New Computer - "The Can"

[tt2468]

Hello!

So I was given 2 ammo cans. A 50 cal. one and some other smaller can. They are both fac new. My idea is to take the big can and make a computer out of it. I have the parts from an old intel atom pfsense box that I want to reuse. The board is an soc atom mini itx board, which fits in the can nicely. Here are some pictures of what I have currently done:

 

So its pretty much an unsuspecting ammo can. I want to keep the water-proofness of the can. I have already tested both cans in 10ft deep water for leaks, and they passed.

Here is what the box looks like when you open it up. I am going to replace the cardboard with something better. Any suggestions of material? I want it to be something pretty easy to use.

And this is what the box looks like with the cardboard cover off. The cpu has a passive cooler, and the metal of the case pulls the heat away from it easily.

So what are your suggestions? I was going to add a waterproof power connector, along with 2 waterproof ethernet jacks.

[Oshino Shinobu]

2 minutes ago, tt2468 said:

unsuspecting ammo can

That's the first time I've heard that. Any ammo can is pretty suspecting if you ask me. 

 

Keeping the waterproofness of the can is going to be an issue, as it means that the can will need to be water tight (obviously), but that also means that you're not going to be getting any airflow, unless you create a grill at the top of the "case" and leave the lid off when it's on. Then, when you need to move it about, you can close the lid and it should still be waterproof, provided the I/O doesn't interfere with the closing of the lid. 

[tt2468]

11 minutes ago, Oshino Shinobu said:

That's the first time I've heard that. Any ammo can is pretty suspecting if you ask me. 

 

Keeping the waterproofness of the can is going to be an issue, as it means that the can will need to be water tight (obviously), but that also means that you're not going to be getting any airflow, unless you create a grill at the top of the "case" and leave the lid off when it's on. Then, when you need to move it about, you can close the lid and it should still be waterproof, provided the I/O doesn't interfere with the closing of the lid. 

The computer can keep cool with the lid closed, as the case is made of metal. The unsuspecting ammo can thing was kinda to be a joke lol

[Oshino Shinobu]

4 minutes ago, tt2468 said:

The computer can keep cool with the lid closed, as the case is made of metal. The unsuspecting ammo can thing was kinda to be a joke lol

The metal casing won't stop hot air from filling the case and not circulating. You can try running it with the lid closed, but I think you may have issues with heat (also, your I/O would be blocked off)

[tt2468]

10 minutes ago, Oshino Shinobu said:

The metal casing won't stop hot air from filling the case and not circulating. You can try running it with the lid closed, but I think you may have issues with heat (also, your I/O would be blocked off)

I oriented the psu in a way that air circulates through the fins of the heat sink.

[tt2468]

So I found http://www.amazon.com/uxcell®-Connecting-Aviation-Waterproof-Cable/dp/B00OK6AEVA?ie=UTF8&keywords=waterproof connector&qid=1465462200&ref_=sr_1_25&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rps=1&sr=8-25

and

https://www.adafruit.com/products/827

So I would be able to connect the ethernet cables, along with power from a power supply.