Question for the 'Electronics Gurus' on the board...

[Heed]

Gents,

I would like to take several electronic parts that don't do well when mixed with water (Astrodyne converters, EFI electronics, Sensor modules) and enclose them in a NEMA-type electrical box at the front of the cargo area. The box will also contain the 12v and 24v fuse blocks, as well as the ground buss.

I know of one person who has mounted their SDS EFI controller that way, but I am more concerned about the amount of heat that the converters will generate in that enclosed space.

Should I be concerned? Should I be mounting them elsewhere?

Thanks in advance for your .02!

[audiocontr]

And they produce heat! You will melt something in an enclosed space. Either vent the thing with fan or look into liquid cooling. Both seem to be more difficult then it's worth. I'd mount them high up by your head if you plan on fording water or build a simple L shaped panel that covers the electronics mounted behind the seat. No end caps. Leave plenty of room for air flow. This way rain and spray will get deflected.

I plan on doing something similar in the space directly behind the cap, right before the seats fold. I small box there with open end caps and a fan will provide all the circulation needed and plenty of water shielding in all but the worst of it

[spandit]

I've mounted my voltage dropper and fuseboxes in the roof but then I suppose it's not such a viable option on the 710M

[Jimm391730]

If your enclosure has 2-4 times more volume then the space the converters require, you could add an internal fan to "stir" the air through the converters. No external airflow may be needed. If the case is metal then the internal heat will be able to be dissipated through the case; the fan will spread the heat out so it has a much greater case surface area to be dissipated from.

This does create a warmer ambient for the devices, however, so monitoring during use or evaluation at worse case conditions is needed to ensure all will be happy inside the case. But most devices that are designed to operate without any airflow will work very well with a modest breeze, even in a somewhat higher ambient temperature.

[Heed]

Gents,

Thanks for the replies!

Unfortunately Jim, the box is of the 'plastic' variety. It is quite large, but small enough to fit nicely on the ledge between the seats and the divider to the front cab.

Dang!...I thought I had a nice little set-up going there!

What are your thoughts on enclosing the SDS EFI controller and some SDS sensor modules? Do you think I may shorten their life with the extra heat?

I don't think they will produce an abundance of heat themselves, but my wife reminds me that I have been known to be wrong on several occasions!:oops: I have never claimed to be a genius when it comes to automotive electronics!..in fact, I know just enough to be dangerous.

I'll have to think of another place to relocate the converters. Perhaps up high on the roof arch.