Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics?

Mdemon · 30th July 2007, 12:00

Open to suggestions and ideas here...

What's best to use to pressure-proof/seal electronics? Glycerine? Mineral oil?

What am I up to:
I have a simple "momentary make" switch lanc controller for my video camera. It has a tiny amount of circuitry but is essentially a plastic disc a bit more than an inch across with a press switch on top and an LED sticking out of the side.

I have cable, I have glands, so getting the signal to the camera is not a problem. My problem is what to do with the switch? Make/bastardise a separate pressure proof box? Replace the switch with a reed? Or seal it in a bag, CL or something and fill with glycerine etc?

**nigelh** · 30th July 2007, 12:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon)

Glycerine? Mineral oil?

Glycerine is hydrophillic so bad news I suspect.

I've used stuff that was refered to as 'transformer oil' but that was years ago and I can't recall a brand name (also I have a nasty feeling it was one of the uber-ungreen PCBs). Whatever is the up-to-date version of that.

undrh2o · 30th July 2007, 14:40

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon)

Open to suggestions and ideas here...

What's best to use to pressure-proof/seal electronics? Glycerine? Mineral oil?

What am I up to:
I have a simple "momentary make" switch lanc controller for my video camera. It has a tiny amount of circuitry but is essentially a plastic disc a bit more than an inch across with a press switch on top and an LED sticking out of the side.

I have cable, I have glands, so getting the signal to the camera is not a problem. My problem is what to do with the switch? Make/bastardise a separate pressure proof box? Replace the switch with a reed? Or seal it in a bag, CL or something and fill with glycerine etc?

Use a reed switch and a magnet on the outside of the camera housing - zero chance of leaks and no messy oils - or are you looking to get the distance provided by the cable?

Mdemon · 30th July 2007, 17:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by undrh2o)

Use a reed switch and a magnet on the outside of the camera housing - zero chance of leaks and no messy oils - or are you looking to get the distance provided by the cable?

Yes. The controller will be on a remote cable - the camera is also remoted with a bullet camera feeding it. I guess I could mount the thing using a reed switch in the bulletcam housing but it wouldn't be as convenient.

undrh2o · 30th July 2007, 18:11

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon)

Yes. The controller will be on a remote cable - the camera is also remoted with a bullet camera feeding it. I guess I could mount the thing using a reed switch in the bulletcam housing but it wouldn't be as convenient.

Maybe a couple pictures of what you're trying to do would help. Depending on depth - for the remote you might consider a small otter box as a housing or the ikelite canister mentioned in a different thread.

Mdemon · 30th July 2007, 21:44

Quote: (Originally Posted by undrh2o)

Maybe a couple pictures of what you're trying to do would help. Depending on depth - for the remote you might consider a small otter box as a housing or the ikelite canister mentioned in a different thread.

Here you go (depth = v. deep):

The controller in more detail:

This is what I want to pot somehow. Maybe another old torch with a reed switch might do the trick. It would still need filling with something to make it pressure-proof. Mineral oil?

Would be nice if there is a more elegant solution out there?

narked at 90 · 30th July 2007, 23:06

nice bit of cable that water stopped and He proof!! how deep do you want? john knowing you as i do i suspect it's past 30m! how about a peiso switch? i have one here the same as on the shearwater this one you cant have put i can piont you in the right direction!
how about putting it in a small housing with a preesure proof switch and just potting the fcuk out of it?
john

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon)

Here you go (depth = v. deep):

The controller in more detail:

This is what I want to pot somehow. Maybe another old torch with a reed switch might do the trick. Would be nice if there is a more elegant solution out there?

undrh2o · 31st July 2007, 00:30

OK now I see - good use of an old pelican torch -

Depending on whether you want access to the switch again or not - how about replacing the switch with a reed switch and potting the whole thing in clear epoxy? (agreeing with N@90) No housing no mineral oil.

Hey John how much for the gas blocked cable? - PM if you like

Mdemon · 31st July 2007, 07:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by narked at 90)

how deep do you want? john knowing you as i do i suspect it's past 30m!

Well, let's just say I will be diving beyond my PADI qualifications...

(I need to put it on and forget about it, so as deep as I go.)

Quote: (Originally Posted by Nat90)

potting the fcuk out of it?
john

LOL! My line of country! Maybe the next suggestion is the solution - nibble away at the casing to expose the switch (it's sealed with glue). Swap microswitch for reed (low voltage so reed should be OK, especially a dil one). Cast the whole thing in a block of epoxy. Fit magnet like the Inspo handsets.

Any brand recommendations for epoxy or potting compound? I've lost my source for acrylic

**Dave Sutton** · 31st July 2007, 14:04

I might suggest another tack here.....

Use an Ikelite accessory case with an Ikelite camera-control and mount the thing inside and simply push the camera control to start/stop. The Ikelite accessory case has a strap-mount and can be mounted anyplace, and you could see the LED to watch the status. No mod to the controller needed and it's essentially off the shelf. For that matter, any bit of pipe with end caps could do the trick too, but the Ikelite case is clear, strong, and cheap.

More than one way to skin this cat.....

Dave

30th July 2007, 12:00	#1 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,946	Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Open to suggestions and ideas here... What's best to use to pressure-proof/seal electronics? Glycerine? Mineral oil? What am I up to: I have a simple "momentary make" switch lanc controller for my video camera. It has a tiny amount of circuitry but is essentially a plastic disc a bit more than an inch across with a press switch on top and an LED sticking out of the side. I have cable, I have glands, so getting the signal to the camera is not a problem. My problem is what to do with the switch? Make/bastardise a separate pressure proof box? Replace the switch with a reed? Or seal it in a bag, CL or something and fill with glycerine etc? __________________ www.southwestmafia.com "small minds talk about people, Average Minds Talk About Events, GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT IDEAS!" The WRONG Attitude will get you killed. "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"
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30th July 2007, 12:58	#2 (permalink)
nigelh New member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Brighton, Sussex, UK Posts: 883	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon) Glycerine? Mineral oil? Glycerine is hydrophillic so bad news I suspect. I've used stuff that was refered to as 'transformer oil' but that was years ago and I can't recall a brand name (also I have a nasty feeling it was one of the uber-ungreen PCBs). Whatever is the up-to-date version of that. __________________ nigelh
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30th July 2007, 14:40	#3 (permalink)
undrh2o Chris Miller Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 206	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon) Open to suggestions and ideas here... What's best to use to pressure-proof/seal electronics? Glycerine? Mineral oil? What am I up to: I have a simple "momentary make" switch lanc controller for my video camera. It has a tiny amount of circuitry but is essentially a plastic disc a bit more than an inch across with a press switch on top and an LED sticking out of the side. I have cable, I have glands, so getting the signal to the camera is not a problem. My problem is what to do with the switch? Make/bastardise a separate pressure proof box? Replace the switch with a reed? Or seal it in a bag, CL or something and fill with glycerine etc? Use a reed switch and a magnet on the outside of the camera housing - zero chance of leaks and no messy oils - or are you looking to get the distance provided by the cable?
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30th July 2007, 17:32	#4 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,946	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by undrh2o) Use a reed switch and a magnet on the outside of the camera housing - zero chance of leaks and no messy oils - or are you looking to get the distance provided by the cable? Yes. The controller will be on a remote cable - the camera is also remoted with a bullet camera feeding it. I guess I could mount the thing using a reed switch in the bulletcam housing but it wouldn't be as convenient. __________________ www.southwestmafia.com "small minds talk about people, Average Minds Talk About Events, GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT IDEAS!" The WRONG Attitude will get you killed. "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"
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30th July 2007, 18:11	#5 (permalink)
undrh2o Chris Miller Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 206	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon) Yes. The controller will be on a remote cable - the camera is also remoted with a bullet camera feeding it. I guess I could mount the thing using a reed switch in the bulletcam housing but it wouldn't be as convenient. Maybe a couple pictures of what you're trying to do would help. Depending on depth - for the remote you might consider a small otter box as a housing or the ikelite canister mentioned in a different thread.
(Offline)

30th July 2007, 21:44	#6 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,946	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by undrh2o) Maybe a couple pictures of what you're trying to do would help. Depending on depth - for the remote you might consider a small otter box as a housing or the ikelite canister mentioned in a different thread. Here you go (depth = v. deep): The controller in more detail: This is what I want to pot somehow. Maybe another old torch with a reed switch might do the trick. It would still need filling with something to make it pressure-proof. Mineral oil? Would be nice if there is a more elegant solution out there? __________________ www.southwestmafia.com "small minds talk about people, Average Minds Talk About Events, GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT IDEAS!" The WRONG Attitude will get you killed. "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?" Last edited by Mdemon : 30th July 2007 at 23:08.
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30th July 2007, 23:06	#7 (permalink)
narked at 90 John Routley Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: middlands uk Posts: 1,074	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? nice bit of cable that water stopped and He proof!! how deep do you want? john knowing you as i do i suspect it's past 30m! how about a peiso switch? i have one here the same as on the shearwater this one you cant have put i can piont you in the right direction! how about putting it in a small housing with a preesure proof switch and just potting the fcuk out of it? john Quote: (Originally Posted by Mdemon) Here you go (depth = v. deep): The controller in more detail: This is what I want to pot somehow. Maybe another old torch with a reed switch might do the trick. Would be nice if there is a more elegant solution out there? __________________ *WWW.NARKEDAT90.CO.UK* *http://www.grpservices.com/pursuit/* Supporting Shearwater Research Products in Europe Narked at 90 Go Military
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31st July 2007, 00:30	#8 (permalink)
undrh2o Chris Miller Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 206	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? OK now I see - good use of an old pelican torch - Depending on whether you want access to the switch again or not - how about replacing the switch with a reed switch and potting the whole thing in clear epoxy? (agreeing with N@90) No housing no mineral oil. Hey John how much for the gas blocked cable? - PM if you like
(Offline)

31st July 2007, 07:53	#9 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,946	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? Quote: (Originally Posted by narked at 90) how deep do you want? john knowing you as i do i suspect it's past 30m! Well, let's just say I will be diving beyond my PADI qualifications... (I need to put it on and forget about it, so as deep as I go.) Quote: (Originally Posted by Nat90) potting the fcuk out of it? john LOL! My line of country! Maybe the next suggestion is the solution - nibble away at the casing to expose the switch (it's sealed with glue). Swap microswitch for reed (low voltage so reed should be OK, especially a dil one). Cast the whole thing in a block of epoxy. Fit magnet like the Inspo handsets. Any brand recommendations for epoxy or potting compound? I've lost my source for acrylic __________________ www.southwestmafia.com "small minds talk about people, Average Minds Talk About Events, GREAT MINDS TALK ABOUT IDEAS!" The WRONG Attitude will get you killed. "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"
(Offline)

31st July 2007, 14:04	#10 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,907	Re: Is glycerine the best thing to use to pressure-proof electronics? I might suggest another tack here..... Use an Ikelite accessory case with an Ikelite camera-control and mount the thing inside and simply push the camera control to start/stop. The Ikelite accessory case has a strap-mount and can be mounted anyplace, and you could see the LED to watch the status. No mod to the controller needed and it's essentially off the shelf. For that matter, any bit of pipe with end caps could do the trick too, but the Ikelite case is clear, strong, and cheap. More than one way to skin this cat..... Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
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