I have a wireless GSM module located inside a metallic enclosure. The module has an SMA connector to be connected to an antenna. I need a way to connect the external antenna to the module. The enclosure is to be used outdoor so the connector should be weather proof. That is protected from heavy rain, so IP65 is good.
I first saw this connector which probably do the job nicely:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pce-Adapter-SMA-female-to-jack-nut-panel-mount-O-ring-waterproof-connector-F-F/32619043048.html
There is an O-ring that should prevent water from entering the enclosure. Also I suppose that the white material inside the SMA connector (fluorcarbon) acts as an inner seal so water can't escape from there neither. So this connector is supposed to be weather-proof. I will then have to use an SMA to SMA cable to connect the connector to the module (inside the enclosure) and just connect the external antenna to the outside of the connector. The problem is that… this connector has no datasheet or drawing and its probably a very low quality product. I searched for something similar from molex or amphenol but with no luck.
I then came across this connector from molex:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex-llc/0732510360/WM9355-ND/3468821
but it has no O-ring. So the question is, Can I apply some silicone between this connector and the metallic enclosure or an O-ring and consider this connector to be weather proof?
Similarly, there is something like this:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/linx-technologies-inc/CSA-SMAM-216-SAFB/CSA-SMAM-216-SAFB-ND/1962867
Same question, Can I just use Silicone or an O-ring and consider the whole system rain-proof?
Best Answer
Short answer: maybe.
Long answer: If you'd like to KNOW whether this will work, you need to try it, building it reproducibly, and test it to see if it can uniformly meet your specs. Usually, it's more economically sound to buy the part that is rated for such use and follow the directions on how to use it correctly.
If a leak is not a disaster, you don't have to test as rigorously.