Smart String Hub - Case

[hbomb341]

I've been looking at this as a possible enclosure for the Hub

I haven't picked one up yet, so i'm not sure.

It's a case that can hold a car battery, and has the openings for battery cables to come out the top...

anyone alredy have one, or has seen this yet?
It's in Sears Automotive
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

This got me thinking - this is a GOOD case idea - all ready water tightish and has a way to get wires in and out still secured (no modification) and CHEAP ($9) - looks OK may WONT be wife approved but we will see (Maybe some paint).  So now going inside ... I notice my power supply and the hub is about the same size and ATX power supply's have a standard size and mount (IE: Computer Cases - depth changes).  Have a few ideas and need a few trips to Home Depot to see what I can come up with.  Thinking a compression mount for the Power Supply - to get this up of the bottom of the case and give a spot with the wholes mount to bolt on the hub on top - this idea should also work in any container.  We will see what I can come up with may be next week before I can get to it warping up all my controller cases this week.

 

Harrison

I think I may have a working idea after the Home Depot run - thread rod, angle aluminum, few bolts (32), some drilling - end up with a 12 x 6 x 9 (L x W x H) - for about $25 get a nice cage that will fit in the battery case (or another).  Ya $35 total is a little steep but will be a nice design, water proofish.  It may be a little tight on the supply hoping for some give in the build.  Maybe tomorrow I will pickup the supply's next week - unless I get a new idea before then.

Harrison

[hbomb341]

IDK what the deal is today the juices are going here is a HORABLE stick drawing on my idea - maybe help someone to improve this.

Key:
Black - Case
Blue - Threaded Rod
Brown - 12 Inch Angle
Pink - 6 Inch Angle (Cross beam)

-- Bolts would be on ether side of each beams - maybe zip tie to hold down the hub or if a whole can be bolted will be bolted.

I have a feeling cost creep will come in and this be more towards the $40 range - this is getting pricy - ideally would like the $20 range plus case.

Harrison

[therealbigjim]

I decided to go with the battery box. I used left over chip shipping tubes to support the SS Hub. It is easy to remove for access to the power supply.

[trekster]

Good job Big Jim!  I like it.  I have already bought a battery box.  Thanks for the pictures of project.

Ron

[RJ]

I like it Where did you buy the box and what brand, part number?

I may do the same. I knew you guys would come up with a good setup for me to copy!   

RJ

[ponddude]

Jim...

How do you plan on getting the cat-5 cabling out?  Are there spaces under the lid where they can fit out? 

I really like this idea!

Greg

[rm357]

Apparently the toes know (pic#2).

Great idea!

RM

[batdive]

I dont know where he got it, but ran across this while checking on the prices for the cases for the Aether's. 



You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

If its the same let me know, so I can get the best shipping buck and order some of the aether cases too.


-JS

[rrowan]

I have seen the battery cases in walmart and sears. I would assume any place where they sale car parts would have them

Cheers

Rick R.

[therealbigjim]

Yes the case is the larger case at Northern tool. Its a $10.00 solution. I have attached the last two pictures that would not fit in the first post. The top is flared so the cables can pass out of the box. There are two small vent holes in the top of the box but they are easily sealed off with a little silicone.

[wbuehler]

Nice Box

[hbomb341]

'therealbigjim' you hit the concept on right on - Good Job!!!!

Harrison

[PJNMCT]

Great idea!

If there is no carying handle on this, i think i would try to find a box with one!

- Paul

[taybrynn]

When I was trying to find a battery box for (2) large 12v RV batteries, I found a local battery shop that made all sorts of custom sized battery cases.  I'm thinking it was around $10 ... and the venting probably not as good as the retail battery boxes, but it did have holes for allowing wires in and out. 

The key may be finding a box local to you, to avoid shipping costs.

I've also contemplated the use of those small PC slot ventilation fans, or just mount an el cheapo PC fan into on side of the box, above the hub,  to force a little more air out one of the sides.

Here is an interesting link on a case ventilation project:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[taybrynn]

The battery box is an excellent idea. 

Other interesting pictures to think about ....

I"m also thinking about a cooler as something which is cheap and may be suitable to mod.