WO2018195588A1

WO2018195588A1 - An electronics holder

Info

Publication number: WO2018195588A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050354
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Leonard; Travis COLLINS
Original assignee: The Yield Technology Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-26
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2018-11-01

Abstract

An electronics holder (100) for slidable engagement with a casing (400), the casing having a base (421) with an opening (422) configured to receive the electronics holder. The electronics holder comprises a receptacle (110), having connector ports (150) and a sliding mechanism. The receptacle is provided for holding multiple electronic components and having a first compartment (120) to hold an electronic circuit board and a second compartment (130). The connector ports are provided at a junction of the first and second compartments. The sliding mechanism is configured to allow slidable movement of the receptacle through the opening between a closed position, wherein the first and second compartments are disposed within the casing and an open position, wherein the second compartment is outside of the casing and the connector ports are accessible from the outside of the casing.

Description

"An electronics holder"

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronics holder for slidable engagement with a casing, as well as an enclosure that encompasses the electronics holder and casing.

Background

[0002] There exist various types of micro-climate monitoring systems that serve diverse purposes across various industries. In the agricultural industry, these systems are equipped with monitoring tools and sensors that offer access to a range of soil and environmental data in a monitoring site, which provide agricultural operations with information for improving crop management practices. There is an increasing need for micro-climate monitoring systems to be more reliable and flexible.

[0003] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronics holder for slidable engagement with a casing, the casing having a base with an opening configured to receive the electronics holder therethrough, the electronics holder comprising:

a receptacle for holding multiple electronic components therein, the receptacle having a first compartment to hold an electronic circuit board, and a second

compartment;

one or more connector ports at a junction of the first and second

compartments; and

a sliding mechanism configured to allow slidable movement of the receptacle through the opening between a closed position, wherein the first and second

compartments are disposed within the casing, and an open position, wherein the second compartment is outside of the casing and the one or more connector ports are accessible from the outside of the casing.

[0006] In some embodiments, wherein the receptacle is slidable along a vertical axis of the casing between the open and closed positions.

[0007] The receptacle may further comprise an end portion having an end wall and a first inner wall spaced therefrom. In some embodiments, when the receptacle is in the closed position, the end wall is substantially flush with the base of the casing.

[0008] One or more corresponding recesses may be disposed along adjacent edges of the end wall and the first inner wall. The one or more recesses are configured to provide one or more passages for electrical cables to extend therethrough from outside of the electronics holder to inside the second compartment of the electronics holder. In some embodiments, the one or more recesses of the end wall and the first inner wall are transversely offset relative to one another.

[0009] The electronics holder may further comprise a seal assembly removably connected to the end portion of the receptacle. The seal assembly may be disposed between the end wall and the first inner wall and may span substantially along the perimeter of the end wall such that when the receptacle is in the closed position a seal is created between the electronics holder and the casing. [0010] In some embodiments, the seal assembly may comprise a stationary seal section and a detachable seal section operatively associated with the one or more recesses of the end wall and the first inner wall. The detachable seal section may comprise an inner seal layer for retaining a portion of the electrical cables disposed in the one or more recesses of the end wall and the inner wall. The detachable seal section may also comprise an outer seal layer having one or more grooves for receiving therein the inner seal layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer seal layer may be formed from a rigid rubberlike material. In further embodiments, the stationary seal section may be formed from a rigid rubber-like material.

[0012] The ends of the detachable seal section may be pivotably connected to the end portion of the receptacle. In this regard, the ends of the detachable seal section may comprise clips for providing a snap-fit connection.

[0013] In some embodiments, the end portion of the receptacle may also comprise a second inner wall spaced from the first inner wall such that the first inner wall is positioned between the end wall and the second inner wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sliding mechanism may comprise guide tracks adapted to engage corresponding guide rails within the casing. At least one of the guide tracks may comprise at least part of first and second detent mechanisms for retaining the receptacle in the first and second positions, respectively.

[0015] The second compartment may also comprise one or more openings for providing additional access to the one or more connector ports when the receptacle is in the open position.

[0016] The electronics holder may also comprise a battery disposed in the second compartment. The battery may be electrically connected to the electronic circuit board via one or more electrical wires. [0017] The second compartment may also comprises one or more test ports proximal to the one or more connector ports for allowing access to the electronic circuit board.

[0018] Additionally, the electronics holder may comprise locking means for locking the receptacle in the closed position. Further still, the electronics holder may comprise a handle on the end wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the handle is a pull tab.

[0019] In some embodiments, the receptacle and sliding mechanism may be integrally formed.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure for an electronic circuit board comprising a casing; and the electronics holder described above.

[0021] The casing may comprise an upper part and a lower part releasably connected to the upper part along a plane substantially transverse to the vertical axis.

[0022] The lower part of the casing may comprise guide rails disposed therein. Each of the guide rails may be configured to engage a respective guide track of the electronics holder. In some embodiments, one of the guide rails may be configured to provide a tighter tolerance relative to another of the guide rails.

[0023] In some embodiments, a solar panel may be disposed on the upper part of the casing. In further embodiments, the solar panel may have a maximum transverse width greater than a maximum transverse width of the upper and lower parts of the base, such that the solar panel acts as a shield to shade the upper and lower parts of the base from sun exposure.

[0024] The enclosure may also comprise a connector configured to receive a bird fin thereon. Preferably, the connector may be disposed proximal to the solar panel so as to ward-off birds from landing on the enclosure. In further embodiments, the enclosure may also comprise mounting means for mounting the enclosure on a post or a carrier, and the enclosure may be sealed so as to prevent fluid ingress. [0025] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronics holder according to an

embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a front view of the electronics holder of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the electronics holder of Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 4 is another partial perspective view of the electronics holder of Fig. 1, with the seal assembly;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the seal assembly;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the electronics holder of Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the enclosure of Fig. 7, with the receptacle in the open position;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the enclosure of Fig. 7;

[0036] Fig. 10 is a top view of the enclosure of Fig. 7 with an upper part removed; [0037] Fig. 11 is a side view of the enclosure of Fig. 7, with the receptacle in the closed position;

[0038] Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view of Fig. 11;

[0039] Fig. 13 is a side view of the enclosure of Fig. 7, with the receptacle in the open position; and

[0040] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of Fig. 13. Description of Embodiments

[0041] Figs. 1 to 4 show an electronics holder 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronics holder 100 is configured for slidable engagement with a casing 400.

[0042] As best seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the electronics holder 100 comprises a receptacle 110 for holding multiple electronic components therein. The receptacle 110 has a first compartment 120 and an adjacent second compartment 130. Each of the first and second compartments 120, 130 defines an interior region 121, 131 for housing electronic components therein. A junction separates the first and second compartments 120, 130. In one example, the junction is in the form of an intermediary wall 140. One or more connector ports 150 are disposed at the wall 140. The one or more connector ports 150 are electrically connected to an electronic circuit board 160 residing in the interior region 121 of the first compartment 120, as shown in Fig. 2. The connector ports 150 are each configured to releasably receive corresponding connector inputs of one or more external devices (not shown) for data transmission between the external devices and the electronic circuit board 160. In some embodiments, the connector ports 150 may be in the form of plug-in interfaces, for example.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second compartment 130 comprises one or more openings that provide for access to the one or more connector ports 150. In this embodiment, the second compartment 130 includes a first open side 132 and an opposed second side 133 with an opening 134.

[0044] The receptacle 110 further comprises an end portion 180 opposite the intermediary wall 140 and having one or more spaced-apart walls. In some

embodiments, the end portion 180 comprises an end wall 181 having an outer surface 181a and an inner surface 181b, and a first inner wall 182 spaced from the inner surface 181b of the end wall 181. In this embodiment, the end portion 180 also comprises a second inner wall 183 spaced from the first inner wall 182, such that the first inner wall 182 is positioned between the end wall 181 and the second inner wall 183. A series of interconnecting ribs 184 connect the end wall 181 to the first inner wall 182 and the first inner wall 182 to the second inner wall 183. The interconnecting ribs 184 are also configured to support a seal assembly between the end wall 181 and the first inner wall 182. In further embodiments, the end portion 180 may comprise a four or more walls.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 3, one or more recesses 200 are disposed along adjacent edges of the end wall 181, the first inner wall 182 and the second inner wall 183. The one or more recesses 200 are configured to provide a passage for electrical cables 190 to extend therethrough from outside of the electronics holder 100 to the interior region 131 of the second compartment 130. In this embodiment, the end wall 181 comprises a first set of six recesses 210 and a second set of three recesses 220. Further, the first inner wall 182 and the second inner wall 183 each comprises a corresponding first set of six recesses 210a, 210b and second set of three recesses 220a, 220b, respectively. In other embodiments, the first and second set of recesses may be configured to comprise any combination of recesses other than six and three recesses, respectively, depending on specific design requirements.

[0046] The first set of recesses 210 of the end wall 181 are transversely offset relative to the first set of recesses 210a of the first inner wall 182, such that when viewing into a recess of the end wall 181 perpendicular to the outer surface 181a of the end wall 181, the first inner wall 182 at least partially obstructs the view through the recess of the first set of recesses 210 of the end wall 181. Similarly, the second set of recesses 220 of the end wall 181 are transversely offset relative to the second set of recesses 220a of the first inner wall 182. Further still, the first and second set of recesses 210b, 220b of the second inner wall 183 are transversely offset with the first and second set of recesses 210a, 220a of the first inner wall 182, respectively. By having the recesses of the end wall 181, the first inner wall 182 and second inner wall 183 transversely offset relative to one another, inserted electrical cables 190 meander through the recesses and kinks 191 are formed in the electrical cables 190. Such kinks 191 aid in retaining the electrical cables 190 in the end portion 180 and allows electrical cables connected to the connector ports 150 to maintain a fixed length within the second compartment 130 and by providing a stress relief mechanism. This also reduces the likelihood of the electrical cables 190 being dislodged unintentionally from the connector ports 150 due to sudden tension in the electrical cables 190.

[0047] Turning to Figs. 4 and 5, the electronics holder 100 further comprises a seal assembly 230 removably connected to the end portion 180 of the receptacle 110. The seal assembly 230 is configured to provide a sealing connection between the electronics holder 100 and the casing 400. The seal assembly 230 is disposed between the end wall 181 and the first inner wall 182 and spans substantially along the perimeter of the end wall 181.

[0048] The seal assembly 230 comprises a stationary seal section 231 and a detachable seal section 232, as shown best in Fig. 5. The detachable seal section 232 is provided with an outer seal layer 233 and an inner seal layer 234 sandwiched between the outer seal layer 233 and the interconnecting ribs 184. The detachable seal section 232 is operatively associated with the one or more recesses 200 of the end wall 181 and the first inner wall 182, such that when the detachable seal section 232 is connected to the end portion 180, the inner seal layer 234 substantially covers the one or more recesses 200. The inner seal layer 234 is formed from a resilient rubber-like material that compresses and deforms upon contact with an inserted electrical cable 190, and aids in retaining the electrical cable 190 in the one or more recesses 200. The outer seal layer 233 comprises one or more grooves 235 directly adjacent the inner seal layer 234 for receiving therein portions of the inner seal layer 234 when the inner seal layer 234 compresses against an inserted electrical cable 190. In this regard, the outer seal layer 233 maintains its shape and prevents the formation of bulges at portions proximal to the inserted electrical cable 190.

[0049] The detachable seal section 232 is configured to be detached from either of its ends 236, 237 so as to allow for access to the one or more recesses 200. In some embodiments, the ends 236, 237 are pivotably connected to the end portion 180 of the receptacle 110. In this particular embodiment, the ends 236, 237 comprise clips that provide a snap-fit connection. In some embodiments, the outer seal layer 233 and the stationary seal section 231 are formed from the same material. Preferably, the outer seal layer 233 and the stationary seal section 231 are formed from a rigid rubber- like material.

[0050] Referring again to Fig. 2, the electronics holder 100 also comprises a power source 170 electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 160 for providing power thereto. The power source 170 is disposed in the interior region 131 of the second compartment 130 proximal to the end portion 180. In this embodiment, the power source 170 is a battery. In some examples, the battery may be accessed and removed when in the receptacle is in the open position. A locking means is also provided for locking the electronics holder 100 in the casing 400. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the locking means includes a latching mechanism 240 and a dial 250 operatively associated with the latching mechanism 240. The dial 250 is disposed on the end wall 181 and is adapted to be rotated 90 degrees so as to engage and disengage the latching mechanism 240. In some embodiments, a handle 260 is also provided on the end wall 181. In this particular embodiment, the handle 260 is a pull- tab, for example. The end wall 180 may also include an aperture 270 for receiving an antenna 472 therein (as shown in Fig. 13).

[0051] Although Fig. 2 show the power source 170 as a battery, it is to be appreciated that other power sources may be used. In some examples, this may include a power source from main power, such as through conventional power lines, which are in turn transformed to appropriate form and voltages for the electronic circuit board 160. In some examples, a combination of power sources may be used such as both mains power and batteries. This may include modes of operation where mains power are used for normal operation and batteries are used as a backup. As discussed below, solar panels may also be used as a power source.

[0052] Turning now to Fig. 6, the electronics holder 100 further comprises a sliding mechanism configured to allow slidable movement of the receptacle 110 through the casing 400. The sliding mechanism comprises guide tracks 280 adapted to engage corresponding guide rails 440 within the casing 400. In this embodiment, the guide tracks 280 include first and second guide tracks 281, 282 connected to opposed sides of the receptacle 110. In some embodiments, the first guide track 281 or the second guide track 282 may comprise at least part of one or more detent mechanisms for retaining the receptacle 110 in one or more predefined positions relative to the casing 400. In this embodiment, the first guide track 281 includes a first detent groove 281a proximal to the end portion 180 of the receptacle 110 and a second detent groove 281b spaced at a predefined length along the first guide track 281. The second guide track 282 also include first and second detents grooves 282a, 282b transversely aligned with the first and second detent grooves 281a, 281b of the first guide track 281, respectively. In some embodiments, the first guide track 281 may be designed to be longer in length relative to the second guide track 282. In alternate embodiments, the first and second guide tracks 281, 282 may be of the same lengths.

[0053] In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 and the sliding mechanism may be integrally formed.

[0054] The second compartment 130 of the receptacle 110 may also comprise one or more test ports 290 disposed proximal to the one or more connector ports 150, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The test ports 290 are configured to allow one or more test probes to access the electronic circuit board 160 for testing purposes. In some embodiments, the test ports 290 may be covered by one or more detachable labels.

[0055] The casing 400 will now be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 14. The electronics holder 100 and the casing 400 together form an enclosure 300 for an electronic circuit board. [0056] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the casing 400 comprises an upper part 410 and a lower part 420 releasably connected to the upper part 410. Each of the upper and lower parts 410, 420 defines an interior region for housing the electronics holder 100 therein. The casing 400 also has a vertical axis Y extending through the upper and lower parts 410, 420. The upper and lower parts 410, 420 are connected along a plane X

substantially transverse to the vertical axis Y via a snap-fit connection. Transverse connection of the upper and lower parts 410, 420 aids in preventing fluid ingress into the interior regions of the casing 400. The lower part 420 of the casing 400 has a base 421 with an opening 422 configured to receive the electronics holder 100 therethrough.

[0057] The casing 400 further comprises mounting means for mounting the enclosure 300 on a post or a carrier. As shown in Fig. 9, in this embodiment, the mounting means includes a guide track 430 on the lower part 420 of the casing 400. However, it will be appreciated that the guide track 430 may be on any other part of the casing 400, such as the upper part 410, for example. The guide track 430 is configured to engage a corresponding guide rail on the post or carrier such that the vertical axis Y of the casing 400 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the post or carrier.

[0058] Now referring to Fig. 10, the lower part 420 of the casing 400 comprises guide rails 440 disposed therein. In this embodiment, the guide rails 440 include first and second guide rails 441, 442. Each of the first and second guide rails 441, 442 are configured to engage a respective guide track 281, 282 of the electronics holder 100 to allow for slidable movement of the receptacle 110 along the vertical axis Y between a closed position and an open position.

[0059] In the closed position, the first and second compartments 120, 130 of the receptacle 110 are disposed within the casing 400 and the outer surface 181a of the end wall 181 is substantially flush with the base 421 of the casing 400, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The seal assembly 230 of the electronics holder 100 sealingly engages with the opening 422 so as to prevent exposure of internally housed components of the enclosure 300 from environmental factors, such as dust, water and the egress of insects, for example. The receptacle 110 is retained in the closed position by way of

engagement of the first detent grooves 281a, 282a with corresponding parts of detent mechanisms in the lower part 420. In use, it is recognised that sun exposure may be greater at upper sections of the base 400 as compared to lower sections of the base 400. In this regard, when the receptacle 110 is in the closed position, the battery 170 of the electronics holder 100 is located proximal to the base 421 of the casing 400 so as to minimise sun exposure and heat accumulation by the battery 170. The battery 170 is also isolated from the electronics circuit board 160 due to separation of the first and second compartments 120, 130. Isolation of the battery 170 provides for better cooling of electronic components in the receptacle 110.

[0060] The receptacle 110 may be pulled to the open position using the pull tab 260. In the open position, the second compartment 130 of the receptacle 110 is located outside of the casing 400 and the one or more connector ports 150 and the one or more test ports 290 are accessible from the outside of the casing 400, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The connector ports 150 can be accessible from both the first open side 132 and opening 134 of the second side 133 of the second compartment 130. The receptacle 110 is retained in the open position by way of engagement of the second detent grooves 281b, 282b with corresponding parts of detent mechanisms in the lower part 420 of the casing 400.

[0061] In embodiments where the first guide track 281 has a longer length relative to the second guide track 282, the first and second guide tracks 281, 282 are configured such that a tighter tolerance is provided between the engagement of first guide track 281 with the first guide rail 441 than that between the engagement of the second guide track 282 with the second guide rail 442. This provides for smoother and more secure movement of the receptacle between the open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the first and second guide rails 441, 442 may be configured to provide such tolerances.

[0062] In some embodiments, a solar panel 460 may be provided on the casing 400 for providing additional power to the electronic circuit board 160. Referring to Fig. 7, the solar panel 460 may be mounted on an inclined surface 412 of the upper part 410 of the casing 400 so as to maximise sun exposure during use. The solar panel 460 has a transverse width Z greater than a maximum transverse width W of the upper and the lower parts 410, 420 of the base 400. In this regard, the solar panel 460 acts as a shield to shade the upper and lower parts 410, 420 of the base 400 from sun exposure, which in turn aids in improving cooling of internally housed components.

[0063] In further embodiments, the enclosure 300 may also comprise a connector 450 mounted on the upper part 410 of the base 400 and proximal to the solar panel. The connector 450 is configured to receive a bird fin 470 thereon (as shown in Fig. 13). The bird fin 470 is adapted to ward-off birds landing on the enclosure 300 during use, which may otherwise lead to unwanted damage to the solar panel and other components of the enclosure 300. The bird fin 470 may be releasably attached to the connector 450 such that on application of excessive force to the bird fin 470, the bird fin 470 will separate from the enclosure 300 to reduce the risk of damage to the enclosure 300.

[0064] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronics holder for slidable engagement with a casing, the casing having a base with an opening configured to receive the electronics holder therethrough, the electronics holder comprising:

compartment;

one or more connector ports at a junction of the first and second

compartments; and

2. The electronics holder of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is slidable along a vertical axis of the casing between the open and closed positions.

3. The electronics holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle further comprises an end portion having an end wall and a first inner wall spaced therefrom, and wherein, when the receptacle is in the closed position, the end wall is substantially flush with the base of the casing.

4. The electronics holder of claim 3, wherein one or more corresponding recesses are disposed along adjacent edges of the end wall and the first inner wall, the one or more recesses are configured to provide one or more passages for electrical cables to extend therethrough from outside of the electronics holder to inside the second compartment of the electronics holder.

5. The electronics holder of claim 4, wherein the one or more recesses of the end wall and the first inner wall are transversely offset relative to one another.

6. The electronics holder of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a seal assembly removably connected to the end portion of the receptacle, the seal assembly is disposed between the end wall and the first inner wall and spans substantially along the perimeter of the end wall such that when the receptacle is in the closed position a seal is created between the electronics holder and the casing.

7. The electronics holder of claim 6, wherein the seal assembly comprises a stationary seal section and a detachable seal section operatively associated with the one or more recesses of the end wall and the first inner wall.

8. The electronics holder of claim 7, wherein the detachable seal section comprises:

an inner seal layer for retaining a portion of the electrical cables disposed in the one or more recesses of the end wall and the inner wall; and

an outer seal layer having one or more grooves for receiving therein the inner seal layer.

9. The electronics holder of claim 8, wherein the inner seal layer is formed from a resilient rubber-like material.

10. The electronics holder of claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer seal layer is formed from a rigid rubber-like material.

11. The electronics holder of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the stationary seal section is formed from a rigid rubber-like material.

12. The electronics holder of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the ends of the detachable seal section are pivotably connected to the end portion of the receptacle.

13. The electronics holder of claim 12, wherein the ends of the detachable seal section comprises clips for providing a snap-fit connection.

14. The electronics holder of any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the end portion of the receptacle further comprises a second inner wall spaced from the first inner wall such that the first inner wall is positioned between the end wall and the second inner wall.

15. The electronics holder of claim 14, wherein the second inner wall comprises one or more recesses corresponding to the one or more recesses of the first inner wall, the one or more recesses of the first and second inner walls are transversely offset relative to one another.

16. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises guide tracks adapted to engage corresponding guide rails within the casing.

17. The electronics holder of claim 16, wherein at least one of the guide tracks comprise at least part of first and second detent mechanisms for retaining the receptacle in the first and second positions, respectively.

18. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second compartment comprises one or more openings for providing additional access to the one or more connector ports when the receptacle is in the open position.

19. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a battery disposed in the second compartment, wherein the battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board via one or more electrical wires.

20. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second compartment comprises one or more test ports proximal to the one or more connector ports for allowing access to the electronic circuit board.

21. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising locking means for locking the receptacle in the closed position.

22. The electronics holder of any one of claims 3, and 4 to 21 when appended to claim 3, further comprising a handle on the end wall of the receptacle.

23. The electronics holder of claim 22, wherein the handle is a pull tab.

24. The electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the receptacle and sliding mechanism are integrally formed.

25. An enclosure for an electronic circuit board comprising:

a casing; and

the electronics holder of any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. The enclosure of claim 25, wherein the casing comprises an upper part and a lower part releasably connected to the upper part along a plane substantially transverse to the vertical axis.

27. The enclosure of claim 26, wherein the lower part of the casing comprises guide rails disposed therein, each of the guide rails are configured to engage a respective guide track of the electronics holder.

28. The enclosure of claim 27, wherein one of the guide rails is configured to provide a tighter tolerance relative to another of the guide rails.

29. The enclosure of any one of claims 26 to 28, further comprising a solar panel disposed on the upper part of the casing.

30. The enclosure of claim 29, wherein the solar panel has a maximum transverse width greater than a maximum transverse width of the upper and lower parts of the base.

31. The enclosure of claim 29 or 30, further comprising a connector configured to receive a bird fin thereon, wherein the connector is disposed proximal to the solar panel.

32. The enclosure of any one of claims 25 to 31, further comprising mounting means for mounting the enclosure on a post or a carrier.

33. The enclosure of any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the enclosure is sealed so as to prevent fluid ingress.