Getting USB cables into weatherproof enclosures?

[jimjam11]

Another person attempting to build an all sky camera! I have already built the dew heater etc, but the bit I am stuck on is routing the usb cable into the sealed camera enclosure.

 

My setup will consist of a typical weatherproof box containing the camera and a home made dew heater + controller. I will run a 12V cable approx 6m from my AAG weather station laptop to the camera. I can use an active usb cable for the camera connection which is tested and working without issue, but I am unsure how to get the cables into the enclosure? I think I have a few options:

1. Cut the connector off the usb extension cable and pass it through a standard cable gland before wiring it to the camera via a terminal block?

2. Buy some kind of fancy split cable gland which means I can leave the cable intact. These seem very expensive and hard to source?

3. Buy a much bigger cable gland capable of passing the intact usb connector? Not sure how I would then seal around the much smaller cable?

4. Something else?

 

Any advice on the best approach to take?

 

TIA,

[Alien 13]

I would use a version of option 1, cut the cable and solder directly to the camera board. Another option that I would personally use is to replace the USB connector with a military style plug and matching socket like the hypertac.

Alan

[pete_l]

Option 4. Something else

Bore a hole in the bottom of the enclosure large enough to get the usb connector through. Then fill the hole with an exterior grade mastic.

Edited June 3, 2020 by pete_l

[JamesF]

39 minutes ago, pete_l said:

Option 4. Something else

Bore a hole in the bottom of the enclosure large enough to get the usb connector through. Then fill the hole with an exterior grade mastic.

I'd probably do this one.

James

[Kev M]

Option 3 - oversize cable gland--- then use a split rubber bung forced into it.. a tiny bit sealant could be used if its likely to get very wet