Dampness in Seek Reveal Pro

[Ultrapurple]

Hi folks

Even though I've never got my Seek wet (or even used it in the rain) and always keep the rubber 'bung' covering the USB socket, there seems to be a modicum of moisture inside.



This is the first time I've seen the issue with this device. I've seen it on other things, notably an Argus 2 whose screen window fogs considerably when the camera has been running for a few hours; I need to replace or refresh the desiccant. I just can't offhand remember how to dry out a bag of silica gel!

The photo was taken on a reasonably warm, sunny day. I had been using the Seek and it had been lying in the sun for a few minutes so its internal temperature was well above ambient, but not anything silly like too hot to touch.

I don't suppose the Seek has a similar arrangement? Perhaps someone who has stripped one down would care to comment?

Any thoughts on what I can do? My inclination, for now, is to leave well alone, but any comments are welcome.

[Fraser]

The Seek Reveal Pro contains decent water resistance sealing......

1. Seals around each case screw
2. Custom shaped Neoprene gasket that Seals the three case components.
3. USB socket rubber ‘bung’
4. Rubber seal around Seek Imaging core
5. Engineered sealing around LED light.
6. Neoprene button mat forms part of upper casing.
7. LCD display screen is well sealed to the upper casing.

There is no silica gel desiccant pack in the camera.

The sealing is what I would expect to see in a camera with a dust and water splash resistance specification. I would not rate it as adequate for water submersion or continuous heavy spray exposure.

The Seek Reveal Fire model is submersion rated but is likely a modified seal package that provides the required high fluid resistance barrier. Silicone sealant and/or additional seals are likely to be found in it as well. The USB port would need to be fluid rated and an additional seal fitted around it.

As to your Reveal Pro and moisture ingress, it could simply be condensation accumulation due to differential temperature events. Such can accumulate over time when moving between very different temperatures. In your position, I would open the camera, inspect its PCBs for any corrosion and leave the disassembled camera in the airing cupboard to completely dry out. I would then reassemble it whilst taking care to ensure that the custom seals between case parts and around screws were correctly positioned. Adding some petroleum jelly to the seals will improve the sealing properties, as done on fire fighting cameras. Moisture inside a thermal camera is not good for its long term reliability.

You purchased the camera from a large company and many companies have extended the exchange period for equipment due to lockdown and your camera has a minor fault that we have previously discussed. I recommend you send the camera back for exchange in case it has a moisture ingress related issue in addition to the other minor issue that we now about. Could the two be connected ? It makes you wonder.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I forgot to say, I have not seen or read reports of a water ingress problem with Seek Reveal cameras and many are used outside for SAR and hunting.

Fraser

[Vipitis]

I have seen this kind of condensation show up inside "sealed" electronics before. My compact camera used to live in my pocket and on a rainy day or a long walk, the lense sometimes fogged up from inside. The moisture in the air can just get really and get into places water alone wouldn't.

It took some days of just laying it in a dry room to recover the camera. And it broke the internal iris for a few months at times.