Water Proof Charging Port

Intro: Water Proof Charging Port

OK!!!! So you built this awsome electronic instructible that operates in harsh conditions or is submersible. It requires you to recharge the unit once batteries are discharged. It is a pain to take the unit apart to get to the batteries to recharge them. What is the simplest, most inexpensive way to achieve this??? Sure you can purchase a marine grade type enclosure..... but at what cost...... I have come up with an awsome solution.... Please follow me to get the answer..........

Tools: Cutting device to cut plastic, High Temp Hot Glue gun, Canned Air (optional)

Parts: Charging port (user determined), Coke bottle, gatorade bottle, water bottle, etc.... (what ever works for your needs)

STEP 1: Coke Bottle / Water Bottle / Gatorade Bottle

I'm sure you have a bottle of some type in your fridge, or you're sipping on something right now.  I used a coke bottle for mine.  I built a small pool craft using a bildge pump, battery, switch, and charging port.  I had to figure out a way to waterproof the charging port.

1st.  Take a Coke bottle and cut the top off.

STEP 2: Coke Bottle Top

2nd  You cut the top of the coke bottle off.

STEP 3: Insert Charging Port

3rd   Install charging port, attach wires according to your needs, and set with hot glue.  (I did not go into detail about making my electrical connections.  This instructible is not geared for that information.)

NEAT TRICK:  If you turn your canned air upside down and spray, you get a blast of frozen air (please don't get technical on this wording).  If you spray your hot glue once you applied it with this method, it helps to set your hot glue quicker.  I didn't spary much.  Just a quick blast to hold it in place to keep it from dripping or running.  Plus I am impatient and didn't want to wait for the glue to cool on its own.

STEP 4: Seal Connections

4th  I used Hot glue to set and seal the connections and once it cooled, I hotglued the setup to my device.

STEP 5: Charge Your Device

5th  You can now charge your device.

STEP 6: Your Done

6th  Now its time to put it to work.  Put cap on and you now have a sealed charging port that has easy access!!!  ENJOY

Comments

[pcooper2]

I'd use RTV silicone sealant instead of hot melt glue. Hot melt glue doesn't stick to plastics, or sticks extremely poorly.

[palombo5050]

You are right. That would be better. But keep in mind, the spirit of instructibles. Hot glue is not the best choice. But, Most people have hot glue setups more than they would have "The right tool". Thanks for your comments.

[nh4x4Jeep]

Clever! Thanks for sharing! =)

[T-Hawke]

Neat and simple idea.

Well done.

Thanks for sharing

[palombo5050]

Thanks. I will be adding the instructible for a water proof switch shortly.

[iPodGuy]

I'm impressed!

[sunshiine]

Nice Instructable! Thanks for sharing!

[palombo5050]

Thank you. My next one will be the water proof switch.