NASA Navtex

[Scubafill]

I have a NASA Navtex (Target range) on board, I cant tell how old it is but I would say over 5 years.
I have got it to work but the memory does not hold the data. I suspect the internal batteries are shot.
On investigation the batteries are soldered to the printed circuit.
If I can get the small round batteries from RS, Maplins etc can I solder it myself?
Will soldering damage the printed circuit or the batteries?
I contacted NASA through their web page - not even the courtesy of an acknowlegement let alone an answer.

Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[celandine]

If it's over five years old, it will have the whip-type arial going into a black box at its base. If the unit is not working, check inside this box. I have found this to be full of water on two separate units.

Mick

<hr width=100% size=1>. . . . . . .<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.marinersboatyard.co.uk>boatyard</A>

 

[Scubafill]

The unit has 2 aerials , one a whip and the other a white plastic cover over a printed circuit, the unit works ok but it should hold the data when the boat power is switched off.
I am not so worried about the data but I have to reprogramme it each time I use the boat and miss the transmissions.

Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[steve6367]

Are they not designed to be left on all the time.............the battery I think is only for short breaks in power.

I leave mine all, so that when I get to boat I have all the latest forcasts. It only draws a tiny amount of power.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[colvic987]

go to the nasa website to download the instructions, the internal battery takes 40 hours to charge up, and will lose all information if turned off after about 48 hours, i normally turn mine off when not on boat , and will get the next transmission when i get back on boat,(i will always take as much weather info from internet before i go to boat, so i know the forecast for at least the next two days. i use the clipper navtex, which also needs 40 hrs to charge fully the internal battery, try leaving it on or wire direct to battery...i dont have to reprogram it, try phoning nasa for more info, they are approachable, and should be able to answer your questions...

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cliff]

I do not quite know what the battery looks like BUT...... Maplin do batteries with the solder tags already WELDED onto the batteries so you can solder them onto boards or together without affecting the batteries themselves.

They also do button cell holders for soldering onto pcbs

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Toutvabien]

Or send it to NASA who operae a very fast and reasonably priced service/repair department. Had a similar problem which they sorted out in a couple of days for about £25

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I have the cipper, which seems to keep the data indefinately in a flash memory.

The guy next to me on the mooring has the target and complains that he has to reset it each weekend to program stations etc.

Maybe as said above, the target will not keep the data if you shut the power down for days on end.

If you change the battery be careful, lithium batteries can pop if you put too much heat on them (soldering iron). They are quite toxic, even the button cells can be quite dangerous.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk>Woof</A>

 

[steve28]

Having just got a target navtex pro its all a bit new to me but the instructions do say that the unit is designed to be left turned on permantly and that the internal battery is only good for about 40 hours.
Going on this its probably not charging the internal battery before you turn it off.


Steve

<hr width=100% size=1>