Re: Safety kits and VHF radios

From: WindFinder@aol.com-DeleteThis
Date: Mon Mar 06 1995 - 18:50:25 PST


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From: WindFinder@aol.com-DeleteThis
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Subject: Re: Safety kits and VHF radios

To Dan Farmer
>From Mike Godsey, Windsight and Windtracks Magazine.

We have been doing tests on the avaialble VHF radios this winter by sailing
with them during winter storms. This includes some surf sessions. I have
included some of the Mil and Coast Guard specs that I posted last year to
help you in your search for the right unit. But in a word...get an ICOM. The
Apelco 510 has to be in a water proof bag. If even a drop of water gets in
the bag due to leakage or when you are loading or loading it condensation
will occur and slip by the gaskets and wreack havoc with the electronics. We
had to return our unit after only two uses. If you are extremely cautions the
Apelco will do the job. It was an ICOM unit that lead to the helicopter
dramatic Coast Guard helicopter rescue of Matt Gurish this January off
Stinson Beach in 35 to 45 knots of wind with with a 20 foot swell during a
strom. It was late afternoon and he had to vector the helecopter to the
location where he was swimming after his board was lost when a base broke.

I have a contact through whom I can buy ICOM's at wholesale if we can get
enough people together. Give me a call or e-mail.

If you are thinking of buying a waterproof VHF radio here are the the various
Military and industry specs for radio waterproofness. At the end is a listing
of the recommended unitsMilitary Specs for waterproofness:

You want a unit that will meets MIL Spec. 810(d) with sub-listing :
506.2 (withstands blowing and dripping rain) and
507.2 Humidity resistance and
512.2 Capable of immersion w/o leakage

Most available "waterproo units meet only first two of the above.

Alternatively VHF units may meet the following GMDSS (Global Marine Distress
Safety System Standards) initernational ratings:

IP 6 ( Withstands strong jets of water from 2 inches)
IP 7 (Waterproof to 1 meter for short time)
IP 8 (Waterproof to 1 meter for long periods)

The inexpensive Alpeco unit available at West Marine meets IP 6

Alternatively a VHF may meet the Coast Guard standards:

DOT CRF 47 chapter 1(20): WIthstands a stream of water from a 1" hose at 65
gal/min from a distance of 10' for 5 minutes.

Alternatively a VHF may meet the Japanese Industry Standards for water
resistance:

JIS-6 (submersion resistance for 30 minutes at 1 meter)

Be sure to check that a unit meets at least one of the above specs before
buying it. A lot of units called waterproof just withstand a stream of water
and will leak if underwater.

The Sept. 94 Trailer Boat Magazine did a review of waterproff handheld VHF
radios. It is important to note that most companies refused to let their
"waterproof" units be tested. The following units passed 23 repeated 5 minute
tests for direct immersion (1 foot) and shock:

ICOM M-15 VHF (Meets GMDSS standards, guaranteed for 3' for 10 minutes, does
not float, between $400 and 500. (Windsight is currently testing this unit
surfsailing and will post results in spring 95)

Navico Axxis VHF (Meets GMDSS standards, has a bright yellow thick rubber
covering and almost floats. Has a provision for a water proof mic so you can
talk and sail at the same time. Best money can buy. Costs between $700 and
$800)

If you buy a lower price unit which just meets IP 6 standards or Coast Guard
standards use a waterproof radio bag like Ken described. (Available from West
Marine)

Keep me posted about your experinces and I will write an article in my
Windtracks magazine column.

Incidentally you must be licensed the price is about $70 dollars and the fine
for unlicensed use is about $10,000. The FCC is actively enforcing this these
days.

Mike Godsey
Windsight
1-800-685-9463



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