ACR Rapidfix battery life and replacement

[ean_p]

Is it possible to DIY the battery replacement in the above epirb and if so are they easy to obtain and at what ball park cost please. Also ACR say that the original batterys have a 5 year service life and a 11 year actual life ...does this mean that unless up and running the units are good for anywhere between 5 and 11 years depending on usage ?

tia
Ian P.

 

[Evadne]

I can offer some general comments on battery replacement:
If someone fitted it in a factory then it is possible to replace it yourself, companies like Farnell, Maplins, RS and CPC will sell all sorts of cells, providing you know what you want. BUT this will almost certainly void any sort of warranty from the company. If they do anything fancy, such as purging the container with dry nitrogen before sealing, then you will find this difficult to do at home. Also if the container is glued together you may end up destroying it in trying to dismantle it. I would look on it as something you are banking, on when all else fails, to save your life. Do you really want to do this on the cheap?
Lithium batteries generally have a 10+ year shelf life, and equipment like this on standby will often consume no more than the self discharge rate. What I think they're saying is that it will work for 5 years, even if it's over 5 years old when it comes off the shelf.

 

[npf1]

I'm in a similar predicament with the battery due to expire in Feb 2006. I was told by ACR that, if I want to take the risk, the battery should be good for at least another year after the expiry date. As with your good self, I was also told that battery replacement is a main dealer only thing on the more recent models.

BTW - what price have you been quoted?

 

[pvb]

As far as I'm aware, ACR will only supply the replacement batteries to authorised repair centres, who also replace the O-ring seals, etc, as part of the replacement process. The only price I've seen quoted for the battery is about £200. I'd agree that the advice on battery life is confusing!

 

[ean_p]

Thanks for the replys....reason for asking is that we have the option on one that is just under a year old and as yet unregistered, just wanted to factor the battery scenario into the cost as it wont be required for about another 12 to 18 months and at around £200 to replace maybe we will reconsider.......
again thanks

Ian P.