Waterproofing a Schulze?

[Dan Proulx]

Has anyone tried waterproofing a Schulze controller with the conformal coating that Andy Kunz (or something similar) uses on his controllers?

I realize that the ideal solution would be to not let water enter the boat in the first place - this doesn't seem possible in my world.

Dan

[Allan]

The schulze controllers with a W in the name are for boats and are generally conformal coated - Schuze rate them as splash proof because conformal coatings are designed to enable repairs - Therfore at rub points they will cut thrrough.

Don't muck with the controller as you will lose the guarantee. the easiest way to waterproof it is to stick it in a box. Not too small as you don't need it getting hot either!!

Allan

[Dan Proulx]

Alan,

The coating that Schulze puts on his controllers is not enough to make it waterproof - And in most of the boats I run a small "box" to install the controller in is not an option at all.

Voiding the warranty is of little consequence to me. I'd rather have a controller that was impervious to water than have to send it to Germany 3 or 4 times a year. At the cost of $60 or $70 dollars each time for shipping.

I do, of course, know that the optimum solution would be a water tight hull - sometimes this just isn't possible.

I would think that for $300 or more dollars the controller could be made waterproof. The R/C Hydros controllers are waterproof - and at less than a third of the cost of a Schulze.

Maybe a more to the point question would be - is there any detriment (other than losing the warranty) to putting a conformal coating on these controllers?

[Dunk]

I have had to send five different controllers back to schulze for repair, only because I got them wet. I started sealing them, around the ends of the shrink wrap, with silicone and haven't had a problem since.

Schulze has notified me, in writing, that: "If you want to seal a controller use only non corrosive electronic silicone adhesive (Dow Corning 744) never use standard silicone adhesive."

Since I started doing this, I have got them wet, but at the first sign of trouble I shut down and do not hit the trigger. I then make sure I dry everything carefully, and wait a day (If I can) before trying the controller. Since I started doing this I haven't had any trouble.

Dick Crowe has suggested wrapping the controller in a paper towel when putting it in the boat. I found this seems to help also, as the towel invariably come out wet, but not the Schulze.

This doesn't solve the water problem, but sure seems to help (as my bank account can attest.:o