Electronic Question...

[OzoneParkGuy]

To all the guru's that are in the filed of electronics... ALDO!! LOL!!

My question is this.. Is there some type of water resistant silicone spray or application that is used to cover the electronic components(resistors & wires) in a high humidity evironment. I ask because I have done my LED's and am looking for a material to apply to the underside of my heatsink where the solder points and wires are and I wan't to protect them from eventually getting splashed upon. I prefer this than using a protective shield or glass that might limit par values. Have any idea's ? Maybe even using shrink wrap like for model airplane's when you build your own....

 

[Mike31154]

Epoxy is probably a good choice. Years ago when I was still learning my trade taking a high reliability soldering course, there was something called 'conformal coating'. Pretty sure it was epoxy. If you ever have to redo a joint after covering it, it's going to be a nasty hassle though. Google conformal coating & you'll find a wealth of good info.

Edit: Sorry, I just realized I'm crashing your NY Reef Club forum and I'm not anywhere near NY.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Good to know... TY for a prompt response Mike31154 !!! :thumbsup:

Why should that stop you.... ALL ARE WELCOMED!!:crazy1:

 

[aagresti]

Mike31154 hit the nail on the head. what you want is in fact conformal coating. i would definitely go with conformal coating as it can be removed for rework if necessary.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

I was just looking it up... LOL!! Looks promising... what is the difference between the conformal coating and the acrylic one besides the name? Also saw one called connector coating... can that be used aswell? Faster cure time I've read. Would you suggest just the conformal for our application. I want to be certain and will trust your knowledge once you say GO!!

 

[aagresti]

OPG, I'm not a materials guy so I'm not an expert when it comes to different types of coatings. I would recommend a spray for best coverage but be sure to mask the LEDs.

 

[guarda]

Yes there is. I brought a bunch of cans to Brazil for a client who lived across the street from the beach. We used it on his tvs and computers. Incredible results. I'll find the name and get back to you.

 

[guarda]

We used caig's progold. (not cheap) You might wanna check the main products page to see if there is something better for your needs. Hope this helps.

http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.299/.f

 

[BrklynArch]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1975251
Check out this guys build he has this cool green stuff he puts over the LEDs

 

[qy7400]

That build thread should be read very carefully, the drivers he's using can kill you if you make a mistake. The green board is he's using is to isolate the LED from anything conductive, he's reducing the risk of arcing.

Noel, save your self a lot of trouble and use an acrylic shield. The spray you want to use will protect the LEDs but not from salt build up and calcium deposits, the acrylic can be removed and washed a lot easier.

 

[batt600]

Reefledlights has a spray that protects the wireing and the leds.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Reefledlights has a spray that protects the wireing and the leds.

I searched but did not see it anywhere on the reefledlights site. Can you post the link kindly sir. TY.

 

[anthony27]

I read that ppl have covered leds, since I was worried about the evap and the water getting on them. I know there is a spray but have no idea where to find it.

If you do find out let me know, I have to get it together when I go leds

 

[BIG L A]

Hey Noel, they have something called LED seal by luxdrive that is sprayed on the LED and star board. It waterproofs your LED's and helps prevent corrosion... LMK if your getting this because Im also thinking about getting some. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR52SDkn3LQ Check it out...

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

@ Big LA... yes I want to add some type of protective coating to the underside. But have been reading so much that there are quite a few different types. So I want the right product for our LED build and keep in mind the environment that surrounds it.
So if you can find out more info about it let me know. Then we'll make an informed decision based on the info gathered from my research and yours.

This whole thing came about because I opened up a dammned Digital Ranco Controller I had. I had to see what was wrong with it and the pcb board was covered in this rubbery textured coating. It felt like sillicone. So after some research I found out these controllers can be used not only inside the house but outside. So I thought it would be great to find out what it is and use it to protect the solder joints & wires of the LEDS, minimize corrison, and prevent stray voltage because the whole heat sink becomes a conductor. Plug your unit in... and touch positive and negative ends of your LED Fixture... you'll feel a small surge.

Thus this thread with great info....conformal coating, g11 & potting epoxy, regarding a post I'm reading. Circut Sealer, Connector Coating and more.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

I believe I found what we have been looking for.....

http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.192/.f