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Waterproof problem

XIANG
2022-12-15
2024-09-26
  • XIANG

    XIANG - 2022-12-15

    Should I need to consider the waterproofing of the MLX90614 sensor? I printed the case of https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4781389 and this sensor was damaged after a few rainy days' test. So I am curious about how to deal with water proof problem

     
    • molino

      molino - 2023-01-10

      Although I didn't use that case, one trick that could save your sensor is to apply silicone around the edges. Mine is exposed to the elements like that and I had no issues so far with one being damaged by water.

      Cheers
      Miguel

       
      • XIANG

        XIANG - 2023-01-27

        Thanks, I will try the silicone.

        regards
        Xiang

         
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2022-12-15

    Hi
    I think I mentioned in the PDF that I used a glass microscope slide, which is transparent and put that over the top of the sensor. Be very careful how you attach it, super glue is a bad idea because it can easily flow onto the surface of the sensor and that will be as bad as rain. So I ended up drilling a hole in the top part of the case that points to the sky, for the MLX sensor, then I super glued a bit of the glass over the hole, and whenthe glue as dry, fitted the sensor underneath but not quite up the surface,

    I di use a fan and ventilation slots to keep the inside of the case cool so it does not affect the temperature reading from the MLX,

    regards
    Robert

     
  • XIANG

    XIANG - 2022-12-15

    Thanks, I have tried to use a glass as a cover to prevent water but the reading of MLX sensor was lower than it supposed be (might be the tempareture of the glass) . Do you meet this issue?

     
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2022-12-16

    Hi
    No, I did not encounter this, but it could be possible. The MLX measures the IR/Temp of an object that it is exposed to, it is possible the glass cover might be cooler than the ambient temperature surrounding the device. so it could measure the glass temp rather than the sky.

    If anyone has thoughts/suggestions, please help Xiang out by posting your thoughts/solutions

    Regards
    Robert

     
  • Fantino Claudio

    Fantino Claudio - 2024-09-24

    hello all
    I have the problem on how to protect the MLX90614 sensor to read the sky and make it waterproof.
    I read this on the Adafruit forum:
    https://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?t=186466
    Does anyone have any ideas how to proceed without altering the readings?
    Thanks

     
    • molino

      molino - 2024-09-24

      See my post above in this thread. No issues so far. Regards

       
    • Dave Wilkes

      Dave Wilkes - 2024-09-25

      if the sensor is in a TO-39 package it will be IP65 compliant so should be sealed well enough

       
  • Fantino Claudio

    Fantino Claudio - 2024-09-25

    Thanks Dave,
    Yes, the sensor has a TO-39 package, but I didn't find the IP rating on the datasheet.
    If it's really IP65, it's ok for an outdoor installation in the open air.
    I will provide for a perfect sealing of the installation hole

     
    • Dave Wilkes

      Dave Wilkes - 2024-09-25

      ok a little searching and TO39 doesnt have a rating however they are Hermetically sealed so should be fine

       
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2024-09-26

    Some thoughts on mlx90614

    The datasheet has some info
    *An optical filter (long-wave pass) that cuts off the visible and near infra-red radiant flux is integrated in the package to provide ambient and sunlight immunity. The wavelength pass band of this optical filter is from 5.5 till 14µm (except for xCH and xCI type of devices which incorporate uncoated silicon lens). *

    I have added this to my own notes on the subject, txt file attached

    Regards

     
    👍
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