Re: [Paddlewise] "Waterproof" . . . VHFs

	George,

			You wouldn't be speaking about what I was taught is called "galvanic
corrosion" by chance?  That being the case, seems that if the water-seal
works, no problem.  If the seal fails and the battery is any good, I'd be
far more concerned about the differences in electrical potential from that
source...  <shrug> dunno.

			Apelco's page says, "*Waterproof to U.S.C.G. CFR-46 standards.
Withstands a total of 65 gallons of water per minute sprayed through a 1"
diameter nozzle at a distance of 10 feet for a period of not less than 5
minutes."

			figuring that 33ft is one atmosphere, and an atmosphere is about 14.7
psia, then one meter would be about 1.47psig <?>.  I agree, not much
pressure.  However, I'm guessing that the CFR-46 requirement applies more
pressure, and does it in a more realistic manner than a simple "soaking..."

			Of course it makes sense to keep things as dry as possible.  I think
bags are good and fine.  I also believe that somewhere along the line, I'll
be without one when I shouldn't.  As a consequence this thread has really
gotten my attention.

			Since the "501" can be had at less than $200 it bears serious
consideration...

			BTW, I charged up my Standard, and now "it broke, make no sound..."
I'll be calling West Marine tomorrow to see about a repair, and maybe...
Well, I might have to look at this here
Apelco-water-proof-radio-rig-thingy-ma-boodle-doodle...<G>

			Tom...
[referenced quotes below]

At 08:39 PM 3/8/98 -0500, Jack_Martin_at_jtif.webfld.navy.mil wrote:
snip----->     
   
>     It's sorta like that here.  While I agree with George Bergeron that an 
>     extra margin of survivability is a good thing, I, for one, am not 
>     going to be awfully concerned if my VHF dies when it passes through 
>     five feet on its way to the bottom --- 'cause it's clipped to my 
>     damned PFD, and I'm still in it!

>Author:  "Geo. Bergeron" <heritage_at_europa.com> at SPTC
 
>        The other item I'd be concerned about with a radio is resistance to
>salt water corrosion. A little bit of salt in the water really starts to 
>mess up your equipment. Rust proof metals such as brass and stainless steel 
>--standard marine equipment metals-- will begin to corrode through 
>"bi-metalic electrolysis" when brought into contact with each other in a 
>salt water environment. The metals literally form a battery and start moving 
>electrons. I'd be concerned about exposing electronic gear to salt water. 

snip------>
but I'd really like to see my marine radio survive being towed behind 
>a freighter on a trans-Atlantic crossing. Waterproof cases will bring your 
>gear more into line with this second criteria. 



{Remember: "Three left turns often make a right..." }
 <http://www.totemwood.com>
					or                  
<http://www.isomedia.com/homes/gadfly/>      
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************