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[on:]

Am interested in hearing suggestions for a hardened ARDUINO board.

Epoxy? Aluminum enclosure? Encapsulations?

What makes ARDUINO extremely rugged? Waterproof? Weatherproof? Other considerations...

THX

[Reply #1 on:]

If you want it waterproof and weatherproof you might try a Pelikan-style waterproof case.  You can find waterproof plastic cases in the camping department of your local department or sporting-goods store.  Be sure  that anything outside the case (sensors, etc) is also waterproof and any holes you make in the case are sealed well.

The main thing to worry about with vibrations is the ATmega popping out of its socket.  Best to use an Arduino with a surface-mount (soldered on) ATmega.  You can make the other components a little more rugged by gooping them with silicone caulk.  Use stranded wire for all your connections since solid wire can't survive repeated flexing as well.

[Reply #2 on:]

I'm not sure i understand the need for a "hardened" Arduino since it is a prototyping platform.  I'm also struggling to understand what hardened means in this context.

Also, Arduino isn't an acronym so there is no need to needlessly capitalize the word.

[Reply #3 on:]

I forgot who it is, but one of the more prominent forum members has created what is essentially an over engineered Arduino clone.  Added protection on all the pins and a whole bunch of other safety improvements.  While this doesn't necessary fall in a 'hardened protection' category, in my eyes it is as it can handle potential electrical problems better than the stock Arduino will.  As far as physical protection, follow johnwasser's suggestions.

[Reply #4 on:]

The "ruggeduino": http://ruggedcircuits.com/html/ruggeduino.html

[Reply #5 on:]

The "ruggeduino": http://ruggedcircuits.com/html/ruggeduino.html

Bingo!  Thanks westfw!