waterproof cases

[adrianlewis]

anyone know of any waterproof or splash proof cases as we want to set up a system in our warehouse where we store fish and therefore there is a lot of water splashed about.

[M. A. Dockter]

The problem with making a case waterproof is that it would also be air proof. A computer needs air to keep the internal parts cool (a computer needs to breath to function).

The best bet would be to buy some sort of desk or structure that would shield the computer itself from most of the harm...like in a cabinet with the face open. That way it can breath in the cabinet but is sheilded from all sides but one from the water.

[adrianlewis]

Cheers, I will look into it.

[Force Flow]

Does a water cooling system need to be exposed to the air?

[scott_d]

A watercooling system would still need the radiator cooled, so you would need a hole in the case...Or you could get an Exos, but then I bet there not even water proof or splash resistant. Then you still have the psu whcih needs to be ventilated....
Your best bet would be to take Dok's suggestion

[Force Flow]

Just out of curiosity, why the need for a waterproof case?

[NSS]

A watercooling system could work. If you put the radiator outside of the case, you could seal the computer so no water can get in. Then, to keep the powersupply dry, put a downward facing duct over the exhaust, and do the same for a front intake with or without a fan. If you do it right, the air holes in the case will still function, but would be shielded from water.

[Monty]

Underwater CS is a new extreme sport. :)

[Propain]

Originally posted by Monty
Underwater CS is a new extreme sport. :)

The future of gaming -> underwater LAN parties!!

[Monty]

Dude that would be awesome!

Umm, pass the fish please.

^Ignore corny joke.

[D1D]

You could get one of these laptops (http://www.nichetech.co.uk/products/Computers/Laptop/full.html). Or you could make yourself one of these beauties (http://www.g-news.ch/articles/nhp200nc/).

[NSS]

DONT DO THAT!!! That thing is the spawn of Satan! If it were flammable I would burn it! Sorry...it's just kinda ugly.

Anyway, it wouldn't work so well. The computer is very old, which means it doesn't generate much heat, but a modern computer does. Foam is insulative and any modern parts in a case like that would fry. You'd still have the intakes to deal with too. Parts of that mod could work, though. That kind of foam might be a decent way of sealing the cracks of a computer case.

[Joeberg]

The laptops are cool, but pretty pricey....

[NSS]

Yeah, the laptops are sweet. I thought that was assumed.

[avx]

Heres something cool that just crosed my mind.

What if you got some plexy glass, set it up to have some ample room for your tower, now you take come standard PVC pipe, connect it to the tower at the bottom front and top back of the case, and drill 2 wholes in the plexy glass and then you have your intake and exhaust. Got to be sure to water seal the PVC/PC connection, and you will have to water seal your case prior to putting is it...Hmm, but then we have your cdrom and cd-rw drives...and the wires in back...hmmm...give me a couple days, Ill figure out how to wrok aroudn them...;)

[mattg2k4]

If you made a duct on the front of your case that went upward, and put a foam, or other filer on the opening, perhaps another on the fan itself, then almost no water would be able to get in through the intake.

A powerful exhaust fan would blow any incoming water away from the case. To minimize the possibility of any water collecting on the center of the fan where the motor is, you could either purchase one of the fans that is driven around the edges by electromagnets (sorry, don't have a link) or put the fan with a duct an inch or two from the cases edge, so the airflow is even by the time it exits the case. Another filter would further insulate the case from water.

The rest of the computer would be sealed somehow, with ruber gaskets, plastic wrap, or whatever.

[NSS]

You could always try stealthing the drives so water can't get in. You would have to do somwthing about the edges, though.

[flanzig1]

You can get monitor/keyboard/mouse extenders so you can have the cpu case in a dry location. Black box has some units and there are a couple of other companies make them.

[piasabird]

You may look into some type of enclosure that can be mounted on a wall or a pole that is basically a box to put the PC in. These tend to be a little on the pricey side because they are industrial grade enclosures designed for harsh environments. This is kind of like a server enclosure cabinet. But a little smaller.

You could just build a small office. Why you need a computer in that kind of environment is questionable. Another option might be a portable computer like a laptop or a small unit on a cart or a laptop that can be moved to another location. Even a small handheld advanced palm or japanese hend held that can then syncronize with an office computer might be nice. They make inventory systems with mirc readers for doing inventory that can be used and then uploaded to the central office comptuer.