Worth replacing PLB batteries?
Original post
My GME MT410 batteries are out of date. The only authorised refurbisher listed by the australian manufacturer in NZ is Standard Communications in Auckland and suggests a price of $229. I am in ChCh so would have postage costs as well.
Has anyone done this before?
Anyone used a reputable unauthorised battery replacer?
At 260 grams I am tempted to get a newer one half the weight although I see the price hasn't gotten any cheaper.
How do you dispose of an old PLB correctly?
Many newer ones have 10 yr battery life instead of 5-7 years, so factor that into your sums
I personally have this one
http://www.skippersmate.co.nz/product/kti-sa2g-personal-locator-beacon-plb/
140g
10 year battery
Currently on sale for $310
That works out to be around $30 per year
For disposal:
http://beacons.org.nz/BeaconDisposal.aspx
"Anyone used a reputable unauthorised battery replacer? "
Is there such a thing? ... and would you trust your life to them ?
Batteries are, theoretically, replaceable but, in practice, technology moves on. Dispose appropriately (being thankful you didn't need to use it) and buy a new one. I'll be doing the same thing next year.
the unit has to be sealed up properly afterwards or you dont have a waterproof PLB, and without an authorised agent replacing the battery who knows how it should be done for that model of beacon, you've no guarantee of its reliability if you do use an unauthorised agent
"Anyone used a reputable unauthorized battery replacer? "
"Is there such a thing? ... and would you trust your life to them ? " - I think you have hit the nail on the head there! I would be pretty pissed off (if I was still alive), if I activated my beacon and it did not work and no one came to help me.
So, Personally I would purchase a new PLB, there is a great range out there now, and as a someone that sells them we recommend that you are picky and choose one that is suitable for you.
I have the same one as Scottie. Also got it from Skipper's mate. 11-year battery. Paid less than $250 for it last year.
Personally, I would never replace the batteries on a PLB, especially when I can get a good one like I have as cheaply as I did.
List of authorised service centres at bottom: http://beacons.org.nz/BeaconCare.aspx#Authorised%20to%20Service
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| Forum | Gear talk |
|---|---|
| Started by | chriss |
| On | 22 October 2016 |
| Replies | 8 |
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