I stand corrected on the dielectric vs. insulating terminology. I agree with Howard - the silicone conducts electricity while wet, and sometimes for several days afterwards. Take a working module, squeeze some silicone around the two wires, and you will have a dead module for at least 3 days. Securing them with it away from the wires is fine. And most silicones also have a fair amount of shrinkage while curing which seems like it would induce a lot of stress on the parts. Potting gels are still sold for a reason.
Something Howard and I have argued over, is whether or not the batteries are SAFE to seal up - Howard says they are. I, and some of the manufacturers say they are not.
So many answer and questions - this must be a good topic.
I took the middle road on the unpotted modules I bought off Howard about a year ago - small dots of silicone to hold the solar cell,module and batteries from shifting about(allowed to cure for a few days) and an extremely thin line of clear urethane caulk for the seal. I have no plans to swim with, shower with or pressure cook my Synchronars.
BTW: NiCads are still sold - they can withstand more charge cycles than either LI or NiH batteries before not holding a charge. But the other two are much lighter(laptops),smaller for their capacity and better for the planet.
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Sales of vintage LED, LCD, analog watches,
parts and gadgets -
repair tutorials & tips
Nov. 2022 - back in business!! BItter divorce is in home stretch, come grabs some great deals, I had to open the safe . . . damn attorneys. piss.