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Hi I was just wondering if anyone who has a XTS/astro/saber R has ever completely submerged the unit? (the easy way, or the hard way If so , was it still in working condition? How long was the unit submerged for?
Not a Saber or newer model, but once I dunked an MX300R in a fish tank while turned on with the volume turned up. The antenna stuck out of the water and the radio was on the NOAA weather channel (162.550) so I could hear how long the radio would operate under water. The battery died after about five hours (normal time, given the duty) and the radio never leaked, fully submerged. (But not under pressure like it would be ten feet down or more)
I've been tempted to test an Astro R II housing I've got sitting here with no radio in it. I may build up the frame with all correct parts and put a moisture indicator patch inside it, tie a string to the antenna, and drop it in the pool for a few hours. If the patch stays dry, I'll be reasonably satisfied. Since it's a II model, I'll be able to monitor the patch right thru the display window.
Whell that works great for the marine radios, if you use it in your bathtub. PS does that count as "marine mobile", if I jump on a trampoline, can I say i'm air mobile? J/K
I went swimming with my SABER R II vhf for about 2 hours. It went down about 3 feet at times. No problems until I pushed one of the buttons. They should be left alone until on the surface since there is no seal other than contact type.
Still didn't really have any problems. A drop got inside around the button but that was it.
XTS3K's are not waterproof by any stretch of the imagination. Immediate retreival may save one. Any longer, and "goodnight Irene." Maybe fresh from the factory you might have a chance. Remember these radios just snap together!!!