Weatherproof/Antitheft Micro USB Connection Cover

thingiverse

I installed an IP security camera over the weekend, and while it's labeled "outdoor," that only applies to the camera itself. The wiring pigtail came with a tag saying "Please weatherproof cable ends if installing outside!" So I checked for a compact version of this: https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-CC-2-Connect-Water-Tight/dp/B002MHFXS8 but couldn't find one, so I decided to build my own based on an existing screw library here. I'm unsure about the weatherproofing quality, and I might open it up in the spring to add some silicone sealer. It was quite a challenge to thread on due to warping, which might make it harder for someone to simply unplug the camera. UPDATE: Version 2 is designed based on suggestions from @frankvdh. It's meant to be hung vertically with cables entering and exiting from the bottom. This will give water fewer ways in and let gravity take care of any water that does get in. I haven't printed it yet, but the theory seems solid. Print Settings: Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator 1 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: .5 Infill: 5% Notes: You can now choose between the original and V2 for the cable cover. Both are designed to work with the same "nut." All parts can be printed without support, though you may want to add helper discs. I usually print things like this in ABS for durability, but I was more concerned with getting this connection covered on a warm day for working outside in the foreseeable future (which was still too cold to be fiddling with printing ABS) so I went with PLA. This is probably not a shortcut you should take if you'll be placing this thing somewhere that gets direct sunlight. Post-Printing: This was designed around two specific USB connectors I would be fitting inside it, which had 4mm cables, an 11mm width, an 8mm thickness, and a 58mm connected length including the strain relief bushings. I added recesses on either side so you could maybe slip some o-rings onto the cables or just pack the gap with sealer. To assemble, slide the nut over one cable (unless one of the cables is still disconnected on the other side), connect the micro USB cables, slide cover 2 over the connection, add whatever sealants you planned on using, slide cover 1 over cover 2, and then thread the nut over the whole thing. You may need slip joint pliers to crank it to the end.