Page 1 of 1

Environmental Specifications Anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:43 pm
by jeepman03
I can't find any environmental specifications for the uS. Does anyone know where I can find operational and storage temperature ranges, vibration, shock, ingress protection ratings, humidity, etc. I've seen the AMPSeal connector called "waterproof" but nothing is completely waterproof. I'm researching options for converting a Mastercraft ski boat to EFI and want to mount the computer directly on the engine like the OEM guys do. The engine bay gets extremely hot (no forced ventilation) and then there's the obvious vibration and water issues to deal with. I need to be able to pressure wash the engine and not kill the computer. For those familiar with the IP ratings, I need at least an IP65. Can I hard-mount the uS to the engine or do I need to fab up a vibration/shock absorbing mount? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

BTW: I am amazed at what I have read about this product. To who ever is responsible for its creation: good job! Even if I don't use this on my boat, I think I'm going to buy one anyway just to test on my Jeeps.

Re: Environmental Specifications Anyone?

Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:52 pm
by Bruce Bowling
jeepman03 wrote:I can't find any environmental specifications for the uS. Does anyone know where I can find operational and storage temperature ranges, vibration, shock, ingress protection ratings, humidity, etc.
Good question!! Some of the specs are TBD, but here are a few of the tested/estimated ones:

Temp range: -40 to +105 deg C
IP rating (est): IP54
Supply voltage operating range: +6.5V to +20V
Max voltage: +40V
Supply current: 45 milliamps
Injector driver max current: 5 amps (linear mode protection)
Ignition driver max current: 7.5 amps (linear mode protection)
Maximum permissible source from Vref: 20 milliamps

For the direct water contact that you describe, you will need to provide added protection. The circuit board is conformal coated but the case itself is not directly sealed. It could easily be sealed with a gasket or similar for added protection. The ampseal is rated for IP67 sealing capability, but the harness assembly has not been checked for this level.

- Bruce

Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:48 pm
by hybrid
It should be easy enough to put the uS into a waterproof box anyway and just seal around the harness.

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:49 am
by newtyres1
The Microsquirt doesn't need to be mounted on the engine itself unless there is nowhere else to put it. I wouldn't recommend any pressure wash on any electrical connector, a potted ecu with wires coming out of it might take that, but if the electronics fail it's a throwaway item.

Ian.