[amsat-bb] Re: KLM 2M-14C...waterproof the polarity switch?

[Franklin Antonio]

At 12:37 PM 10/13/2009, David Wing wrote:
>It looks like the relay has silicon around the base but it just
>grates me the wrong way to have a circuit board with a power connection and
>components exposed to the elements. ... Maybe it has not been an 
>issue but I'd care to hear of anyone experiences.

By all means do SOMETHING.  I did not originally, and I replaced a 
relay once, and then later I had the conductors etched right off of 
the board by electrolytic effects.  I often left the 12v for the 
polarity control turned on, and when dew or whatever makes the board 
damp, current from the 12v flows thru the water, etching conductors 
away.  (In my location we have dew every night just about year 
round.)  Later I repaired the board by putting down wires where the 
traces used to be, and covering them with silicone.

I've heard stories over the years of many other people having these problems.

That board definitely needs some environmental protection.