Topic: outdoor computer houseing

[Fox_Of_The_Wind]

I may try to get a setup going were I would have to have a computer outside. Now for being dry it would be in a building so that would be fine. But it is not a heated building so it will get down right cold this winter. Anyone have any websites were they sell outdoor houseing for computers? or have a idea on what I can do to keep this comptuer happy? so it don't freze up in the winter or over heat in the summer?

Thanks!

[Strgazr27]

I run a full size tower in my observatory all winter with no issues. I made up a socket and plug that is mounted in the back of the case and powers a 40 watt appliance bulb that keeps the case temperature just right.

[floodcaster]

Aside from moisture, my guess is that the overheating in summer would be more of a concern.

[Strgazr27]

Overheating in the summertime is definitely more of a concern. The cold will not hurt the processor or north bridge/south bridge chips. In fact I found it helped improve performance. Consumer Optical drives and hard drives on the other hand can get a bit cranky when it gets below freezing for extended periods of time.

[Fox_Of_The_Wind]

OH I forgot to say were I lived. I am in Wisconsin USA.

I have tired it once and when it got to about -20F the computer stoped working but to just start working again after I took it in and it warmed up

Thanks for the info everyone!

[W Thomas]

I run a full size tower in my observatory all winter with no issues. I made up a socket and plug that is mounted in the back of the case and powers a 40 watt appliance bulb that keeps the case temperature just right.

This might be the ticket! I ran many repeaters/ base stations ( Mainly GE ) in out door cabinets and basically the light bulb trick kept things warm enough to keep the frequency within specs..since many were EC units and had no crystal ovens. it might be as easy to fabricate a housing of the needed measurements..and likely cheaper

[Cienega32]

I run a full size tower in my observatory

OK... where are the pics of the observatory? Is it one of those rotating domes that you put on a building? Details please! I've always wanted to have one myself.

Sorry for the thread hijack!

[Fox_Of_The_Wind]

I run a full size tower in my observatory

OK... where are the pics of the observatory? Is it one of those rotating domes that you put on a building? Details please! I've always wanted to have one myself.

Sorry for the thread hijack!

No problem I was kind of wanting to know were it was also.