Electrical box for outdoor installation

[Martin S.]

Hello everyone,

I have ordered an HL2 and plan to operate it remotely. It is to be installed outside on the covered balcony. I would like to buy an electrical box for it. However, I'm not sure whether it has to be waterproof? What about condensation when it's cold? Do I need to install a fan? The electrical box should be large enough to accommodate an amplifier and the power supply unit.

Has anyone already implemented something like this or can give me some tips?

Martin

[Mike Lewis]

I have 3 large steel outdoor boxes with rack mounted vhf amplifiers, 5-band tranverter, band decoder/rf wattmeter, coax switches, power control.  Lots of metal, fans, heat, pwwr supplies. All amps only power on when the band is active. 

Each has a thermostat mounted on a rack panel with either light bulbs or big power resistors. I set them to turn on at 45F.  2 cabinets are not vented, one has vent top and bottom. 

They have been in use for years. They are not in direct sun having a deck or other shade. No problems with moisture.

Mike K7MDL

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From: herme...@googlegroups.com <herme...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Martin S. <inputmast...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2024 11:47:10 PM
To: Hermes-Lite <herme...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Electrical box for outdoor installation

 

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[Martin S.]

That means I should definitely install a heater and a fan so that I don't have any problems. Wouldn't it be a good idea to also install a humidity sensor and then use the temperature and humidity information to control the fan? If the humidity is low, the heating doesn't have to run all the time even if the temperature is low, does it?

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Martin,

I just keep my HL2 on a small shelf under the eaves of my house. It has been out there for over a year. I live in the Pacific Northwest which is quite rainy. Things bounce and rattle a bit when it is windy!

73,

Steve

kf7o

 

[Martin S.]

Hello Steve,

Thank you for your reply. I'm surprised you don't have any problems with condensation. How cold do you get in winter? There should be dew from time to time.

A solution without a special cabinet with heating and ventilation would of course be much easier...

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Martin,

So far I haven't noticed any issues. I have only had this setup for 1 year though. It does go below freezing some days in the winter, but rarely below -5C.

73,

Steve

kf7o