If you go with a standard PC motherboard, I would get a can of clear lacquer and apply 2 coats to both sides of the board and components. I have aging industrial electronics in my shop that get weird in summer when humidity peaks. I have successfully eliminated -some- of the weirdness by sealing out moisture as per the above method.
dan k >> Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:58:48 -0400 >> From: e...@dc9.tzo.com >> To: emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net >> Subject: [Emc-users] Using a PC in extended temperature ranges and mobile application >> >> >> Hi Guys.. >> >> I am considering using EMC2 (or part of it) in a mobile application that >> defines the term "rugged". >> >> The application itself is pretty simple so I am not worried about the >> software. I am worried about the survival of the hardware. >> >> The equipment will be mounted in a box on a piece of drilling >> equipment. Power will be supplied via a diesel engine driving an >> alternator into a set of batteries. >> >> The drilling equipment is rotary - no impact - so the vibration should >> be reasonable if I shock mount the control panel. However the machine >> will only be used once in a while. >> >> This machine will live outside year around. When it is not being >> used, the machine will be un-powered so I have no way of putting a panel >> heater in the box to keep out condensation. I'm thinking about using >> some type of desiccant system?? to keep the humidity down in the panels >> to avoid a condensation problem. >> >> I'm really not concerned about the higher range of temperatures since >> there will be a roof over the control panel so I should be able to keep >> the sun off it. I am mostly concerned about the low end of the >> temperature range. They could be >> using this drilling machine in temps as low as 20 degrees F or so. >> They will expect to be able to start up the engine, run it for 5 minutes >> or so and then flip on the controls and have them function properly. >> This might be after the machine has been >> sitting for a few months outside in places like the Rocky Mountains in >> Colorado.... >> >> I'd like to use as many off the shelf devices as possible - PC boards >> etc... if possible. >> >> Being a typical customer, they want to keep the costs down but they also >> want it to work and operate reliably. >> >> I've had good luck using conventional industrial controls on machines >> that operate outside, but I have always been able to include a panel >> heater to minimize condensation issues. >> >> Do you guys have any suggestions? >> >> Dave ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AppSumo Presents a FREE Video for the SourceForge Community by Eric Ries, the creator of the Lean Startup Methodology on "Lean Startup Secrets Revealed." This video shows you how to validate your ideas, optimize your ideas and identify your business strategy. http://p.sf.net/sfu/appsumosfdev2dev _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
