Solved! Outdoor weatherproof cabinets for electronics

[Kent_47]

Have 3 season porch where I want to put audio/video receiver, direct TV box, for TV (mounted on fireplace and not facing the weather). Probably need a glass front for remote. Any ideas for premade, or one I can make (2nd choice)?

 

[anwaypasible]

Have 3 season porch where I want to put audio/video receiver, direct TV box, for TV (mounted on fireplace and not facing the weather). Probably need a glass front for remote. Any ideas for premade, or one I can make (2nd choice)?

waterproof is quite the same as air proof.. the electronics will certainly run hotter without any air.
that might make you want to drill some holes on the bottom, but that could create humidity inside the box and cause the parts to rust, or worse.. there is enough moisture built up to act as if you took a spray bottle and sprayed the circuit board.

when it is too hot or too cold, you probably wont be in the porch.
let's say you might soak in the heat or wrap up in a sleeping bag.. putting those electronics in the extreme weather isnt really ideal for them.

again, let's say there is something on the market that performs better in the extreme heat.. that doesnt mean it is gonna work for you in the cold.
besides, i dont know of anything specific that works better in extreme temperatures to recommend.

i would really suggest running long cords to the speakers.. its a whole lot easier to be safe than sorry.
a remote 'doubler' can help you use the remote when the remote sensor isnt clearly visible.

i have no idea how you plan on expecting a television to work in these extreme conditions without it breaking after one season of extreme weather.

you should be looking at the operating temperature range.
household products might not be functional in the bad weather.
car audio products might give you a better temperature range.. they are designed for extra heat.
anything in the cold could use something to warm it up before you power it on (unless it is designed to work frozen)

its really a lot to ask for a piece of electronics to work in the frozen and in the extreme heat.

maybe you should get a 19 inch LCD and hold it on your lap while you watch a movie in/on the porch.
that way you can bring it into the house so it wont freeze or boil.

class A amplifiers have been said to run really really warm.. enough to heat up an entire room.
if you could plug that in and let it warm up before turning it on.. it might help.

but really, things like a surround sound decoder or a digital to analog convertor.. they need to be special order to work in extreme temps.
just run the long wires and put the hardware inside.
the television is up to you.. maybe you spend $50 on a standard definition CRT every season.
lcd screens can get ruined in the extreme heat.. i havent seen what they do in extreme cold.. but they probably crack.

if you say the temps arent going to be too hot or too cold.. i would ask why you need a weatherproof box.
for water/rain.. a box with holes on the bottom will keep the rain water from landing directly on the circuit board.
plexi glass or even a cardboard box could be enough to help.
a little fan to force some air to circulate would probably be best for the longevity of the hardware.

 

[electric chick]

you can try some type of outdoor enclosure with the heating cooling options. Here is a website to check out, www.ddbunlimited.com
They do custom cabinets

 

[americanaudiophile]

You probably do not have to go to any special lengths to protect the equipment since it sounds like they will not get rained or snowed on. During the months that you do not use the space you might just unplug them.