Hi
I am planning to install a second hub in my shed to control items in my garden (connected back to my main hub via powerline ethernet). To protect the hub from things like damp and spiders (!) I thought about putting it in a weather proof box like the one in the link below. My question is will that dramatically impact the zigbee radio?
In the worst case, you can use extender cable to put the Antennas on the outside.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081BH627Q/
https://www.amazon.com/Bingfu-Bulkhead-Antenna-Extension-Wireless/dp/B07SYPDYLW
Love that idea!
The box is PROBABLY safe, and you'd have no trouble. BUT if you need to have a belt with those suspenders... 
I'd actually worry more about a lack of circulation than RF. Plastic can certainly attenuate the signal but a large sealed box of hot air can't be good either.
Hmm. Drilling holes in box defeats the objective!
Shed is in the shade and in the UK so really hot days not an issue, but I take your point.
Need to think this through a bit more.
Why not glue some screening material over the holes on the inside if the box? Takes care of the spiders, but admittedly wont help with damp.
Honestly, if you keep it in a shady spot, I would expect temps to be a non-issue, especially if you are in The North.
The plastic looks relatively non-dense, so the signal attenuation is probably relatively minimal.
Seems a pretty reasonable approach to me.
S
I would use a Tyvek or Gore-Tex or a similar material instead. Breathable, but bulk water and insects could not enter. I have seen thatGore material used for EV car batteries so they can breathe. https://www.gore.com/products/gore-automotive-vents-for-electronics
It wouldn't be great for airflow, but would allow any moisture to escape and allow for pressure changes when the temperature or barometric pressure changes.
I have no clue how readily available this is, but maybe someone can think of something like this material that is common in households. Maybe a piece of umbrella, raincoat, or tent would be a good substitute.
I hadn't even though about that, good suggestion!
Great idea. I have a waterproof jacket that has been ripped (thanks to Ryanair!) that I was going to throw out that I could take the scissors to!
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