I'm so used to just using TRS stereo jacks and plugs for everything where 3 conductors are needed, especially when the "shell" is going to be ground anyway. Its probably cause I'm a musician, and make lots of "guitar pedal" projects.
But can anyone tell me some better alternatives that don't cost a fortune and are better suited for outdoor use? They don't have to be totally waterproof. I don't expect to put projects where they would be in standing water or direct rain. But something that at least guarded against water getting right on the contacts, and guarding against the corrosion that just comes with outdoor humidity. Maybe some kind of screw in connectors where I could put some protective grease on all the inner contacts?
PeterPan321:
I'm so used to just using TRS stereo jacks and plugs for everything where 3 conductors are needed, especially when the "shell" is going to be ground anyway. Its probably cause I'm a musician, and make lots of "guitar pedal" projects.
But can anyone tell me some better alternatives that don't cost a fortune and are better suited for outdoor use? They don't have to be totally waterproof. I don't expect to put projects where they would be in standing water or direct rain. But something that at least guarded against water getting right on the contacts, and guarding against the corrosion that just comes with outdoor humidity. Maybe some kind of screw in connectors where I could put some protective grease on all the inner contacts?
Boy! talk about a confusing post. First water proof, but then only for rain and standing in water, and finally to keep humid air out of the connector.
IF you get the latter, then ALL the others are covered.
The only possible solution is to use automotive connectors rated for what you ask.
ian332isport:
Have a look at TE Superseal connectors. Used quite a lot in the automotive sector, and should fit all of your criteria.
Ian.
Thanks. I have seen some of them, and even some copies (china I guess... brand MUYI). So far though, I haven't found one I could mount is a simple drilled hole (meaning ROUND). Even if I end up using plastic enclosures, square or oval shaped holes are a pain. And if I go with metal enclosures, no way I'll be able to cut anything but drilled (round) holes.
But I'm on their website now, and will look some more. Thanks again!
PeterPan321:
Thanks. I have seen some of them, and even some copies (china I guess... brand MUYI). So far though, I haven't found one I could mount is a simple drilled hole (meaning ROUND). Even if I end up using plastic enclosures, square or oval shaped holes are a pain. And if I go with metal enclosures, no way I'll be able to cut anything but drilled (round) holes.
But I'm on their website now, and will look some more. Thanks again!
There are nibblers to cut any shaped hole in thin metal, aluminum or steel used in electronic enclosures. There are square hole punches of many sizes. You can punch several square holes in series to make a rectangle. Use a file to clean up the edges. Done all the time!
So I found these, and they seem absolutely perfect. Unfortunately its alibaba (not ali-express) which deal in quantities. But the MQO is 100, so maybe it might be worthwhile if I intend to use a lot of them over time. It would be nice to find them in a small quantity for evaluation. Maybe they'll consider a sample request.
The moment you drill a hole in a case, the case is no longer water proof, guaranteed.
It does not need to be submersible. Its going to be is a semi sheltered area. But regarding water getting in where you drill for a connector, I've done it many times with no water getting in. All you have to do is put some flexible waterproofing compound under your washer, make sure the hole isn't badly over sized, tighten the nut until the compound squeezes out, and clean it up with a paper towel.
But more important for my project, where contacts meet in a connector is the place where various kinds of corrosion occur, hastened by a humid outdoor environment. Thats why I need a waterproof connector this time.
Thanks for everything folks. I think I've found exactly what I'm looking for. After an exhaustive search, I found a China manufacturer on alibaba with the most ideal product for me...
As you can see, it is available in both female and male (for the panel mount side), and it is IP67 rated (a waterproof certification I've learned). Its especially good because the panel mount side can be a female version, lessening the likelihood of contact with fingers, etc. Its also a major help to me that the panel side is very shallow. I won't have to put extra effort into designing a PCB that won't bump into these inside an enclosure.
Unfortunately I'll have to buy an MQO of 100, but they will only be $1.50USD per set since its direct from the manufacturer. I'm going to need these for a while and will put them to good use over time, and maybe sell some on ebay and such. In the mean time, at least they will send me some samples.
I've heard of Alibaba and Aliexpress, but Alibabe is new to me(!)
Its often the case that right angle versions of connectors are more practical and almost never
available - I think waterproof connectors is a case in point.
Southpark:
Go to ebay and search for "3 pin outdoor connector".
Well I did say "after an extensive search". Of course I have found some similar on ebay and elsewhere. Very few were panel mount, none that were had panel mount sides this low profile, none had the panel mount side female, and none had as good quality as these.
So the way I see it, I'll eventually use a great many many of them, so 100 isn't a terrible MQO for a wholesale price. Especially if they are unique enough that you could resell some retail, and make it easier for other st get them.
MarkT:
I've heard of Alibaba and Aliexpress, but Alibabe is new to me(!)
Its often the case that right angle versions of connectors are more practical and almost never
available - I think waterproof connectors is a case in point.
Now that you mention it, and while I seem to have the attention of a manufacturer sending me samples, I may pass along that advise. Who knows... they may consider making such a version. I do know that when it comes to self wired connectors (that don't have "molded in" cable" its more difficult to come up with a manufacturing scheme that allows for a reliable end user assembly. If I opted for the external side to have a molded cable, I think they could help me there. But that gets very tedious... you have to tell them exactly what kind of cable, coax or not, what guage, how long, etc. In the end its good if you have one particular application in mind. But for general use, for something water tight, I'm probably going to have to settle for the straight connector.
