how to protect Nano Loco M2 from elements?

B

-bernard-

Member
While the datasheet for the Nanostation Loco M2 lists the enclosure as "outdoor UV stabilized plastic", it does not specifically mention it can be mounted outside unprotected from the elements. I used to have it inside behind a window. I moved it to the basement, but the signal is strongly affected. I'd like to move it outside.

If you mounted your AP point outside, how did you do it and how did you protect it from the elements (mainly rain in my case)? Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
 
The Nano Loco's case is waterproof. I mounted a short (6") piece of 3/4" PVC outdoors on the side of my house and then zip-tied the concave section of the Nano's mount to it. It's been outside for 7 or 8 years. The white case has yellowed somewhat from the sunlight's UV, but it still works flawlessly.
 
I have a hardwired switch and three AP's that aren't waterproof, so I turned one of these small boxes upside-down and mounted them to the lid. I hide it on an old stump, nearly in the middle of the display. Not a 100% waterproof but close enough.

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This is what I use for all of my controllers. The one in the attachment is the smallest. I have a power supply and 2-4 port controllers in these. I do know the extra Netgear router I have will fit in this but I'm hesitant to do it because of how cold it can get here.
 

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mel4853 said:
... I'm hesitant to do it because of how cold it can get here.
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I used to do environmental testing at work and everything (consumer grade) didn't fail until -40°F. I'm in Minnesota the coldest it ever gotten in Minneapolis area was -34 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 Celsius) on January 19, 1970.

If it gets that cold, I doubt that anyone will be out driving around looking for Christmas lights anyway. My display will shutdown January 10th, so I think I'm good.
 
ErnieHorning said:
I used to do environmental testing at work and everything (consumer grade) didn't fail until -40°F. I'm in Minnesota the coldest it ever gotten in Minneapolis area was -34 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 Celsius) on January 19, 1970.

If it gets that cold, I doubt that anyone will be out driving around looking for Christmas lights anyway. My display will shutdown January 10th, so I think I'm good.
Click to expand...

And if you're truly worried about low temperatures, you can always put a 50 or 100 watt bulb inside the box and that will solve the hardware problem. Of course, it won't solve the fact that nobody in their right mind is anywhere nearby to watch the show...
 
Well I have been using a Nano for about 10 years and have it attached to a piece of 1/2" EMT out on my step.
I have never had any issues with rain or cold and it goes out in October and comes in mid January every year.
It has been out in hurricane winds and rain, snow, ice etc.
I live in Nova Scotia so i get A LOT of rain and snow/ice.
:-)
 
I have a spot at the front door that would protect the AP. Although it is not facing the house, it should be fine (better than in the basement). If not, my next option is facing the house, probably in an enclosure to hide it as it would be easily accessible.
Appreciate all the replies. Thanks!
 
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