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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Send us an email if your
question is not here or the answer does not exactly apply to your situation.
General
Info
Underwater Photography
Seahorse
Laptop Case (SE & SX 710CC & 720CC)
Seahorse
Cases - General Info
PDA, Cell Phone & GPS Cases
Firearms
Cases
Watertight Wire Seals
Other Faqs
Answers
If I find a product on your
website cheaper elsewhere, will you meet/beat that price?
We work very hard at offering the most competitive
price in the industry and no one can beat our customer service.
If you find a lower price elsewhere, please
send us an e-mail
or give us a call and we will do everything
in our power to beat any of our competitor's
prices.
We will never be unknowingly undersold.
Do your cases float?
Everything we sell will float, within reason. All our cell phone
cases will float with the intended equipment, so will the PDA cases.
If you are trying to hide your gold at the bottom of a lake, I'm sure
that you can make a Seahorse or a UWK case sink for example, if it still doesn't
sink, you can add a cinder block to the handle. The larger cases
will float so well that they could actually make a great life preserver,
I'm sure that there is some law that prevents us from selling cases for
this purpose, but if it's the only thing floating, grab it! We took
two UWK1427 cases full of gear (tents, food, etc) on a canoeing/camping
trip through the Wisconsin Chain o' Lakes one summer, dragging them behind
us in the water, floating on their own. No sense putting all that
weight in the canoe. Try to avoid white water with this set up. |
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How can I calculate buoyancy?
Do you need to calculate the buoyancy of any of our cases? Click here for the formula.
What do you have for Underwater Photograpy?
We currently carry one hard case UW camera housing by Camerashield that is rated to 100' underwater. We also carry several Dry Bags for digital cameras and also one for Video recorders that are factory rated to 30' underwater.
Will
my camera work with the Camerashield
Housing?
If your camera dimensions are: Height: 3 1/8“ x Width: 2 1/8” x Length: 5"
or smaller, your camera will work with the Camerashield. Our unique 3 way adjustable shutter actuator allows the Camerashield to be used by a wide variety of camera models. You can compare the Camerashield
housing specs to your camera. If it fits inside the housing it will work.
The shutter actuator arm is fully adjustable to align with any shutter
button found on the top right half of a camera. Do consider any
zoom lens that extends when the camera is turned on. You will need to
check your camera size while turned on. We recommend that you also purchase
the conversion kit to set up your own camera. |
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Will my zoom lens work
in the Camerashield?
We recommend that you disable your zoom lens and if possible set your camera
to wide angle as these take the best UW pictures unless you plan on only
going after small critters and then set at macro for that dive. Ideally
you want your camera lens up against the Camerashield glass to prevent
your flash from reflecting within the housing causing what we call light
scatter. Zoom is not very practical underwater since what you see
is not the same as the camera sees. Fishes have a tendency of not posing
for very long and you have to get what you can when you can. The
camera will ultimately take pictures of water itself and depending on
clarity, debris and organisms floating around. No such thing as
panoramic underwater pictures as a rule and 4 to 10 feet gets the best
results. Lighting is really your main concern and always use your
flash and take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible by shooting
upwards. Here you can take pictures of other divers of fish profiles.
Below 6 feet the red color disappears first and has to be reintroduced
with the flash. |
The Camerashield housing has a lip at its perimeter to prevent scratches when you
set it down on something. For the most part, small scratches will
practically disappear underwater as the density is similar. If you
were to accidentally manage to gouge it somehow, like on a reef you still
have an opportunity if it does not coincide with the exact location of
your camera lens. Depending on your camera size, you may also be able
to set it up differently to re-align it away from a major scratch.
Even then, not all is lost. The Camerashield is designed in such
a way that you can flip the cover over and use the other side of the housing
the same way, as both sides are the identical. To protect your Camerashield
when transporting it or in storage, we offer our protective Neoprene sleeves that can be attached to to the Camerashield with a ring and becomes a
lanyard and wrist strap while diving.
Can I use my digital
camera?
If will
fit inside the housing, it will work. There
are however, some things to consider when using a digital camera with
our Camerashield Housing.
Most digital cameras have an auto shut-off after (3-5 minutes) feature
to save battery life and you need to be aware, especially when going diving
that you will not be able to access the power button in the event that
your camera turns itself off.
We have found that most digital cameras can
have this feature turned off or the time lengthened before it automatically
turns itself off. You will be able to confirm this from reading
your camera owners manual to learn how to change this setting. Even with
earlier model digitals that cannot have the shut down setting
changed, this can still be overcome by intentionally sacrificing a few
pictures during a dive to keep the camera turned on. Most digital cameras
can store in excess of 100 pictures so even if you ultimately have to
sacrifice (and later delete) 15 pictures you have bought yourself 30 to
45 minutes of 'ON' time. (More than most dive times that last 45 to 60
minutes.) |
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We also recommend that you start off with a fresh set of batteries
to avoid a shutdown because your batteries ran out during a dive.
That would be a bummer.
Here are a couple more tips to help you get the best possible underwater
pictures:
(underwater, most photography rules change, practice makes perfect)
1. Always use your flash, this will dramatically improve picture
quality by introducing the red color that is lost underwater.
2. If possible, fix the focus to fixed or wide angle.
3. Set your camera with the lens all the way up against the glass
to avoid the flash reflecting inside the housing into your picture.
4. Take advantage of natural lighting by taking pictures upwards (towards
surface) rather than downwards, away from light.
5. Get as close as possible to your target. Where you can see through
any water murkiness, the camera cannot and the picture will be of the
water in a nice shade of gray and green.
6. As you dive, the housing will flex inward slightly, and since
you placed the camera forward against the glass (#3 above) it will move
it backwards a bit. Keep this in mind when setting up the shutter
actuator so that the camera movement does not miss the button when you
get to 100'. At this depth we are only talking about 2 mm, but if
you start way off center you do chance missing the button at certain depths.
Do you have a video housing?
Check out our Dry Pak Camcorder Housing.
What's with the the camera
thickness and diving depth?
At 145' we can establish a deflection on the
center of the housing of 2.5 mm. Keep
this in mind when sizing a camera to the Camerashield
housing.
How is the CS-C100 (Combo) different from the CS-D100 (Digi-Dive)?
The housing is the same. One comes with a free 35 mm camera and the other
with a 3.8 digital camera. If you plan on setting up your own digital
camera, we recommend you purchase the CS-C100 along with the Conversion
kit. Both models allow you to remove the camera for replacement and land
use.
**THE CS-D100 DIGI-DIVE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED DUE TO CHINESE COMPETITION** What is the best film
for UW photos with the CSC100?
ISO 200 down to 40 feet, ISO
400 below that.
Will
my Laptop fit in the
Seahorse SE710CC ?
The SE710CC and its “Space Age” Impact Absorbing Material
tray was designed to hold even the largest laptops.
The cavities in the neoprene insert are as follows:
(As you are looking into the case)
Long cavity at left: 2 7/8" L to R X 11 5/8" F to B X 2 3/4" D (for cables
and longer items).
Laptop Tray: 14 1/8" L to R X 11 13/16" F to B X 1 1/4" D (removable
Velcro strap can secure up to 3" thick laptop)
Below laptop a) Lower Left 6 3/8" L to R X 10 7/16" F to B X 1 1/4" D
b) Lower Back Right 6 3/16" L to R X 3 5/8" F to B X 1 1/4" D
c) Lower Front Right 6 3/16" L to R X 6 1/2" F to B X 1 1/4" D
The horizontal
dimensions of the SE-720CC are exactly the
same. Add 2 inches to the depth.
Your laptop computer is bigger than 14 1/8" X 11 13/16"? Not
all is lost. By performing a small modification, you can easily fit a
laptop measuring up to 17 1/4" wide. The thin rib separating the
Laptop Cavity and the Long Cavity at Left can be removed with a sharp
blade. This modification must be performed by you, the end user. Modified
laptop trays may not be returned for full credit.
What's the difference between the SE Series and the SX Series by Seahorse?
Different plastic resin. The SE series and SX series cases are both molded using the same molds but the plastic polymer resin used is different. The SE series cases are molded in Polypropylene (PP) resin and the SX series are molded in ABS resin. ABS resin has a higher molecular weight and greater density making the SX cases heavier in weight and also heavier duty than their SE Series counterpart and than any other protective case on the market. SX series are by far the toughest and most eXtreme cases anywhere. Although the same molds are used to mold each model of SE and SX cases, ABS resin has a smaller shrinkage rate after molding making the SX series slightly larger than the SE series. The wall thickness of all Seahorse cases compares to that of a Pelican or Storm case that are also molded with Polypropylene resin. Other case manufacturers also use ABS resin as used in the SX series, but cases designed for ABS are built with much thinner walls to keep the case weight down and in the end offer similar impact strength as any case designed in Polypropylene resin. Since the Seahorse case line was initially designed with a wall thickness adequate for PP, when molded in ABS, the SX cases offer more than three times the impact strength as compared to any other plastic resin case on the market.
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SX series cases are also flame retardant. The SX cases are not rated fireproof, SX series cases will still burn under continued exposure to flames. The flame retardant properties will resist fire somewhat and will cause a flame to self extinguish once the source of fire is removed. In essence, the resin will not carry a flame on its own and will also not drip when melting. The SX Series cases are the only cases available with these properties. Chances of surviving a fire are much greater in one of the SX series cases. |
The SX series cases are probably overkill for most applications. If you are looking for the most likely case to survive a plane crash, then by all means get a SX series case. As a measure of strength and resistance to crushing pressures, the SE series cases are rated to 30 feet (10 m.) underwater, whereas the SX series are rated to 70 feet (25 m.). Please note that SX cases are heavier than the SE series cases. SX cases are available only in Black as a stock color. Contact us for custom colors, minimum quantities apply.
Click here to see the Seahorse SE Series Case line .
Click here to see the Seahorse SX Series Case line.
Click here to see the entire Seahorse Case line, SE and SX .
Why won't the panel
kits fit the SX Series cases?
Our standard panel kits
are only compatible with our SE series cases. Although
the SX cases are molded with the same mold, the shrink rate of the higher
impact resin is slightly different preventing the panel kit screw holes
from aligning correctly. Also keep in mind that the SX series cases
are considerably heavier and for most applications they can be overkill. If ultimately only the SX cases will do, you might
be able to modify the panel kits holes for a proper fit or have the custom
made.
Will my PDA work with
the PDA Armor?
The key elements are the physical dimension
of your PDA. If they are within the
internal dimensions of the case, it will work.
The PDA Armor 2601 case is the same size as
our S3 T2000 model which can also be
used for storing and transporting a PDA.
Both of these can be used with the Belt Clip
Holster that securely clips the case into
place. The orientation of the PDA Armor
is with the screen saver membrane facing inward
to protect it while being carried in the holster.
We now also offer the Armor 1900, 1910 and
3600. Also check out our selection of Dry Bags for PDA and GPS. |
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Will my phone work with
the
Dolphin case?
Not if it's a flip phone. Dimensions rule. If in doubt, please
measure your phone and send us the dimensions. We can confirm it
for you. Looks a little tight? Contact us for a customer provided
solution. We now carry the DP-46F for Flip Phones and several other Dry Pak cases for cell phones.
Do you carry
rifle cases?
We now offer the BW-72.
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Do you have lockable
cases for handguns?
We highly recommend
Seahorse cases with optional locking latches, in either steel or plastic
(won't rust), you can also add padlocks. For single
or dual handgun cases a small Seahorse SE-120
fits a 380 Beretta or most 9 mm and for a
full size 1911 the Seahorse SE-300. Take
a look at our Fuerte Cases exclusive SE-300
Handgun case that comes with
your choice of locking latches and a customized
foam set to protect 2 full size semi-auto
1911 .45 caliber handguns, 2 magazines and
enough room for a full box of 50 rounds. This
is a great case for storing and transporting
your handguns. Case exceds TSA and airline
firearms transport regulations and can be
mounted to most any surface to deter theft.
Contact us if you need help with any usage
ideas. Ask us how. |
How can our group/organization
get a discount?
Tell us about your group or organization.
We offer discounts with quantity purchases and for purchases
be over time we can create a special discount
coupon just for your group. Please send
us contact information and a web site if you
have one. If we like what your group
does, we will also to add your web
site to our Hot Links page.
How
do your cases compare to metal cases?
Durability will be greater with a plastic
case because they will not dent or rust.
They can also be cleaned easily and made to
look new with Armor-All or silicone vinyl
cleaner. A Fuerte Cases case will offer
you high impact resistance because of the resin's
innate properties of being flexible and will
absorb impact differently than metal. Metal
can only resist impact through greater mass
and therefore greater weight of the case.
We carry a number of different product lines
and all are designed for the best impact resistance
based on a variety of needs and requirements
since each manufacturer prefers to do it their
own way by choosing a particular resin and
then adding impact enhancing and UV resisting
additives that work best with their design.
We have cases made with fiberglass reinforced
ABS, Calcium Carbonate additive in polypropylene,
Nylon and Polycarbonate, as is used in manufacturing
bullet proof glass. Tell us how you
plan on using your case and we can advise you on your
best options based on size, weight and use.
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs are revealed in our shopping cart and are retrieved directly
from FedEx and USPS based on the information you enter. We work closely with our freight service companies to negotiate the lowest possible freight cost and then pass on our discounted rates to our customers.
Can you ship with my FedEx, UPS
or DHL account?
Yes. Simply choose "Ship Via my Account" during checkout and include your
carriers account number and service level in the comments fields. You can also send us an email IMMEDIATELY after placing
your order on our website requesting we send
your order via your shipping account. You can also call us with the information at 619 660 2300.
How long before you
ship?
We are located in sunny San Diego, California
and can process and ship orders received by
noon Pacific Standard Time. Next day
air, Express Mail and 2nd Day Air are treated
with even more urgency and we will make every
effort to ship these orders even when received
after 12 PM, sometimes as late as 3:30 PM.
Our shopping cart will offer you numerous
shipping service levels and reveal the charges
for FedEx UPS and USPS.
Will you ship internationally?
Yes. We offer USPS international shipping
options available during the check-out process.
We can also ship with your acount.
We also ship to APO and FPO addresses to reach all military personnel.
What
is your return policy?
You can always return any purchase from us
for a full refund excluding shipping, so long
as the product is unused and complete.
Warranty
is either lifetime or one year depending on
the manufacturer. We will handle all
return and warranty issues.
Click here for more information.
Please click to contact us and we can help you find the right case size.
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FUERTE CASES is THE WATERPROOF CASE COMPANY
Great Products ~ Great Prices ~ Uncommonly Good Service
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