Dive Computer Housing

[zanedp]

A while back, I decided what kind of electronics would be in my homemade dive computer. I even tested it in the pool using plastic bags as a housing. Plastic bags were a good test because they are:

• waterproof (I had 4 layers)
• clear (I could read the display)
• non-rigid (the pressure inside the bags is the same as ambient pressure

I've also tested a clear Otterbox in the rock quarry. It didn't get any deeper than ~35 feet, but I have no reason to believe that it won't work down to 100 ft because Otterbox rates their products (Pelican does not, and a similar Pelican housing leaked on me years ago when I took it diving in anticipation of this project).

Tonight, Matt and I mounted a pressure sensor inside the Otterbox. Three holes were drilled: one for the pressure sensor, and two for mounting bolts. The bolts and the pressure sensor have o-rings around them. The holes will likely weaken the housing, and has definitely voided the warranty. I am hopeful about the o-rings keeping the inside dry. If o-rings can keep 4000 psi inside my regulators, they should be able to keep 45 psi out of a plastic box until the plastic breaks under the pressure.

Tomorrow, I'm testing the box with just the sensor in the rock quarry. I'm out at the rock quarry all week for open water training for NCSU scuba students.