How to waterproof a circuit board?

[Ryan Stille]

I need a PWM controller for a heated jacket on my motorcycle. Application specific controllers are about $80. I can get a generic PWM controller on Ebay for about $10.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261417338800

Any suggestions on how I could water proof this? I was thinking of putting high temp caulk all over the board, but leave the heat sinks uncovered. Or mount the whole thing inside a small plastic box and then caulk where the wires exit the box. But I wonder if it would overheat in there. The specs say 10A continuous, 15A max. My jacket liner draws around 8A max.

-Ryan

[David Knaack]

I hear that NeverWet is an option. You can directly coat items:

https://learn.adafruit.com/neverwet-electronics/overview

and then box them up and coat the box too. Apparently if the seams are small and you don't have a pressure differential water won't get in because the high contact angle prevents water getting into the crack.

Probably not a good first line of defense, but it might be good to keep any minor leaks or condensation from hurting the electronics.

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[Jason B]

Search on conformal PCB coatings. Made for the purpose, several chemistries available. Some permanent, some rework suitable.

[Jason Webb]

I hear that Plastidip is quite popular, see if it would work for you. This guy used it to "playa-proof" a Flora for Burning Man: http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2014/04/16/playa-proof-flora-wearablewednesday/