[Paddlewise] CFR-46

     Hi everyone.  I'm JP Stohrer from Raytheon Marine.  Just wanted to 
     respond to Steve's submission and put my two cents worth in to explain 
     some of the waterproof acronyms you see flying around.  
     
     JIS-7: Stands for Japanese Industrial Standard 7.  A unit with this 
     rating can be submersed for at least 30 minutes in 1 meter of water 
     without water intrusion.  This is quickly becoming the industry 
     standard for handheld VHF's.  Our RAY102 and RAY106 meet this 
     requirement.
     
     JIS-6:  Japanese Industrial Standard 6.  Not quite submersible but 
     considered waterproof.
     
     JIS-4: Japanese Industrial Standard 4.  Basically splashproof (so 
     don't get it wet).
     
     IPX-7: Similar to JIS-7.  I don't know the meaning of the acronym.
     
     CFR-46: This refers to the US Code of Federal Regulations, title 46.  
     Title 46 contains Coast Guard requirements.  Part 110 of that title 
     provides a definition of "waterproof" that says a unit must be able to 
     withstand 65 gallons of water per minute through a 1" fire hose from a 
     distance of 10 feet for 5 minutes from all sides.  I've witnessed this 
     test at our UK facility and it is impressive.
     
     MS810D: This is one that Standard Communications sometimes uses.  I'm 
     not sure exactly where this comes from but I believe it is the next 
     step down from CFR-46...... but don't quote me.
     
     You'll also see references to "splash resistant", "water resistant", 
     and such but those should definitely be kept in a drybag.
     
     Now after all of this, does a CFR-46 rated unit need to be kept in a 
     drybag?  Depends on the usage.  Although I do recommend JIS-7 for 
     paddlers (RAY102 or RAY106), the RAY100 should be fine in most 
     conditions without a drybag.  The only exception would be if it was 
     kept in a compartment that has standing water.  The RAY100 will take 
     splash and rain with no problem at all.  But as with anything else, 
     the better you take care of it, the longer it lasts.  Preference of 
     the user.
     
     I hope this helps.  If anyone has any specific questions, just shoot 
     me an E-MAIL at John_P_Stohrer_at_raytheon.com.
     
     JP
     
     
     
     
     

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