Sometimes things need to be outside.

For about $20.01 you can build a nice self contained rooftop box. For stability and convenience, the electronics will be in the box at the base. The antenna pole will extend upwards from this box. These types of boxes are typically available in the electricians' supply department.

884PJ

PVC 8x8x4 jct box w/cvr

$15.45

APPBLSG75

APP BLSG75 3/4 Sealing Locknut

$ .86

34PTA

XXPVC 3/4 Terminal Adpt

$ .57

34P

##PVC 3/4 Schedule-40 cond

$2.51

So this is all with 3/4 inch pipe, it would be better with 1" I'll update the numbers after my next run to platt.

You'll have to drill a hole for your antenna pipe. Test the diameter of the pipe with your antenna and N connector (if you're using a stick omni) to run your cable down the pipe into the box. Use copius amounts of 3M tape to waterproof your antenna seal. If you're using U-Bolt mounted antennas, don't forget to cap the top. Drill a small hole and use a rubber grommet for your ghetto POE, Seal everything with silicone. Dunk it in a bathtub to make sure everything stays watertight. Remember that "indoor" materials such as normal rubber grommets will decompose in environmental exposure (sunlight or atmospheric oxygen) so use outdoor rated material when you can. Also, metal bolts, nuts, and washers should be stainless steel (non rusting).

To mount this on your roof without causing any structural damage, screw the box to a piece of plywood or a crossed 2x4 stand. Set cinder blocks or sandbags across the bottom to keep it from moving. If you anticipate side sway due to having a large antenna in a high wind, you can use some guy wire to limit the motion. To avoid screwing anchors into the roof for guy wires, you can use long 2x4 beams extending from the base and screw your guy wires into those. http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11985.1010913022.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11972.1010912973.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/32635.1018724072.jpg

More examples of a waterproof electrical box:

http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11976.1010912986.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11977.1010912992.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11983.1010913011.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11978.1010912998.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11982.1010913004.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11984.1010913017.jpg http://seattlewireless.net/images/uploaded/11969.1010912967.jpg


CategoryHowTo

WaterProofBoxes (last edited 2008-04-13 16:36:17 by localhost)