Waterproof a Luksander LF-4
The LF-4 transmitter from LL Electronics (Luksander) is powerful with a short antenna. It has a magnetic on/off switch that works well, even if slightly differently than Marshall's. The low battery signal is better than Marshall's because it really is a low battery indicator. Luksander's warning starts when battery is 3/4 down. Out of a thirteen day life you'll have a couple of days left of life, double beeping every five beeps. Marshall's low battery warning tends to come on with good batteries installed, which can be annoying.
The thing I don't like about the LF-4 is the exposed battery. Though rare, even mounted on a Marshall Trackpack it's possible to get it drenched while bathing - it may short out, and drain. Happened once to me with my Red-tail. The solution is simple. Install a 1/2" soft plastic screw thread protector and discard Luksander's rubber battery sleeve. With RTV silicon gel, fill in the gaps at the end of the battery. Use a tiny stick. Allow to set. After the RTV has dried you can submerge this transmitter without a problem. Certainly the battery won't short out while a hawk is bathing. Each time you replace the battery, reapply. Pick off the old RTV and start again.
If you replace a battery in the field, don't worry about it. Apply the RTV at your convenience. The battery short is a rare occurrence.
Luksander has sealed transmitters with screw-on caps, the XLF series. They are waterproof, have similar operating features, but lack the performance of the LF-4. Very good range, but less than the LF-4, and a battery life of about a week rather than thirteen days as in the LF-4 .
Incidentally, Luksander's magnetic power switch works like this. To turn on, swipe the magnet across the transmitter. To shut it off hold the magnet against the body for two or three seconds but no longer. If you leave the magnet there, transmitter will start again.
Here is a video I made showing how to use the magnetic switch.
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