EPIRB battery

[DaiB]

I have a ACR type RLB-28 406 Epirb which is due for battery change as it's five years old.
I was quoted 210 pounds plus vat for this.
Anyone any idea's where I can get the battery or get it changed at a reasonable cost.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[qsiv]

ACr's price is $267, so the sterling price doesnt look untoward..

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[LadyInBed]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.cellpacksolutions.com/index.asp> cellpacksolutions </A> might be able to help if you have a battery cell number

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sandy.]

I know your problem, these batteries are a rip off but I can make them cheaper!

I am trying to get samples of used, scrap EPIRB batteries so that I can make copies. Obviously the manufacturers are not going to provide me the drawings so I am appealing to anyone who has scrap EPIRB batteries to let me have them. I will pay postage, and for your help quote you a pretty special price for your trouble. Contact me by private email. I own a company that builds battery packs for the elecronics industry.

I should point out though that replacing the battery is only a part of the solution. The other part is having the EPIRB properly serviced, which only the manufacturers or specialist companies can do.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[claudio]

RS Components do the actual cells that make up the battery pack. They can be found <A target="_blank" HREF=http://rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/browse/Module.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0812198225.1070320910@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccchadckddlemidcfngcfkmdgkldfhn.0&cacheID=ukie&3247773862=3247773862&stockNo=3246732>click here</A>. The complete battery pack shouldn't cost more than around £50 (depends on cell configuration) Just slip some heatshrink over the cells and you've got a new battery pack.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[claudio]

I've just noticed, RS don't do 'tagged cells'. If you're building a battery pack it is easier to solder to the tags else you'll need to spot weld to the cells.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bendyone]

Try Maplins.co.uk They supply tagged cells.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

I replaced the batteries in my Epirb about 5 years ago. It is a 121.5 one and I removed the original batteries(with difficulty) and got replacements from one of the specialist battery companies - 'AllBatteries' from memory, about £25 if I remember but lousy delivery - I had to chase them. They were tagged Lithium batteries and I just had to solder them together and replace.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[charles_reed]

I'm faced with a similar challenge.

However as long as the monthly test light flashes the battery is still up to voltage, so until that fails there is no overriding reason to change.

I suspect it will be no more expensive to ditch the whole EPIRB and buy new - remaking the batteries is almost impossible as they're a sealed unit.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alex_rogers]

I'm in a similar position. I was quoted an amount similar to this but it also included some degree of servicing and checking the quality of the transmitted signal. Apart from making up your own batteries, there doesn't seem to be much alternative but to bite the bullet and pay for it.


<hr width=100% size=1>Alex Rogers
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.YachtsAtSea.com> www.YachtsAtSea.com </A>

 

[Sandy.]

Well Charles, if you decide to go down that road you could always offer the EPIRB to me at a nominal price rather than ditch it!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: \'tagged cells\'

Cell Pack Solutions do 'tagged cells' see my earlier post

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bpscmarine]

We can supply a battery for your EPIRB please contact us for price all our info is on www.bpsc-marine.co.uk

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

ACR EPIRBs

The battery is built into the unit which have to go back to the States to the ACR works for the new batteries to be fitted.

The equipment, after testing, is then guaranteed for the life of the new battery.

Not having taken it apart I have to report as a 3rd party that "it is impossible to replace the battery with normal commercial cells".

So much for the pious guesses on the board that you can replace with anything in the RS Components catalogue, tagged or untagged.

UK price is £366.95, stateside is $377, for battery replacement, testing etc.

I can get a brand new McMurdo 406 Fastfind in the UK for £399, for which the replacement battery is £48.
Three months after I bought the ACR, McMurdo came out with the Fastfind which is, IMHO, a superior design.

Guess which way I'll be going

What one has to appreciate is that ACR's main market is commercial aviation - the demands for zero-defect products from FAA and our CAA mean that price is of no interest.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ccscott49]

Re: ACR EPIRBs

I shall remember that! Thanks Charles! Mind you cant remember which my current one is!!

<hr width=100% size=1>