How To Make An Underwater Camcorder Housing
Build a waterproof camcorder housing for around $10.
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Step 1:
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Ammo Box
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I wanted to pick up some underwater housing for my little Sony High 8 back up camcorder, but I didn't want to spend between $500 and $1,000 for one. So I decided to make one and here's how.
I picked up a 50 calibar ammo box that was in really good shape for $7. This is perfect for the project because they have rubber caskets and a very tight waterproof seal.
Then I bought some 5200 Marine sealant and a foot square piece of plexi glass.I also picked up a package of industrial strength velcro and along with my handy Dremel, I was ready to go to work.
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Step 2:
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Assembling the Box
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First, I put the camcorder in the ammo box and positioned it right up against the one edge. Using a pencil, I marked where the lens would be. Then I matched that position on the outside and drew about a three inch by three inch square.
I brought it out to the shop and put on some safety glasses and went to work with the Dremel carefully cutting the square out in the ammo box. When the hole was cut, I just sanded the edges down to make them a little bit smoother.
I put the camcorder in one more time and made sure the lens lined up with the hole I cut in the box.
Then, using a razor knife, I scored and snapped the plexi glass about 1/2 inch larger than the hole in the ammo box. I left the protective plastic on to keep the plexi glass form scratching.
Then I took the 5200 Marine sealant and drew a small bead all the way around the square hole in the ammo box and carefully placed the plexi glass over the hole in the ammo box. This is going to take some time to dry so I put a couple lead filled bean bags on top to keep it secure.
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Step 3:
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Finish
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Then I took the velcro and attached it to the camcorder and the bottom of the ammo box right in position.For a finishing touch, I decided to paint the box gray with some industrial primer.I added a couple of those lead bean bags as ballast.Then I closed it all up.
Now it's time to take it underwater. Our waterproof camcorder mod worked great. And everything stayed perfectly dry inside and the price was right. There's my underwater camcorder mod.
