This isn't completely off-topic from electronics, but doesn't fall into the general categories.

I'm fishing for ideas of what to use to mount some small sensors on walls. Gypsum drywall.

I'd like to mount 1wire temperature sensor, maybe some tiny modules with temp/humid sensors like BMP180 breakouts.

This enclosure would obviously have to be passively ventilated, so should have holes. Should not be too big since the sensors are small and it will be placed in conspicuous places right around head level to get good readings.

Any ideas?

 

What are your aims, to fit them flush in the drywall or surface mount? how big/small do you want to aim for?
There are telephone outlet boxes etc.
Max.

 

Not sure what a one wire sensor is. Are you using wired connections from sensor to processor board?
For the enclosure.....do you mean like a match box or cigarette pack size......which can be stuck to a wall like a sticky note?

Do you have a false ceiling by chance? How bout the woodwork? Is there ribs or edges in woodwork that wires can lay in?

Have you ever fished for tape...i.e fish tape and run wire?

 

There are small wall plates from Home Depot if you want something neat to modify.
Max.

 

I'd like to mount the sensors away from the wall. Maybe 1-2" away max, for aesthetic reason. I've learned from experience that the wall itself usually is a different temperature than the surrounding air, and air very close to the wall gets heated/cooled by the wall, unless there is significant air movement.

I have a copper pair running all throughout the house, with about 3 dozen 1wire temp sensors on it. The length of wire far exceed the specs, but it's been working great for 10 years. Sensors that are recording ambient temperature in each room are just hanging out of small holes in the drywall. Doesn't look very professional.

Something like a telephone box would work, but it would need lots of holes in it to get good airflow for whatever sensor goes inside. I'd like the box to be more "pointy" than flat. Something that's like 1"x1" at the base, sticks out about 2", and has lots of holes in it.

 

Thin, capped and holey PVC pipe?

 

I have used PVC fittings in the past for housing inline applications. the potable type also comes in white pipe and fittings.
You could make a circular hole in the Gyproc and putty them in.
These show two caps glued together.
Any plumbing supply usually stock it.
Max.

 

Have a look at these. They have gone up a little over $3 since I bought them two years ago, but they are still inexpensive. The ventilation requirement and size seem like they might work for you. There is no automatic wall mount slot, but, that could be rigged easily I would think.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LGKNG8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Something like this, but much smaller.

 

Lowes, and other places I'm sure has "low voltage" boxes in many configurations. Old work, new work, plaster rings, low voltage boxes typically have no back to them.
Scroll down the page for more options. Cover with blank cover with appropriate hole in it.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-2-Gang-Plastic-Low-Voltage-Wall-Electrical-Box/50385526

 

Just look at all the typical project box manufacturers..
polycase, okw enclosure, simco, bud, hammond, etc....

A google search for "vented project enclosure" should get you something.. "vented project box" ,etc...
You didn't really give details on size,etc... so I can only assume..
Here are a few in a 5 second search I came up with..
https://www.rapidonline.com/camdenboss-cbrs01vwh-sensor-enclosure-size-1-vented-white-30-6985
https://www.seeedstudio.com/Raspberry-Pi-A+-Enclosure-Transparent-p-2353.html

 

Pick your flavor
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----> https://duckduckgo.com/?q=+thermostat+guard&t=canonical&iax=images&iar=images&ia=images