I need to put the Diecimilla and an ethernet shield (Freeduino ethernet) into an enclosure (box). I'd like to keep it as compact and simple as possible... It is to be an autonomous data collection device, indoor, but I have little control over the temperature in the "room".
The box is to have holes for the connectors (USB, power, ethernet, and a stereo headphone). The box is to be as small as possible. (The one I currently have is ~57 mm wide, ~70 mm long and ~ 33 mm high -- just enough to accomodate the components; and it is made of plastic (about 1.5 mm thick)).
I estimate the generated heat to be around 0.5W (AVR ~300 mA/5V=~150mW, power regulator (7.5 or 9Vs input) <200 mW, ethernet controller <150 mW).
- Am I about right in the power consumption estimate?
- Does any of you have any relevant experience if and how this kind of config can be put in an enclosure with about these attributes?
- Do you think I can stay with the box as-is, should I simply drill more holes into in, should I install a small fan, or something else?
Oh, yes, and an extra one: Arduino is designed so that shields can only go above the processor board (which -- in many cases -- is the most power-intensive part). Why is it so? Would it not make sense to have a (perhaps optionally inserted) set of connector pins on the downside? (I see, it is not a problem as long as it is only a development board dangling around the end of pieces of wire on a desk. It may, however, become an issue in cases when it turns into one-of-a-kind production device.)