Waterproof Hand Held VHF Radios?

Completely Waterproof Radio - I Doubt it!

I just read a comparative test results on the top 7 hand held vhf radios and are they completely waterproof, delivering full power and usability after long term submersions? Well the fact of the matter is that all but one had marked "problems" during and after the testing began. Before moving forward, we must address the question - What is the definition of "waterproof"? There are many standards, developed both in the United States and Europe. The U.S. standard, defines a "waterproof machine" as one that can withstand a stream of water from a 1 inch nozzle at a rate of 65 gallons per minute for 5 minutes duration, from all directions without leaking. The standard doesn't cover immersion.

The test panel did however. Before you head into the "wild blue" armed with your all weather VHF hand-held radio, you might want to look into the inexpensive yet 100% effective waterproof VHF radio cases made by ewa-marine. At a mere 5% hearing loss, you can bank on your VHF radio working flawlessly regardless of the weather. If you drop it in the water, there's a good chance you'll fish it out if you can get close enough to grab it! It can be used again regardless of it's temporarily abandoning ship! Check them out!

When considering this test, it was determined that the only requirements that should be addressed are those usually faced by boaters. One is rain or spray that might damage a radio if you accidentally left it outside in the cockpit or when being used in the open. The other main concern was immersion, which isn't as likely, but could/does occur if the radio is dropped and fully immersed. Several top hand-helds were tested for both simulated rain and immersion.

Out of seven VHF radios tested, only two held up very well and lived up to their ratings. The best of the waterproof vhf radios was the Standard HX350S at a mere $280 and followed by the Uniden HH940P at a frugal $170. Two of the least expensive of the lineup, I might add. The Standard came with a DC charger included but an "option" with the others. I'd call it an essential piece of the ensemble not an option, but they have to make a buck, so it usually comes via "accessories" right?

The radios were tested at the 1' range for a 5 minute period. The survivors were then inspected and put back into the shower for another 5 minutes at 1 foot from the water stream. The remaining radios were then preset to the same channel and submerged in a bucket of water for 30 minutes and then bench tested and the survivors were submersed again for another 30 minutes.

Some After Testing Advice

The Standard HX350S is an excellent VHF radio, it's fully submersible, even when operated with its AA battery pack. This model, your top choice for both performance and value.

The Uniden HH940P is an excellent radio. We recommend it highly for PWC users or when a more powerful radio is not needed. But we would like to see an AA battery holder and a larger 600 mAh battery pack.

The Raytheon 102 and Raytheon 106 are excellent radios but not our top choice. The 102 seems to be a better value. The more expensive 106 with its larger battery is recommended only if extended operation is required.

Failing the submersion test - the Garmin VHF 720 cannot be recommended as a submersible handheld VHF radio.

Well, the Icom M15 is well-built and performed well. However, this model is outdated and needs upgrading in the opinion of the testing panel. The Icom M1+ (previously the top choice) among waterproof handheld VHF radios, but not anymore after its failure during immersion testing.

If your hand held VHF radio failed the test above - no worries - just head over to an Ewa-Marine waterproof accessories section, featuring waterproof cases for VHF radios and pick up some real insurance!

The Ewa-Marine Underwater Housing!

Are These Camera Bags Any Good?

For all of us who love the water and related sports like snorkeling and diving, there usually comes a time for filming our experiences to share with others who have never witnessed the beauty and serenity of our planet that lies submerged beneath the ocean. There is so much to see and so many wild and exotic creatures that inhabit this unexplored frontier, that a diver is often overwhelmed by it all in the beginning. But, for you who have already shared this wilderness and find it fascinating enough to keep coming back, then following closely behind is the discussion of dive equipment. Regulators, tanks, fins, masks, suits, and yes underwater photography and related gear.

Known as the "most discussed, most loved and most hated camera enclosure", would be the Ewa-Marine underwater camera housing - hands down! Ewa-Marine housings have been delivering good photos from the deep for over 35 years. They are made from two-ply PVC film and have an optical grade glass lens in the front port which means a more clear image (better picture), than that which Ewa's copycats can produce, since they use either the transparent side of the housing or a disc of Plexiglas in the lens port. These don't hold up well and scuff & scratch easily, rendering them useless in a fairly short time. Using the clear Vinyl side of a generic housing for the lens to shoot through is another idea that borders on ridiculous. This is a plastic concoction folks - not optical grade glass!

We have a resource for you, if you're weekend warrior or a just a vacationer who'll use the Ewa-Marine housing once or maybe twice a year and don't want to bring home those ugly, disposable waterproof camera shots that I've seen passed around once too often. Once is enough really, to make anyone spring for a housing that allows them the use of a decent digital camera or camcorder to do their underwater filming. I have heard a few people rave about how great their waterproof disposable performed but I've seen the results and can only say - some people are much easier to please than others!

There are a couple of good and informative articles regarding Ewa-Marine products at the link that I've provided and if you look along the bottom of the left navigation bar, you'll find several other helpful pages on Ewa-Marine history, Frequently Asked Questions, also Tips and Tricks. They all have worthwhile information for most new underwater photographers. The Ewa-Marine flexible housing may be the best kept secret value in underwater photography. Enjoy!

Keep Your Photography Gear In Style!

Billingham Camera Bags - Built For A Lifetime

The vision of Billingham is to always gain maximum effectiveness through the use of the highest or best suited materials available for the construction of their camera bags. Billingham Camera Bags have solid brass fittings, top grain, quality leather and the best quality canvas, thread and linings in their products. The thread is sewn into the tiny holes using a tight stitch of thread that swells at the first sign of moisture and effectively seals all stitches. There is a two ply canvas outer layer with a waterproofing sandwiched between the layers to further prevent the weather - moisture and UV light from entering your bag. All bags are offered in a variety of colors such as: Tan with brown leather trim, Black with either brown or black leather trim and Sage a (pale green) trimmed in brown leather. All fasteners are made from brass or nickel. The inner liners are very soft and have anti-fray properties to keep your gear from snagging against something inside. This protective inner layer also repels moisture so that there is no wicking encouraged by it's properties.

Billingham Bags use a soft protective layer of closed cell foam to protect your gear when the bag is jostled around a bit. They are 100% closed cells and won't allow any moisture to enter the foam inserts and remain hidden in your Billingham bag. For maximum comfort Billingham uses the webbing manufactured by the company that makes parachute straps and web gear for the Space Shuttle. The straps stay flat and won't allow water retention - and won't rot or wear out!

If you are serious about your photography then you probably know as much or more about Billingham Bags than I do, but for those who don't, why not treat yourself to a rugged but very classy Billingham for your next camera bag replacement. You'll save money just in replacement costs over a long period of time and get to sport this elegant photography bag. You won't be sorry - promise!