'm in the arch and running down to the gunwales I'd be able to use
other 'better' cable.
Or should I cobble together some sort of sealed bag or something instead? I
could probably just stuff the thing into a bag and use a vacuum sealer on
it. Assuming I'd added a heat sink to the processor first. I've actually
used the WRT54GS left out in direct sunlight for several days this week and
it's pretty tolerant of the heat. Granted, that had airflow, but with the
heat lately it wasn't much!
The measured distance the cable would have to be in order to get to a 'box
suitable' location is 12 feet. Just how much loss would that incur? It'd
be a straight run down the arch to the mounting location, no turns other
than the top curve of the arch and that's about a 2' radius.
So what's less worse, cobbling up a sealed bag of some kind or running the
12' down the arch?
Bill Kearney <wkearney99@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hmm, in double-checking my measurements there's not enough room for much
> more that the WRT54GS itself. The access panel isn't 8", it's only 6" in
> diameter.
What would be wrong with a tough bag of some sort?
Maybe a slim plastic rail on each side to support the board in place, and a
ziploc bag for moisture proofing.
If it's mounted where other electronics are mounted, it could even be a
bare board.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
> If it's mounted where other electronics are mounted, it could even be a
> bare board.
Yeah, thought about that but on examination of other metal surfaces inside
the arch I do see a bit of corrosion. Mainly on what appear to be some
cheap screws holding down the satellite (sirius) antenna. So while a spare
WRT54G can be had relatively cheaply I'd rather not destroy them with
corrosion. At least not 'right away'.
I've been meaning to pickup one of those foodsaver vacuum sealers for the
house. Seems like this is as good an excuse as any to go get it.
>What would be wrong with a tough bag of some sort?
>Maybe a slim plastic rail on each side to support the board in place, and a
>ziploc bag for moisture proofing.
1. Heat from warm components might melt through the bag.
2. Condensation when the radio is turned off. When running, the heat
from the radio will prevent condensation.
3. The air in the bad will outgas when hot, but form a partial vacuum
when cooled. This partial vacuum will suck any water that collects on
the seals into the bag.
4. Abrasion through the bag when underway.
5. Difficulty sealing with multiple cables.
6. Mechanical damage if not properly secured to the vessel.
7. It looks cheap and doesn't impress the other boat owners.
> 1. Heat from warm components might melt through the bag.
> 2. Condensation when the radio is turned off. When running, the heat
> from the radio will prevent condensation.
> 3. The air in the bad will outgas when hot, but form a partial vacuum
> when cooled. This partial vacuum will suck any water that collects on
> the seals into the bag.
Yeah, figured as much. Question is, what's worse; corrosion from being left
bare or condensation. I suppose I'll have to experiment. I guess it'll
just get mounted (secured) bare first and I'll check on it in a month. If
it's toast, well they're cheap. At this point a lot less than the
effort/cost to fab some sort of enclosure. Certainly less aggravation.
> 4. Abrasion through the bag when underway.
> 5. Difficulty sealing with multiple cables.
> 6. Mechanical damage if not properly secured to the vessel.
True, the amount of vibration in a powerboat is definitely a concern. I
didn't plan on leaving anything loose.
> 7. It looks cheap and doesn't impress the other boat owners.
It's inside the arch, there ain't nothing to see from the outside.
Bill Kearney wrote:
>> 1. Heat from warm components might melt through the bag.
>> 2. Condensation when the radio is turned off. When running, the
>> heat from the radio will prevent condensation.
>> 3. The air in the bad will outgas when hot, but form a partial
>> vacuum when cooled. This partial vacuum will suck any water that
>> collects on the seals into the bag.
>
> Yeah, figured as much. Question is, what's worse; corrosion from
> being left bare or condensation. I suppose I'll have to experiment.
> I guess it'll just get mounted (secured) bare first and I'll check on
> it in a month. If it's toast, well they're cheap. At this point a
> lot less than the effort/cost to fab some sort of enclosure.
> Certainly less aggravation.
>
>> 4. Abrasion through the bag when underway.
>> 5. Difficulty sealing with multiple cables.
>> 6. Mechanical damage if not properly secured to the vessel.
>
> True, the amount of vibration in a powerboat is definitely a concern.
> I didn't plan on leaving anything loose.
>
>> 7. It looks cheap and doesn't impress the other boat owners.
>
> It's inside the arch, there ain't nothing to see from the outside.
>
> -Bill
For my boat, I put it inside a small cooler (cheap at walmart), drilled a
hole in the top for the wires, threw in a couple bags of silica gel (to
absorb any moisture sealed inside), closed it up, and used silicone seal
(liberally) to seal up the hole. At least if the boat sinks, it will float
:)
Bill Kearney wrote:
> Hi
>
> Anyone know of a slim box suitable for repackaging the motherboard of
> something like a linksys wrt54g wifi router? I've only got a limited amount
> of space in which to cram this unit. It's in the radar arch of a boat.
> There's about 4" of depth and about 10" width but it'd have to fit through
> an 8" circular access panel. It's a dry environment, well dry in that it
> doesn't get direct exposure to moisture, or sunlight for that matter. But
> given that it's on the top of the arch it can get pretty warm in there
> during the summer month. Thus far a router left out in direct sunlight for
> several days didn't overheat so I'm not anticipating it'll be much of an
> issue. I won't be using the boat during colder months. This being the
> mid-Atlantic region.
>
> Most of the NEMA boxes I've seen are too bulky to consider. Or is there
> some homegrown solution I should consider?
Depends on where you are, but in my area there are plastic stores (TAP
Plastics) which can cut you some plastic pieces to the exact size you
need to construct a custom enclosure.
Is there a reason that you don't want to use one of the smaller routers
instead, i.e. the D-Link DWL-G730AP?
On Thu, 03 Aug 2006 05:15:27 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
wrote in <44d1e8df$0$96177$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>:
>Bill Kearney wrote:
>> Most of the NEMA boxes I've seen are too bulky to consider. Or is there
>> some homegrown solution I should consider?
>
>Depends on where you are, but in my area there are plastic stores (TAP
>Plastics) which can cut you some plastic pieces to the exact size you
>need to construct a custom enclosure.
TAP will actually cut to order.
>Is there a reason that you don't want to use one of the smaller routers
>instead, i.e. the D-Link DWL-G730AP?
I've been wondering the same thing.
--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>
> Depends on where you are, but in my area there are plastic stores (TAP
> Plastics) which can cut you some plastic pieces to the exact size you
> need to construct a custom enclosure.
I'm out on the east coast in Maryland, so there's no local TAP stores.
> Is there a reason that you don't want to use one of the smaller routers
> instead, i.e. the D-Link DWL-G730AP?
Programmability and availability. I'm interested in doing some scripting
within the devices to assist in using them on a boat. Smaller might be nice
but programmability is more important. That and I've already got several of
the WRT54G and GS devices. I've got their travel router too but it's, as
yet, not able to run 3rd party firmware.
That and I've had less-than-satisfactory experience with various d-link
devices over the years. I've little desire to repeat those experiences.
slim sealed enclosure for repackaged router? 
Linear Mode
