Hi Saddlesore,
This is Dave from Sinewave Cycles (formerly Bright-Bike) - someone alerted me to your question about the Revolution's waterproof-ness.
The Revolution can remain waterproof despite the open USB connector because the electronics are completely encapsulated in epoxy. If you were to open the enclosure, this is what you'd see:
so even if water gets past the connector, it can't touch anything conductive. We actually do our waterproof testing with the enclosure open, relying solely on the epoxy to protect the system.
As for the USB connector itself, the contacts are gold plated and won't rust or corrode.
Lastly, Cass Gilbert is using one on his trip, as far as I've heard it's been going well. Have you heard otherwise?
Please let me know if you have any other questions or if I can be of help in any way. My email is
david.dean@sinewavecycles.com.
Thanks,
Dave