[Q] Current owners: Who still uses their S4A under water? - Galaxy S 4 Active Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

To all those who have owned their S4A for some time now, do you still use it under water?
I am asking because I am curious if this was just a gimmick or something people actually keep utilizing. Also, have you seen any deteriorating quality in the gaskets or USB flap?
I personally only wet my S4A when its dirty. I hold it under the tap and wash it off. If it rains I also don't care about the device getting wet.
I don't dunk it however as water seems to want to get into the USB flap (droplets like to congregate around the USB flap edge). Pressurized liquid environments (fancy way of saying putting it into water) seem to be what breaks the S4A since a complete submersion lets water find its way in through any opening no matter how small. Showers seem to be a-ok.

The USB flap on my second Active pulled off after about 2.5 months.

I wash mine in the sink about once a week, I read some article somewhere that cell phones are dirtier than bathroom doorknobs. If it ends up getting waterlogged I'll throw it against the wall and buy a S4 w/OBEX case (or a Nexus 5 if they come out with a waterproof case).
I still like my S4A, it still does what I want it to and the water-resistant feature is a must for me nowadays, but it seems to be less water-resistant than advertised and there's not much dev support for it. I won't take it in the ocean or pool that's for sure.

Related

[Q] Most bothersome item no longer bothersome? ( USB cover flap )

S4 Active. It's been a pretty good phone and my first Android phone. I picked the Active version not because I am "active", but because I am clumsy and break rules around sensitive electronics (*grabs greasy french fry and continues typing, for instance) and because the colors of the TFT display are better in bright sunlight. I do miss the 13MP camera though...
So anyway the most annoying thing about the phone is constantly pulling open the rubber flap that covers the USB port for charging. Today, at some point, the little flap decided to take a vacation and now there is just a little rubber nub. I never pulled on it or twisted it, but I assume with it now missing my water resistance rating is completely nullified. I was hoping it would be a little more durable on par with the rubber flaps that cover the ports on my CANON EOS 20D which have been opened/closed constantly for almost 10 years and don't show a single sign of wear.
Is this part replaceable? OR is there something else I can sub to cover the port and keep at least dust out of there?
Has anyone else had this happen (yet?)
People in thread S4 Active(i9295 and i537) Replacement Parts Page deal with this kind of problems and someone there already asked about usb cover but it's still unanswered.
Thanks! Well at least I found the cover on the floor near my charger at home. I guess I'll just keep it out of the fishbowl :fingers-crossed:
I worry the same way my old samsung rugy pro the flaps felt very good but the active worrys me if it was replaceable easily I would feel bettrt

Flappy charging port cover

I'm not sure if anyone is aware, but the flappy charging port cover is just dust protection cover, it provides no waterproofing. I cut mine off months ago it's very annoying. It does not affect the phone's ability to survive 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
My phone see's water daily in the shower or going wakesurfing. Still working like brand new since day 1!
I don't know that I'd be willing to risk it. How can something possibly prevent water from entering, but allow dust in? Even if the port is sealed off from the rest of the device (like the headphone port), you have to consider that you are introducing electricity into the environment. Any amount of residual water can and will cause a short.
my-blue-snog-box said:
I don't know that I'd be willing to risk it. How can something possibly prevent water from entering, but allow dust in? Even if the port is sealed off from the rest of the device (like the headphone port), you have to consider that you are introducing electricity into the environment. Any amount of residual water can and will cause a short.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes sense. Sealing it off to prevent water intrusion w/o the flap seems pretty easy, but to make the port dust proof you'd need the flap (the innards of the phone would be water/dust proof behind the connection port, the flap would be to keep the dust out of the port only)
I won't try it but if you're saying it works for you I'll feel a little better when the wife's port cover rips off...
That's good to know, mine's been getting looser and looser and I've been more worried to go near water since it isn't feeling so tight anymore!
Keep in mind that if you have at&t, this should be covered under the 1 year warranty. You may have to argue a bit with the rep, but I got mine replaced when it pulled off.
As a fixer, I decided to test this theory. My friend's two year old ripped her charge port cover off and wanted me to fix it. I've been looking for the past day, and haven't found anything that is a direct replacement, just filler pieces for generic micro-USB or for the S3 ports (same thing, really).
So I took the phone apart so I could see the inside, and I, using electrical contact cleaner spray so I don't break the phone, barely pulled the trigger so it would dribble down into the port instead of blast everywhere. Well, I saw contact cleaner on the inside of the phone within like 2 seconds.
Conclusion: the charge port is not sealed. It might handle a splash if you let the port dry out, but forget about dunking it.
As a tip, search eBay for "6pcs Micro USB Port Dust Cap Cover for Samsung Galaxy S III S3 GT-I9300 (Black)". That is the title of the listing where I found 6 filler pieces for $5 USD, while the popular link provided in these forums for TOPI Covers (topicovers .com/products/micro-usb-port-cover) sells them at $2 each.
I contacted the support center for the store (Elkjp, a norwegian national store owned the Dixon Group) where I bought my Galaxy S4 Active about the cover for the USB-connector, and got this reply (translated into English):
"According to the manufacturer the USB-connector itself is waterproof without the rubber cover. The robber cover is only for dust protection. Normally the warranty does not cover water damage, but with some products, like you Galaxy S4 Active, we will approve your warranty request if water have penetrated into the phone, as long as it has no other visual damages."
Unsure who the store's support supervisor has contacted for this informastion, might be just a wild quess by the supervisor or Samsung in Norway. The manufacturer warranty in Norway is 2 year for Samsung mobile phones, and national customer warranty/complaints are 5 years for mobile phones, according to Norwegian law.
Clarence_C said:
As a fixer, I decided to test this theory. My friend's two year old ripped her charge port cover off and wanted me to fix it. I've been looking for the past day, and haven't found anything that is a direct replacement, just filler pieces for generic micro-USB or for the S3 ports (same thing, really).
So I took the phone apart so I could see the inside, and I, using electrical contact cleaner spray so I don't break the phone, barely pulled the trigger so it would dribble down into the port instead of blast everywhere. Well, I saw contact cleaner on the inside of the phone within like 2 seconds.
Conclusion: the charge port is not sealed. It might handle a splash if you let the port dry out, but forget about dunking it.
As a tip, search eBay for "6pcs Micro USB Port Dust Cap Cover for Samsung Galaxy S III S3 GT-I9300 (Black)". That is the title of the listing where I found 6 filler pieces for $5 USD, while the popular link provided in these forums for TOPI Covers (topicovers .com/products/micro-usb-port-cover) sells them at $2 each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense, but you sound less than scientific and I see numerous holes in your testing. If the device is rated by the manufacturer to be waterproof without the USB flap then it seems unreasonable to question without definitive evidence that it is not, which thus far you have failed to provide.
Sent from my GT-I9295 using XDA Premium HD app
i agree. dont mock if you are no expert!!
The IP67 rating is based upon 1 meter of water depth for 30 minutes without water intrusion. This requires positive sealing methods like the silicone gasket on the cover with snap clips holding it down with pressure. A little flappy cover that just sets in place provides no sealing what so ever at 1.4psi.
pyro254750 said:
No offense, but you sound less than scientific and I see numerous holes in your testing. If the device is rated by the manufacturer to be waterproof without the USB flap then it seems unreasonable to question without definitive evidence that it is not, which thus far you have failed to provide.
Sent from my GT-I9295 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked the manual (from Samsung.com) and on page 11 says it's NOT waterproof without the USB cover correctly in place:
"Caution! Be careful not to damage or detach the multipurpose jack cover. A damaged or missing cover can result in water damage to the device."
It may be a CYA note, or maybe it's not water-resistant without the cover. As far as I can find this is the only 'official' word on whether or not it's water-resistant without the flap (which its supposedly not). I'm not doubting the OP by any means, if his phone works without the cover that's great, but I'm not going to rip mine off on purpose to test it out.
TwoStroker37 said:
The IP67 rating is based upon 1 meter of water depth for 30 minutes without water intrusion. This requires positive sealing methods like the silicone gasket on the cover with snap clips holding it down with pressure. A little flappy cover that just sets in place provides no sealing what so ever at 1.4psi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, a rubber stopper in a sink or bathtub will not seal because the water is only a few inches deep?
In theory, the flap will always seal if it fits well (no dirt, cracks, etc.) and the pressure outside the phone is greater than the pressure inside the phone, but not so great a difference to structurally deform or damage the seal. If the phone remains vertical with the flap at the bottom, it doesn't need the seal at all. Think of an inverted bottle without a cap. You can push it down into the water, but the air remains inside.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Water proof cover.
If you do not like the dust cover on the phone you can try a piece of silicone ear plugs. The are designed to keep water out of your ears when swimming just don't force it into deep in the usb port. If your still not satisfied and you want to dunk the phone a simple zip lock bag works great for most phone and you can still use the touch screen though it will not be as sensitive. I have used plastic bags to keep my phone dry in the rain several times. Good luck, hope this was helpful.
Yes It is bit worry for me also and my phone is now out of warranty and I can not replace it.
Wadell said:
[/COLOR]The Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging kit is now available directly through Samsung’s accessory store. Should you choose to make charging on your GS4 “hassle free,” be prepared to shell out $90. In order to become a wireless charging machine, the Galaxy S4 needs both a charging cover (battery cover replacement) and the charging pad (pictured above). The back cover runs $39.99, while the pad will cost $49.99. If there is one added bonus to the charging pad, it’s the fact that it should work with all Qi-certified wireless charging products, so you could get some additional use out of it.
We’ve got links to Samsung’s site below for those who are interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you find the original samsung wireless covers?
I cant find them anywhere?
Do you have a link?
BR
The S4 cover is different than the S4 Active for obvious reasons. It won't fit.
my-blue-snog-box said:
Keep in mind that if you have at&t, this should be covered under the 1 year warranty. You may have to argue a bit with the rep, but I got mine replaced when it pulled off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did they send you the part or did you have to send your phone to them? I don't mind replacing it myself. I ripped mine as well and I also noticed that it isn't as loud with the cover off(noticed that before it ripped off). Either way, I use my phone for work, so I can't be without a phone for weeks while they fix something.
monkeyhouse said:
Did they send you the part or did you have to send your phone to them? I don't mind replacing it myself. I ripped mine as well and I also noticed that it isn't as loud with the cover off(noticed that before it ripped off). Either way, I use my phone for work, so I can't be without a phone for weeks while they fix something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They sent me a replacement, and only once I got that in the mail did I have to send in the defective unit.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Confirmed cover not for waterproofing
I wanted to reiterate this statement. I spoke to Samsung technical support today and they confirmed that cover is just a dust cover. It has nothing to do with keeping water out of the phone. Mine broke off and I'm not going to attempt to replace it.
TwoStroker37 said:
I'm not sure if anyone is aware, but the flappy charging port cover is just dust protection cover, it provides no waterproofing. I cut mine off months ago it's very annoying. It does not affect the phone's ability to survive 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
My phone see's water daily in the shower or going wakesurfing. Still working like brand new since day 1!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not quite sure that usb port cover flap is only to protect from dust. Then why on every video, instructions, manuals, after unplugging usb cable there is a warning to close usb cover and in camera Aqua Mode too, if not closed properly this situation water will damage phone? I havent heard of wateroroof usb. Every waterproof phone has usb cover that protect usb port. Theres only waterproof headphone jack
Wysłane z mojego GT-I9295 przy użyciu Tapatalka

Samsung swears the Galaxy Note 4 won’t bend in your back pocket

Samsung performed many drops, both manual and machine-assisted, showing in its video that the handset’s display will not crack when dropped from various heights on tough surfaces and that the phone will continue to work. However, in some of those tests it’s clearly visible that the plastic rear case may come off.
poordonnao said:
Samsung performed many drops, both manual and machine-assisted, showing in its video that the handset’s display will not crack when dropped from various heights on tough surfaces and that the phone will continue to work. However, in some of those tests it’s clearly visible that the plastic rear case may come off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every phone I have had with a replaceable battery has rear plates that pop off if dropped. In the old days it was every drop, now its only occasionally. This is not a surprise. In fact it is necessary. the back falls off because the unit is flexing, and the popping of back cover is actually releasing some of the stress. In at least a minor way, your device receives less damage this way.
As for the bending in the pocket... all larger phones will have some flex in them. The video I saw of the iphone and the note 4 bending shows that under extreme stress the phone will bend. The amount of force to make it bend is in the neighborhood of 150+ lbs of force.... however, remember that this is concentrated force, so if you weigh more than 150 pounds it doesn't mean that you will bend your phone. Unless your pocket is made out of some materiel that will press against your device with the concentrated force of 2 fingers pushing up, while the rest of the fingers are pushing down... The iPhone 6 was less durable, but to be fair it still took about 70 lbs of force to bend it.
The biggest difference is that the iPhone nearly creased at the volume buttons. It was bent, and bent bad, and it would be difficult, if not impossible to bend it back. The Note 4 was a gentle curve, and it was able to be counter bent back to being flat.
The truly funny part of all of this is that all of Apples "benefits and features" are slowly becoming its flaws. For example the all metal body is why it bends so bad and so easily... and the screen size that was perfect is now too small and they had to make them bigger to compete. (just wait until they start to brag about the plastic construction in the iPhone 7 (or iPhone 6p)
I have been saying the same thing about the iPhone. Someday the smaller and lighter will give way to some sort of weakness. Knowing them they might use a magnesium frame like Samsung and HTC use, but then they will act like it's something revolutionary that they came up with.

S-pen issues

Hi ,
I've been really enjoying all aspects of the phone apart from battery life until today.
I was in the sea taking underwater videos (having done the same all week, just below the surface not deep) on holiday and then the phone gave the 'you have left your s-pen behind message'.
Dried the phone off and tested it, the s-pen didn't work at all, no reaction on the screen at all. The problem has the following symptoms:
- If I restart the device with the S-Pen in, it then detects when it's removed. I can interact with the screen but the options such as magnifier have gone weird, i.e. they flicker on very quickly when you're closer than normal to the screen.
- I can't click the little floating circle with the pen, tapping it or pressing the button does nothing.
-returning the pen to the device does nothing, it's as if it's still removed.
Please help, I was really considering selling the device and I really don't want the hassle of having to post it off to Samsung knowing that they will likely be difficult and blame me.
I'd be grateful for any help you can give.
Thanks,
Andrew
First thing is to check the s-pen is good, if you have access to and old note or galaxy tab s3 see if the stylus works (otherwise pop into a local best buy, or any place that has working display models and test it out).
If the s-pen works then chances are the switch that tells if pen is present may be jamed/broken (maybe a little bit of sand got somewhere in there), try flush it out, I'm not sure poking around with a q tip would be advisable (your toletance of risk)
If your s-pen don't work try the working s-pen on your screen.
If neither work sounds like the EMR is malfunctioning, which requires servicing.
Edit: grammar
S-pen may still have water inside. Take the tip out and maybe blow warm air inside or shake water out or something. I had one of older pens open up and there is cavity inside, not sure if the new pen is the same, but if water got inside and it seems it did, may be more difficult to dry out. I don't think Samsung covers water damage, so I wouldn't voluntary disclose that, also I would try just to go to store and try other pen maybe all you need is new pen. If it is, it may actually be less troublesome to pick Note 7 pen on ebay or something, they are the same and many people have leftovers(including me). If I was going to do underwater photos I would probably put some tape on all openings as a precaution. I did some underwater photos with my Note 7 before, but I knew it's going back on recall so didn't care and didn't have problems, with N8 I didn't dare to do it yet. And remember it's 5ft/30 min max. and no charging until it's completely dry.
The s-pen for the note 8 is actually water resistant too (though Samsung does not quote the exact IP rating for the pen). The s-pen is a passive device and it's near impossible to kill it with water (my kids have subjected other wacom pens to various forms of water torture, once completely dry they work right as rain)
Phone is water proof, pen is waterproof and yet it doesn't work after being submerged under water. My best guess and it's only a guess, water somehow got inside and interferes with the operation. OP should first check if it's pen only or the phone. Pen itself should be easy to fix even without Samsung, broken phone will require Samsung repair or replacement, so hopefully it's pen and it isn't too difficult to check. If it's the phone, you can't even open it, so outside of making sure pen cavity is fully dry (BTW s-pen won't work if phone thinks pen is stowed inside) the only remedy is Samsung. As already stated, I used Note 7 under water multiple times and outside of some hicups which went away after the phone was fully dry, I had no issues. Come to think of it, let me repeat this : s-pen won't work if phone thinks the s-pen is still inside, could be wet switch telling phone s-pen wasn't removed yet, even it is.
Someone has to say it, so I'll bite the bullet and say it. "Here's a waterproof phone for you guys" ≠ "go dunking your phone into water"
Also you said sea? Saltwater is not good for anything.
If that option to disable spen detection when the spen is inserted is on to save battery, that's most likely what's doing it. The spen detector thing was damaged or is stuck so it's not telling your phone the spen is removed, therefore your spen digitizer is off.
unlike what some others said, this is a setting, not forced behavior. disable the setting and spen detection stays on when the spen is inserted (or the phone thinks it is)
Salt is corosive on many material. IP ratings do not take into account salt water. Also IP ratings talk about accidental submersion.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-waterproof-are-the-new-iphones-heres-what-all-the-ratings-mean/
Your kinda to blame.
No phone works with SEA water.
It has salt in it and that very different from fresh water.
Its even in the manual that tells you to not put it in salt water. And if it does. To run low pressure fresh water over the phone for 10sec.
So dont sell the phone to someone else. Pay the debutable and get another phone you water damage it.
I didn't realize salt water wasn't included in the water resistance classification. I'm sure if you polled a group of people, this wouldn't exactly be common knowledge. However, it makes sense.
It is included in the fine print, for anyone that RFTM.
Follow these tips carefully to prevent damage to
the device.
• Any device which uses accessible
compartments or ports that can be
opened should have these sealed or
closed tightly to prevent liquid from
entering the system.
• Whenever the device gets wet, dry it
thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
• Water resistant based on IP68 rating,
which tests submersion in fresh water up
to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes. If device is
exposed to fresh water, dry it thoroughly
with a clean, soft cloth; if exposed to
liquid other than fresh water, rinse with
fresh water and dry as directed.
WARNING! Liquid other than fresh water
may enter the device faster. Failure to
rinse the device in fresh water and dry it as
instructed may cause the device to suffer
from operability or cosmetic issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

can a brand new phone ip68 phone get Water damage ( xperia 1 ii )

so i just got my xperia 1ii today, i was wiping the screen with a bit of wet cloth before sticking on the screen protector, then i saw mist on the front facing camera, next thing i know it screen starts to flicker and turn green, then it died, it was a sad day for me, is it possible for water to get in an ip68 phone when brand new?
it was also kinda my fault for using wet cloth, but like all my other ip68 phones this never happened to me T _ T
WYSIWYG... yes it's possible.
Never assume the seals are intact. Protect from water exposure at all times is what I do.
Will Sony warranty cover it???
I am not sure about Sony's warranty on user error.
There is nothing in the box stating anything about warranty. I bought it online but there is a physical shop that I collected the phone from.
I left it in a bag of rice for 10 hours but the screen still turn up black screen with some odd lines and shut itself down, I feel so dumb for causing this, I usually do the same way of installing screen protectors for my Z3+,Z5 and XZ and water never got in, I feel so embarrassed and unlucky T_ T
Rice Doesn't Work!
The phone needs to be powered down and the battery disconnected asap. Otherwise it will likely be destroyed if it isn't already. It needs to then be completely dried out.
-or-
Battle it out with Sony.
Obviously the first option is incompatible with the second option. I'd send the mess back to Sony, they may or may not suck it up easily.
Sony is a pain to deal with...
blackhawk said:
Rice Doesn't Work!
The phone needs to be powered down and the battery disconnected asap. Otherwise it will likely be destroyed if it isn't already. It needs to then be completely dried out.
-or-
Battle it out with Sony.
Obviously the first option is incompatible with the second option. I'd send the mess back to Sony, they may or may not suck it up easily.
Sony is a pain to deal with...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony is hard to deal with, ya so I've heard, too bad stores are not open today or tomorrow need to wait till Monday.
damn it I bought rice for nothing.
SinclairLen said:
Sony is hard to deal with, ya so I've heard, too bad stores are not open today or tomorrow need to wait till Monday.
damn it I bought rice for nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know Sony well, as I have torn into them multiple occasions. They are rotten to the core.
That however doesn't mean that a loose chainsaw can't find an artery
I'm one of the few customers who's gotten a refund check and spoke with a VP in Teterboro NJ. They are slime... the VP's are the worst; a midlevel manager is more likely to help you if you slip through one of the cracks in customer support.
If they take back without trouble, fine.
Otherwise better buckle up Dorothy, it's going be a rough ride.
Did you use a MC or Visa to make the purchase? If so you got leverage...
Send unit back for refund of replacement and do a charge back through the bank.
Do you want another? If not be clear you want a full refund.
Here's the thing I live in Malaysia, I bought it online, and these guys are a small retail start-ups.
They Imported the device from Hong Kong cause we are kinda short on phones that are price above $600. Malaysians don't really spend much on buying new phones hence the difficulty to find high end phones locally, especially Sony, not a popular pick in recent times.
Visa here doesn't even provide any leverage hahaha.
would try to send it back to their local store tomorrow.
I would actually like to get replace to be honest, but some how I have doubts in my mind saying that its gonna be super thought ride.
Have the rear cover removed, disconnect the battery*. Is there visible water in it?
Get out as much as possible.
You need a warm, dry room. Lay on side with a high volume fan on it. Let sit for a couple days.
If you can get anhydrous isopropyl alcohol** carefully flush with that to remove the water. Use care as if it gets between the glass and display it will leave a water mark. Then dry as above.
All connectors, everything must be 100% dry before you reconnect the battery. The room must be dry, heat drives out moisture; use a hot box if you must. Keep temperature under 110F. This may save it...
*the sooner the better.
** never use methanol or isopropyl that isn't at least 96% alcohol. Never use any solvent including isopropyl alcohol with LCD display, it will poison it!
I don't dare to remove the back cover, wont that void the warranty?
I think water got in the LCD connectors, cause last time I turn it on I has weird flickering and turns green with vertical lines.
SinclairLen said:
I don't dare to remove the back cover, wont that void the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it might.
That's a AMOLED display not a LCD...
I got some silica gel put in an air tight jar, its been sitting over night since yesterday, hope it turns on tomorrow, or else I am gonna feel so awkward when I bring it to their store.
Damn I've never brought a Xperia phone or any phone in for water damage or any sort of claim warranty before, its giving me the shakes.
SinclairLen said:
I got some silica gel put in an air tight jar, its been sitting over night since yesterday, hope it turns on tomorrow, or else I am gonna feel so awkward when I bring it to their store.
Damn I've never brought a Xperia phone or any phone in for water damage or any sort of claim warranty before, its giving me the shakes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will do nothing. Do Not power it up.
[UPDATE]
So I brought it to the store, there was a bit of resistance there, but in the end they allow me to bring it back in for a check.
They say hopefully there is no red on the water damage sticker, cause if there is, they cant help, but if its just faulty they can replace the phone.
blackhawk said:
Yes it might.
That's a AMOLED display not a LCD...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony use since xperia 1 an Oled display and not Amoled.
blackhawk said:
That will do nothing. Do Not power it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd be surprised at what silica dessicant beads can do.
V0latyle said:
You'd be surprised at what silica dessicant beads can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heat drives out moisture. You need air circulation as well for best results. With a sealed phone that isn't going to cut it.
First any free standing water needs to be dumped out... that's sort of funny, but true.
If you every dealt with flood damaged cars the magnitude of the problem becomes clear. Powered on circuits can be damaged irreparably in a short amount of time. A lot depends on the conductivity of the water and how long it sits there. If the battery was disconnected the car may be salvageable.
blackhawk said:
Heat drives out moisture. You need air circulation as well for best results. With a sealed phone that isn't going to cut it.
First any free standing water needs to be dumped out... that's sort of funny, but true.
If you every dealt with flood damaged cars the magnitude of the problem becomes clear. Powered on circuits can be damaged irreparably in a short amount of time. A lot depends on the conductivity of the water and how long it sits there. If the battery was disconnected the car may be salvageable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heat can help but the point is to make the air inside the bag extremely dry. Air readily absorbs moisture, which eventually evaporates. Very true about keeping everything turned off; while deionized water is non conductive and won't bother anything, most accidental spills and drops are in contaminated water which not only can be conductive, but may leave behind trace elements as it evaporates.
Still, I've had quite good success with desiccant rescue bags.
V0latyle said:
Heat can help but the point is to make the air inside the bag extremely dry. Air readily absorbs moisture, which eventually evaporates. Very true about keeping everything turned off; while deionized water is non conductive and won't bother anything, most accidental spills and drops are in contaminated water which not only can be conductive, but may leave behind trace elements as it evaporates.
Still, I've had quite good success with desiccant rescue bags.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've cleaned thousands of circuit boards over to remove the flux. Sticking them in a sealed container with dry air is one thing I never did to dry them. Anhydrous sopropyl alcohol is an excellent cleaning/drying agent for most electronics, but needs a dry room to avoid condensation as it evaporates. Dry warm/hot air with high air flow is best for both isopropyl and water. Most times I also used compressed air to knock off the solvent/water beads then dry the pcbs. A high air flow blower of a large shop vac was another favorite for drying them.
Heat drives out moisture ie hot box. Hot boxes have been used for over a century especially in humid climates to preserve surgical instruments, camera equipment and electronics. Works regardless of the outside humidity. The box or cabinet is sealed but not completely air tight.
The surgery room at Pennhurst actually had it's surgery instrument cabinets lined in the back with steam heated radiators, circa about 1900.
They had large glass doors.
You could vacuum dry it though as this be very effective but again the cover should to be removed at the minimum. It's easy to make a small vacuum chamber, the vacuum pump doesn't need to pull a high vacuum to work well at a warm temperature.
Desiccant bags are best used to keep sealed items dry rather than to remove water per se.
I use them to protect lens.
As for the conductivity of the water it's a crap shoot. It could be mixed with sweat, be acidic, or otherwise contaminated.
I used RO water to flush my Buds case when it fell into a full cup of coffee, cream and sugar. The RO water to chase the sugar, then anhydrous isopropyl alcohol to chase the cream and water. Allowed it to dry in the sun and in a room for a day with the spot welded battery in it. I had the case torn apart and flushed within 5 minutes. 2 years later it still works normally. I drank the coffee after I cleaned the case, perfect day
Silica gel works to a degree on my phone, the screen was able to turn on with the start-up logo but as soon it turns on it restarts itself.
I guess two day wasn't enough, especially on phones that are partially sealed, but I guess its true, not all phones are made equal when it comes to waterproof, I remember my XZ was completely waterproof, the swimming pool kind of waterproof.
Its like buying a lottery when you get a phone that fails its waterproof.
still waiting for update from the seller hahaha.

Categories

Resources