Epirb quandry

[TQA]

I have a ACR GlobalFix RLB-35 epirb that is due to have it's battery pack replaced sometime this summer. The cost of having this done by the agent is $360 plus carriage which will be another $120 assuming I use Fedex or similar. I do understand that the agent will also replace some seals and test it.

I can buy the batteries that make up the pack for $30 plus $6 carriage and am comfortable that I can replace the old with new even if it means some solder work. There is a built in test function so I can check that it works.

I also know that I can by a brand new epirb for around $ 200.

Now if I was heading down into the Southern ocean I might want the latest and greatest in EPIRBS but I am just pootling about the Caribbean and my longest passage that I can foresee doing in the next few years is Cartagena to the San Blas. 3 to 5 days.

My questions are

Has anyone replaced their own epirb batteries. Are there some hidden problems.

Are all the new ones GPS models. Is there a big benefit with the GPS version?

I think if I have to buy a new one I would be happy with a simple manual activation model ideally with DIY battery replacement, so any recomendations?

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Looked at replacing them on my epirb but found they were "potted" ie buried in epoxy resin that had been poured into the battery compartment after the batteries had been installed. Check yours isnt the same.

 

[Seajet]

TQA,

I'm pretty sure if I was in your position I'd go for a new $200 job ( hopefully with DIY batteries ), and have a go at replacing the batteries in your current unit as back-up.

 

[maxy]

Epirb battery replacement

Hi

I know your problem. I have a kannad that need a battery replacement and the cost is roughly equal to a new epirb.

As you have a self test function, I'd be inclined to do it yourself, and also buy a new one. That way you can have your cake and eat it.

As for just pottering in the Caribbean, if you're in trouble, youre in trouble. The distance only affects how soon you're rescued, and your ability to survive whilst waiting.

The GPS versions vary. Some get their own fix, others get the fix data from the ships Nav. Which is more immediate when triggered. The non GPS version produce two curved position lines which intersect some hundreds of miles apart. The ground station has to wait 40 minutes for a second fix to determine which is the actual location. Non GPS versions are still available.

Good luck

 

[gianenrico]

It's not that I recommend it, it's just that the only one I know of with user serviceable battery pack is the EPIRB from Ocean Signal, they have it with and w/o GPS.

As I was enquiring, they gave me an approximate estimate of 60 GBP for the battery cum o-ring.

Just one Allen screw to loose, change battery pack and o-ring, re-tighten Allen screw.

http://www.oceansignal.com/index.php

Please be advised all this is just knowledge and not factual & personal experience.

 

[[2574]]

Just been through that conundrum...

...I found this quite interesting:

http://www.sartech.com/products/servicing/whatsinvolvedinanepirbservice

which explains what is done for the £250 cost. A replacement full blown EPIRB such as mine is £500 hence I proceeded with a professional service.

 

[RAI]

If your going to renew, I would pay the extra for the GPS added version. It takes a while for the COSPAS/SARSAT satellites locate a 406MHz beacon and their accuracy is nowhere near that achieved by the EPIRB's own GPS. Those coordinates get sent up on the emergency signal.