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I'm an electronics hobbyist. I'd like to put a Wi-Fi module in my garden. It would be awesome if it would be possible to put that electronics into a stone or something similar. It doesn't need to be able to open.

Things I considered:

1. There's a rock for hiding keys available on the market: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jrsAAOSwPh5ZIqe7/s-l1600.jpg

The seller says that it's made of synthetic resin. But I'm not sure how to make that in home conditions? This specific product is too small. I'd require something a little bit bigger.

2.

You might just take a watertight hobby box and an adhesive, perhaps like the foam used by pond hobbyists, and 'glue' rocks over the box. – user2448131

IMHO that wouldn't be ideal enough? I mean you could easily see that it's just a bunch of stones that are glued, right? I think I'm looking for something more plain/consistent.

The idea is good in general but this time I'm looking for something that would cover it from every angle. Such a whim.

So, how to make such a thing like the box for hiding a key or something similar easily at home/garage workshop conditions?

Defozo
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  • Mold making kits are available in most art supply stores. Look up smooth on products https://www.smooth-on.com/. – John Vukelic Jul 15 '17 at 14:35
  • I am not tech savvy. Can you do a thin layer of concrete & have it operate? You can carve styrofoam to shape, and then cover it with concrete and then paint it & have it look very realistic. I'd personally think you would need to make your rock with a compartment & place the electronics into something waterproof that sits under the rock. But the rock making portion isn't hard. It can easily be done by a novice with patience. – threetimes Jul 16 '17 at 02:41
  • Resin plus stone dust can make fake rocks, but stone dust isn't easy to obtain in quantity. Hollowing out a (fairly soft) rock with power tools might be a better option. Another source of bits is garden lighting made to look like rocks. – Chris H Jul 17 '17 at 13:42
  • I like the idea, but don't forget to allow some way for the electronics to cool. A wifi access point sealed inside something air tight, and with some thermal insulation, such as you're considering, will overheat and either "age" a lot faster than normal, or just plain die. The antenna could be another problem. –  Jul 19 '17 at 03:39

2 Answers2

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What about Feather Rock? That is lightweight and easy to alter. Or check out some of the hidden outdoor speaker ideas and simply convert them for your project.

DCook
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  • I think Feather Rock is a brand yes? Pumice would be the generic term for what you are suggesting. – Matt Jul 19 '17 at 14:58
  • Not sure if it is a brand or not. Just know that is what I have heard it called everywhere. Sorry! – DCook Jul 19 '17 at 15:45
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Marble and sandstone are two soft natural stone (like) materials. Both can be easily drilled and filed to create a hidden compartment or pocket. The pocket can then be closed and even made water resistant by molding a hatch cover from any number of materials available at lowes or home depot.

A natural stone will not cause scrutiny from a discerning eye.

Ace
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