I'm planning on capturing light levels for my garden outside. I purchased an Arduino and a few photoresistors (Photo cell (CdS photoresistor) : ID 161 : $0.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits).
My questions are how do I go about ensuring both the Arduino and photoresistor are weatherproof and where do I source the parts? Is it OK to expose the photoresistor directly or does it need to have some clear plastic cover?
Thanks!
It is almost impossible to "weatherproof" an Arduino and/or a photo resistor. Even a seemingly airtight housing will let in moist air during temperature cycles, which will eventually cause connections to corrode.
Photoresistors are cheap enough that minimal protection by a plastic housing will be fine for a season or two. Run the lead wires (twisted pair or shielded cable) inside to the Arduino, and plan on replacing the photoresistor from time to time.
Circuit boards that are intended for being out of doors for long periods of time are conformally coated, that is, completely covered in nail polish, or embedded in dense potting compound.
Thanks for the input.
So, it sounds like I need to find a tutorial on how to cover my Arduino in nail polish?
Could I try one of these to house the Arduino?
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/bud-industries/PTS-25317-C/377-2431-ND/5886258
The only downside is that I live in Texas, and I'm thinking the Arduino may get a little hot, but I don't think it'll go over the operating temperature. There should only be a few holes on the bottom for outbound wires.
If there are any good tutorials for prototyping and outdoor Arduino that would be great!
Another way to keep your electronics dry is the inverted bucket approach. Blocking rain from getting in on the top, ventilation openings on the bottom. The heat from the electronics keeps the temperature inside a few degrees above ambient, more than enough to stop condensation even at 100% humidity levels.
Thanks all!