Craig wrote: >Would it be feasible to include marine VHF radios and hang-held GPS >units in this query? I've wondered for quite a while whether my VHF >is truly water "resistant" and to what degree out in the real world. >I do understand that making this thing more complex by adding items >can detract from the quality of the information gathered, but these >two items are also used a lot for safety purposes by kayakers and >actual failure rates might be very interesting. G'day Craig, I'm wondering the same thing with my ICOM VHF, which I wear unprotected in my PFD. It shows no sign of leaking, works and I can raise kayakers on the water, but not long distance coastal stations even though they are in line of sight. Coincidentally a friend emailed me on Friday reporting a leak in their identical unit. I've arranged with our Marine Rescue to carry out a series of formal test using a mobile phone link in conjunction with the VHF. I don't think an additional VHF and GPS would complicate the kind of survey that Paul is thinking of is that users would be only too glad to participate if they thought it would lead to improved products and wasn't too long. Likewise it should be for inclusion when I approach manufacturers, depending on the question being asked. The two questions I'm focusing on are: 1. What standard tests should manufacturers be using to adequately replicate a piece of equipment attached to a PFD exposed to the elements above water. 2. what standard tests should manufacturers be using to replicate a piece of equipment attached to a mariner swept overboard and in the sea for 24 hours. I'd think the IEC 60529 standard test IPX8 with a water depth set at 2m to 5m sounds plausible for the second test but it's not clear if manufacturers are coming close to something like that that. (See response to Doug Lloyd). I'd love to set up a real world experiment in which a range of PLBs were switched off, tied to a buoy and left in a 1 to 2m sea for 24 hours then tested; but it might risk an unwanted activation and AMSA would need to be notified in advance. Worth discussing with manufacturers and the appropriate authorities along with asking for details of their testing. A fair bit of research needed before contacting the manufacturers but I'm going ahead with it All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Aug 06 2011 - 00:30:01 PDT
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