cash bounty - water proof case

[ryanckulp]

a customer intends to take TRMNL on their (internet-connected) boat and cycle through "weather forecasts, ambient conditions, and [boat] system details like battery voltage."

could be neat to build something like this, but with a tighter fit. not sure it's 3D print friendly, however.

open to suggestions and bids if someone wants to tackle.

[Akisame-AI]

A friend of mine uses an android tablet and there are commercial tablet cases available that are waterproof. You could use one of those and put some foam in the back to secure it against shaking.

[Shabik2000]

I am very comfortable with 3d software, got some experience in 3dprinting but I have not really done any weatherproofing device or product design etc. Having this said, I am an architect so we draw roof details etc and I am happy to spend a few hours to research but I can understand if you prefer to get someone having worked with similar devices etc. Let me know if you want me to have a stab.

[yankobogdan]

I've used this IP-protected case for multiple projects
USB cable could be attached using an IP-protected cable gland

I've checked the size and it should fit TRMNL OG just fine

[hlipnick]

@ryanckulp I'd like to take a crack at the bounty - worked up a starting plan so far.

[ryanckulp]

sounds great @hlipnick !

[hlipnick]

sounds great @hlipnick !

I don't have the device yet (3 on the way - I'm trying to be patient!). Is there a page with accurate measurements? For now going to go by STL of the fridge mount.

[ruohki]

Hear me out:

I don't know if 3D Printing is the way. I mean you could probably get it water repellant but not waterproof. Especially when people print it on their Ender's. I do see layer adhesion as a big problem and salty seawater.

[brynnb]

i'd agree on use of waterproof pouch, it's gonna be a lot less expensive, less bulky and less weight, and should be plenty waterproof. and as posted above, ones for ipad minis may fit the trmnl pretty well

[Akisame-AI]

Why not a food vacuum sealing bag. Dirt cheap, perfectly waterproof and once every 3 months you cut it open, charge it and seal it back up again.
It also doesn't add bulk or weight.
I used that like 15-20 years ago during hiking to protect the emergency Mobile phone.
Alternatively, you can seal the bit around the charge port and put a rubber plug there so you don't need to rip open the bag every 3 months

[hlipnick]

sounds great @hlipnick !

I don't have the device yet (3 on the way - I'm trying to be patient!). Is there a page with accurate measurements? For now going to go by STL of the fridge mount.

Going to step away from this for now - I can't get too far past the thinking stage without accurate measurements of the device. Excited to create and share some models once I've got mine!

[ruohki]

I mean by providing offical 3d print files. People will think its save to use. I just think there is too much room for user error.

[anmokhta]

Hello! I really want to take a crack at this, however FDM 3D printing (the most common type of 3D printing) has a limitation in that no matter what you do, solely 3D printing the case will not yield a truly waterproof case. This is a result of the layers not making a uniform surface that would be able to repell water. The most efficient way would be to print the case and then spay a water repellent coating that would get in between the layers and create the water proof uniform surface.

Could an acceptable solution involve an after printing process or does the solution need top be solely 3D printed with an added gasket?

I believe that SLA printing could potentially solve this issue as well as be able to make the case transparent enough to view the screen.

As an alternative I do know that there is a waterproofing electronics spray that FPV drone operators use to waterproof their drones. I understand that this would not qualify as a water proof case but could be a simpler solution.

[yankobogdan]

@anmokhta
Spray wouldn't help considering the presence of a physical button, USB-C, pwr switch

Smth you can DIY and order from 3D print services makes more sense to me
Good point on FDM structure, but I think there should be a solution

My preference would be the screws and gaskets and no sprays if possible