How can I make this waterproof?

[MikeHunt79]

I've made a small amp. I'm going to use it as a part of a portable boombox type thing for my mp3 player. I know there are loads of commercial units that do this, but I've yet to see one which offers the sound quality and battery runtime I need.

Anyway, piccy:

It's made from Alu, and the case acts as a heatsink. I plan to use this outdoors, so I need someway of making it waterproof in case it rains... Any suggestions?

(I wasn't really sure what section to post this as this isn't really "home cinema or hifi", but if a mod want to move this, feel free. )

 

[MikeHunt79]

Is it going to be permanent or are you going to be pulling plugs in and out all the time?

If the former, just use heat shrink tubing on every connecto with one end split (at the amp body) so its acts like flashing.

I'm gonna be plugging it in and out occasionally, as I sometimes use it in the house with my main speakers... I like the heatshrink idea, I'll give that a go....

Also, the plastic bag idea might work well, as there are no volume controls or anything like that to worry about, so I could plug it all up, but it in a bag, flick the on switch and be done with it.

It doesn't really get very hot at all, even when turned right up, so heat isn't really going to be a problem...

EDIT: Ikea desk, cheap and wide enough for 2 decks and a mixer.

 

[MikeHunt79]

Why would you want an amp with a mp3 player?

I'm guessing to use on street corners blasting out either emo music or rap?

No instead I'll take it on the bus and play breakcore and gabber at maximum volume...

Seriously, I find having some sort of boombox type thing is really handy when working on the car, camping, even when in the shower! It's one of those thing that you don't realise how useful it is until you have one...

I was actually joking... but then I don't have the unit in front of me.. If the device requires any sort of air circulation to cool it, that won't be a good idea!

Test it out before going live of course

It only gets slightly warm when running it flat out for 10 mins or so, this thing shouldn't generate more than 7W of heat anyway, plus it also has a thermal cutout, so if I seal it all up, it will be fine.

what about silicon the stuff you seal windows,showers and stuf like that just use it on any openings ?

Ahh, forgot about that stuff. I may give that a whirl. Maybe hot glue would be good as well, as it can be removed easily if I ever have to take it apart for any reason...

 

[MikeHunt79]

Love the concept art z0mbi3

Furnace, that does look like a good idea. In fact I have loads of stuff called weatherstrip which is ideal for use as the "rubbery stuff"... Thanks for the ideas guys, I should be able to cobble something together this week with any luck.

EDIT: ^ Tupperware sounds a little more practical. I could also but my mp3 player and battery pack in there.