Re: [Paddlewise] GPS options (again)

From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 10:21:23 -0800
Bob Denton wrote:

> After using a 12XL for a couple of years on the deck without any other
>
> protection I believe the issue with the battery compartment is that
> the GPS
> gets hot and when a wave washes over the deck, the GPS cools and the
> air in
> the battery compartment draws in a little water, which is expelled
> again
> when it heats up.  ...<snip>...

Yep; according to Garmin, this is a "design feature". There is a
waterproof breathable membrane covering a small hole in the battery
compartment. The main body of the receiver "breathes" through this hole,
allowing the pressure in the unit to equalize (without water getting
into the electronics). Air is drawn from (or expelled into) the battery
compartment. The battery compartment itself is not air tight.  The
process of pressure equalization thus pulls (or pushes) small quantities
of water into (or out of) the battery compartment.  I would have
preferred a design that has a waterproof battery compartment, with a
waterproof breathable membrane in some other area (possibly protected by
a small plastic grid). This would prevent the hassle of having to flush
the battery compartment.

Dan Hagen

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Received on Mon Feb 22 1999 - 10:19:39 PST

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