One of the criticisms of the Pigeon Post system I've heard multiple times is the problem of rain and other adverse weather will have on the electronic systems and on the Smart Cases.
Now I'm not an materials expert or an electrical engineer but looking at this product demo video, I think I might have just found a solution.* Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you NeverWet:
One question I have about this super-hydrophobic wonder spray is how easy is it to remove? Is there a anti-superhydrophobic cleaning solution?
So who will be the first to use this stuff on their UAV and test it out in the rain?
* Yes I know this doesn't solve the wind problem but I'll get to that another time.
Originally posted over on the Pigeon Post Blog: http://pigeonpostco.squarespace.com/blog/2011/11/16/like-water-off-a-ducks-or-pigeons-back.html
Comments
I've had good luck with paraffin wax & silicone RTV as well. Paraffin wax can be made less brittle by "alloying" it with a small amount of mineral oil(IE: ~1 part Mineral oil per 100 parts paraffin).
I've been told that automotive silicone RTV contains acetic acid which can cause failure from corrosion with time. Potting in silicone casting compound may be a safer alternative but frankly, I've never experienced any failures from RTV.
You know they sell cans of spray on scotchguard. It may do the job for you as well.
Ice on the arms and body I don't think is a big issue, from a weight standpoint nor aerodynamics stand point. Also the blades would probably have a hard time accumulating ice, with the centrifugal forces involved during rotation.
Do you live in the Arctic?
Yes, this could help.
But is it comercialy available somewhere?
Yes, unless it's acid rain.
Rain is (normally) not conductive
The IC packaging of pretty much any SMD electronic component is already water tight. That leaves solder joints and other exposed conducting parts of the board. A well known and effective (but also permanent) method is to coat electronic boards with a layer of epoxy paint. I would say the main challenge is protecting the battery.
When it becomes commercially available, it will be interesting to explore. I wonder how it handles heat, as a quad can generate a lot of heat in several areas where you'd need waterproofing. There are also systems you'd want to protect with other means, like the APM/oilpan, as I'm not sure how well this would work given the connectors, expeially given that you need to connect/disconnect things from time to time, and the barometer, which might not function correctly if sprayed with this stuff....
But all in all, promising. I'm not certain if I'd care to rely on it as "waterproofing," but it merit as extra accident protection, I think, and might significantly enhance a larger water protection plan.
Oh, great more sprayed on petrochemicals. Probably the same as teflon, and scotch guard. I more source of possible carcinogens.
A low tech way of keeping your electronics wet is just wrap your centre hub with plastic. This might be good for the motors, since you can't wrap them with plastic.