Introduction: How to IP67 Arduino or Other DIY Electronics for 0...2 USD/EUR in 5 Easy Steps
If you question yourself on DIY electronics applications in a high ingress and noisy EMC environment.
Ex.: Where to buy a metal sealed IP67 box and what type of connector should I have for my project.
Question no more, everything should be described here for your cheap solution. Just follow 5 easy steps.
Tools you need:
- Torx screw driver
- Cutting disk
- Cutting knife
- Multimeter
- Hot Air Gun (optional)
Step 1: GO TO NEAREST CAR JUNKYARD
CAR JUNKYARD YES
It has EVERYTHING you need.
Just go there and ask for your components like I did: ECU box with cable connectors and some fuseboxes
TIP: Choose less corroded units, you won't be able to drive the bolts.
Step 2: TAKE ECU APART
Take your newly bought/got ECU apart to discover what you have inside.
Automotive PCB quality says for it's self a work of art.
Yes it is a pity for your next step, but there no much solution I found more, I am an artist of destruction.
Step 3: CUT THE PCB
Use your disk cutter for even separation of the connector and the PCB module
Step 4: INSPECT THE WORK
Inspect if you havent made any damage for your valuable connector
It can get quite expensive
Check any not intended short circuits, cut some unnecessary routs and the connector is ready for wire soldering for inside.
You should use hot air for desoldering for your new PCB application if any.
Step 5: PUT EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Now the room of IP67 box is ready for your freely programmable automotive application.
Put your project circuits inside the IP67 box, don't forget to use 2 side adhesive tape for boards and isolation.
Use all the IP67 benefits of the box :)
4 Comments
7 years ago
How do you get ECU's so cheap. In the UK they are really expensive even from scrap yards. Because the car breakers know exactly how much new ones cost, they charge
about half the price of a new one.
Reply 7 years ago
There is a pile of ECU and Fuseboxes. I said that I need nonfunctioning ones. The purpose is for hobby, the ECU will be cutaway only for connector and box. Also some cables. So anyway it is placed for metal recycling. He took 10 EUR from that amount on the table. He got more than from metal.
7 years ago
This is great information! I love finding things at the junk yard!
Reply 7 years ago
Thanks, I am happy to share