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How to build an electronics enclosure for arduino?

nschreiber0813

Dear: Element 14

Recently I have decided to build an arduino detonator which you already may have known about. So for my detonator for my model rockets it needs an enclosure. I would prefer to make the enclosure out of metal if I can but I would prefer it not to be 3d printed because I don't own a 3d printer or am capable of borrowing a 3d printer near me. I need it to do the following.

  • be 4 by 6 by 4 inches minimally
  • be preferably made out of metal
  • not 3d printed
  • not bought from a store

Can anybody help me because my model rockets need to be launched soon?

From: Noah

  • 0

    Hi Noah,

     

    It's not called a detonator, the usual name is a launch controller.

    Unless you have significant tools (and some experience), a metal enclosure is not easily constructed. If you have simple tools (file, drill) then you can purchase an aluminium enclosure of approximately the size you need, and then make the changes you need with the drill and file.

    There are plenty of plastic enclosures too that are easier to work with - I don't think a metal one is mandatory for your application?

  • 0 in reply to shabaz

    Dear: Shabaz

    Thank you for your advice. I understand now that I should probably call it a launch controller instead of a detonator but I think the reason I have been calling it a detonator is because a detonator can be used as a launch controller and all the tutorials on the internet for how to build something like this call it a detonator. You said to me last time I could buy a electronics enclosure but you didn't tell me where I could buy one. Could you recommend a online store or a local retailer I could go to. Also could you put me on the right trail for where I could build one just in case I am stuck building one. Also you said to me that metal is not minatory but I would kind of like to make it look fancy so I will most likely make this out of metal or high quality material. Thanks!!!image

    From: Noah

  • 0 in reply to nschreiber0813

    Hi Noah,

     

    The link was in the response, it is http://uk.farnell.com/enclosures_enclosures

    I don't really know much about metalwork so I can't advise how to build a metal case from scratch. In terms of equipment sheet metal cutters and folders cost hundreds of dollars. You could pay to get it cut and folded but it will still cost hundreds of dollars.

  • 0

    would like to point out that it might be a good idea to consider going for a plastic container if you are using WiFi for the project and also to consider the dimension with all the electronics consider such as shields and battary packs.

  • 0

    Dear: Element 14

    I really appreciate all of your help especially Fred's and Shabaz's help. But does anybody know how to work with metal. Just in case I decide to work with metal for the project. You see I do own a rotary tool at home. Maybe I could use the rotary tool for the project to cut the metal. If you don't know anybody with experience with metal work could you point somebody out. Thank you.

    From: Noah

  • 0 in reply to nschreiber0813

    Don´t use the rotary tool if you have never worked with metal before it usual ends in disaster. a good tip is to go to your local medieval or renaissance renacters, there always willing to help as long as you come with material. They work with allot of metal thanks to them working with armor making most of the times otherwhise any metal workshop would do fine, but don't try working with metal on your own cause it does take a certain amount of skill to not get cut on the metal whilest working with tools, i know from personal experience since i am part of an medieval reenactment club that make there own armor.

  • 0

    Dear: Element 14

    I found a ton of tutorials on the internet for how to make a metal box, how to make a pcb box, and how to make a metal enclosure but none of them seemed good for me so there for I am going to buy a box. I will buy the box off of Farnell off of element 14 so thank you all for helping me so much. I hope you stay posted for my tutorial because I am thinking of making one.

    From: Noah