Looking to Build Rugged iPhone Enclosure / Case with Mount Possible DIY

[- rob -]

This is somewhat unusual of a request and I'm curious if there are any thoughts from this community.

I have a project where I need to mount an iPhone to pole or sign and protect it from mild tampering attempts.

The iPhone is going to run an app that uses the camera to capture vehicle information as they enter and leave private property.

I need to find or build an enclosure that can hold only the iPhone, or possibly the iPhone and an external battery like this or like this. In some cases, the pole will have a power source, so you'll be able to run an iPhone cable out of the enclosure to a standard plug nearby.

The enclosure / case will need a solid mount point, that could connect to something like the image shown below.

The enclosure should be weatherproof, and have a window that can line up with the phone camera well. My goal is to avoid moisture buildup in side that might interfere with the camera's view.

I'm open to assembling parts to do this, but am looking to avoid fabricating / 3d printing something new.

I am not aware of anything like this, but was curious if anyone else was or had ideas for how it could be built from relatively common existing stuff.

 

[mysterydate]

http://www.pelican.com/us/en/pro/products/watertight-protector-hard-cases/

I have one for canoeing and such, but I don't know how the lid is for optical clarity. You might be able to drill out a lens hole and mount a permanent optically clear pane or tele lens. Same with the power leads etc.

Sturdy, weather/waterproof, and relatively inexpensive. Sounds like a good start to me

 

[- rob -]

Sturdy, weather/waterproof, and relatively inexpensive. Sounds like a good start to me

Hey, thank you so much for your reply.

The microcase might work but I wonder if it will be too obvious that there is a smartphone in there. For some reason, I think people are less likely to try to steal a security camera than a smartphone.

The Hardback case seems like it could be a good fit, though you're right it would need a plexiglass or other modification. I also think I might need to epoxy on a mount point to the back.

Thanks again, stranger!

Any other ideas welcome.
[doublepost=1480625903][/doublepost]Looking again at the interior measurements of the micro case, it looks like it would fit one of the batteries I mentioned and the phone well.

I found it for under $15 on amazon and I'm going to give that a shot, and possibly paint most the exterior. It may require a special fitting to expose the camera lens well.

Still open to other ideas if anyone chances upon this. I'll try to post results too.