Waterproofing

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Permalink Reply by Mark Barner on December 24, 2009 at 10:47am

Quote: "I can say that confidently ahead of further test results on the current assembly because the next part batch features an entirely different seal system. We've been working on these changes in order to remove the gasket that is labor intensive."

I looked at this some more and I think it may be the gasket. Also noticed that the adhesive used to stick the gasket in place is not working. After doing the water test and opening up the units, two gaskets came off of two Terminators. I put some vaseline lip balm on the gaskets, I got one of the two units that was leaking to stop. For now I will use tape around the Terminators.

Permalink Reply by James Davies on December 28, 2009 at 10:44am

Punctuated by the holidays, we're still running an array of tests - different GearPod sizes, top and bottom edges, Terminators versus Connectors, different batches/lots etc. We have been able to reproduce some leaks when the units are submerged. We plan to keep testing in order to see if there is a better interim solution to recommend until the new Terminators and Connectors are available.

In the meantime, if units are susceptible to submersion, we recommend electrical or duct tape, or bicycle inner tube ("ranger bands"), is applied where Terminators and Connectors meet the GearPods units. Without this tape, GearPods units should be considered water resistant - IP X4 on the Ingress Protection rating system (seemingly the applicable standard although intended for electrical products) - and not watertight as previous stated. All such claims are being, or have been, removed from the web site and literature.

Replacement parts will be available under our warranty in ~8 weeks and will be sent automatically to our customers. These new parts use a different seal system similar to a sports or mineral bottle, removing the gasket from the assembly. This new sealing system will provide additional protection against short- and longer-term submersion - we are aiming for IP X7 or IP X8 on the Ingress Protection rating system. We've attached a copy of the IP rating system that we're adopting.

We apologize for any inconvenience and we will post here periodically with updates.

Attachments:

• Waterproof Standards.pdf, 240 KB

Permalink Reply by James Davies on March 11, 2010 at 12:25pm

A quick update - we're now firmly in the samples and testing phase for new Terminators and Connectors. We hope to start shipping them in about 4 weeks. In addition to a vastly improved thread system and new sealing mechanism, the new Terminators and Connectors will be available in orange, black, olive drab and coyote tan. We could bore you with talk of copolymers, impact-resistant agents and the like, but suffice to say we think you'll be very happy with the results. Nearer the time we'll post more details and some photos. We just wanted to let you know we've been busy (listening and working) and our hard work and your patience is about to pay off soon, and not just with the containers ;-) Expect some exciting announcements in the coming weeks as everything comes together.

Permalink Reply by Admin on May 24, 2010 at 10:38pm

We're now shipping updated GearPods components as part of our Spring 2010 products. All components received a new thread system and additionally, Terminators and Connectors now feature a new sealing mechanism. The result is that GearPods are now 100% watertight.