D457 - Waterproof USB-C connection

• MartyG

  • May 18, 2023 22:18

  Hi Javier Recasens  You can use your own choice of USB Type-C cable with RealSense cameras so long as it is a high-quality cable.  There are USB cables available with IP68 rated connectors that are waterproof and dustproof. For more information, please google for the term usb-c ip68

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• Javier Recasens

  • May 19, 2023 18:54
  • Edited

  Thanks. I think the IP68 product I could use are:

  Amphenol LTW UC30ML-NCML-QB001

  Bulgin PXP4040/C/A/1M00

  I wonder if these are recommended cables... My concern is that they do not have "Screw Locking" which is available in the D457:

   

  

   

   

   

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• MartyG

  • May 18, 2023 22:56

  The most important factor is the cable quality, not using an inexpensive charging / sync one but a high quality one suited to data transfer.  This is because of the high volume of data that RealSense cameras can transmit.  Amphenol are a leading electronics brand.

   

  For RealSense-validated USB products, Newnex can also be recommended.

  https://www.newnex.com/realsense-3d-camera-connectivity.php

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• Javier Recasens

  • May 19, 2023 17:06
  • Edited

  MartyG Could we get confirmation that the USB Type-C connector (Female Receptacle) of the D457 camera is waterproof?

  To ensure waterproof capabilities in the D457 camera, it is important to consider both the USB Type-C connector and the enclosure. Simply having a waterproof enclosure does not guarantee that the USB-C camera connector itself is waterproof.

  I am afraid that buying a waterproof USB-C cable may not be enough. For complete assurance of waterproof functionality, it is necessary to ensure that both the USB-C connector and the corresponding plug have the appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

   

  BTW, I contacted Newnex and they do not have any water proof USB cables for the D457.

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• MartyG

  • May 19, 2023 18:56
  • Edited

  Whilst the D457 has a small sliver of exposed connector when the connector is fully inserted, as shown in your image, I confirmed with my own D457 that the fit of the connector in the port is tight, preventing water from entering the casing.

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• Javier

  • August 04, 2023 21:03

  Marty, The visual inspection of tightness alone cannot ensure the IP65 rating. Although I purchased waterproof cables from reputable brands like Amphenol and Bulgin, it's crucial to note that all these cables necessitate a waterproof receptacle for proper functionality (they are only waterproof when mated). This underscores the significance of waterproofing the female USB-C connection of the D457.

  It's worth considering whether the creators of the D457 enclosure designed the accompanying plate to facilitate the attachment of a waterproof receptacle

  

  Since such a waterproof plate in the USB-C location does not exist, I believe the only solution would be to create a custom waterproof part to replace it (and customize the mating for other brands such as Amphenol and Bulgin).

  

  

  However, customization will be a challenge since the CAD model does not have the USB plate as shown above. Only the outside surface is available (not a volume or mesh with the internal extrusion). Details on the USB rubber gasket are also not available online nor in the datasheet.

  I am surprised the D457 is being marketed as IP65 if we cannot really protect the USB connection from "water jets from any direction".

   

   

   

   

   

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• MartyG

  • August 05, 2023 07:12

  If you would prefer to add an extra layer of waterproof USB protection without having to find or make a seal that fits perfectly and the USB connector will not need to be removed from the port of the camera, inserting it and then wrapping waterproof tape around the connector might be sufficient.

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