In this post, I describe a simple flexible gasket I designed to keep water out of the external power connector in some Browning Trail cameras.  The boot fits over the coaxial barrel connector of the Browning external battery supply (BTC-XB). I’ve tested it on the SpecOps and ReconForce models numbers BTC-{7,8}-E-{HP4, HP5).  Though not completely water proof, this gasket will keep most of the moisture out of the camera when used with an external power supply. 

External Power Connector

Browning trail cameras have an opening in the bottom of the case for an external power connector.  This connector allows for external batteries or solar charger, and can be useful for long deployments at active sets, when internal batteries are not enough (see: Trail Camera Batteries: Internal AA-Cell Options).  When not used, the connector is covered by a soft rubber plug which prevents moisture from getting into the camera.   

The barrel connector that comes with Browning’s solar adapter and external battery pack fits into the adapter socket. Twisting the the barrel connector “locks” the connector into place. Unfortunately, the external power connector is only protected from water by gravity. In very moist environments, moisture can enter the sensitive insides of the camera viaa small opening around the barrel connector .

Silicone: A Good but Permanent Solution

Some folks have successfully solved this problem by squeezing in a silicone (or similar) water proof compound around the external power connector.  This works great, but it tends to permanently attach the external power connector to the camera

A 3D Printed Gasket for the Cable Connector

I decided to design a gasket that would fit over the Browning barrel connector, and then tightly into the external connector port on the camera.   I use a 3d printing service to fabricate this part out of a flexible material. it stretches a little to fit snugly into the adapter port, and keeps out moisture.   

Installing

The gasket is a friction-fit over the barrel connector.  Putting is on is a little tricky, as you have to push the connector into the circular opening of the gasket.  It’s meant to be water tight, so it’s a little snug. 

Removing the Factory Plug

Before installing the connector into the camera, you will need to remove the the small rubber plug made to cover the external adapter port when it is not being used. You may be able to do this without damaging the rubber piece by gently pulling on the small rubber piece which fits through a hole in the camera housing. I’ve had mixed luck with this, and have sometime broken the rubber “foot.”

A more reliable method is to open the camera up, and pull on the “foot” for the plug from the inside. This stretches the rubber, making it thin enough to pull gently out from the outside. Putting it back in will definitely require opening up the camera case to pull the small rubber “foot” into the hole in the housing.

Installing the 3d-Printed Gasket

Start by opening the access door for the camera. With the gasket pressed onto the barrel connector, insert the barrel connector into the camera port and twist 90 degrees to lock it into place.  Now press the gasket up and tighltly into the trapezoidal are of the connect. Use your thumbs to press it up and in as far as it will go.

Next, close the access door for the camera. The gasket should be squeezed tight around the opening in the access door, and sit flush with access door itself. See video below.  

Getting One of Your Own

The 3d printing services I’ve used will gladly print instances of my design for you.  For example, here are links to the project, ready to order from:

• Sculpteo.com
• PCBWay.com

Unfortunately, both of these suppliers have rather large minimum orders. I still have some parts left over from my prototype builds. For US readers only (due to postage cost), let me know in comments below if you’d like a few in comments below. While my supply lasts.

Design Source

Here is the link to the TinkerCAD project that contains my design in CodeBlocks, if you’d like to make changes.

Thanks

I’d like to thank blog subscriber Gerard Oonk for encouraging me to pursue this project, for acting as a beta tester, and for providing some great photos for this post.

Feedback

If you use this custom boot, let us know how it worked in the comment below