Non approved EPIRB replacement batteries - where?

[npf1]

I see that EPIRB manufacturers are banging the drums of FUD to try to deter people from using third party replacement batteries (see link at bottom of post for RYA article).

I don't want to debate the pros and cons of approved/non approved here, but I was wondering if anyone has found anywhere selling non approved replacements for ACR EPIRB?

Thanks

http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/ne...&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=mar13-cruising

 

[KellysEye]

Since your life might depend on your EPIRB I wouldn't use a non-approved battery, why take the risk.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Since your life might depend on your EPIRB I wouldn't use a non-approved battery, why take the risk.

+1

 

[npf1]

I didn’t really want this to be a thread on the pros and cons, which I’m well aware of. But I do know that if faced with a Hobson’s choice of ‘no epirb’ vs ‘non approved battery EPIRB’, I for one would choose the latter.
One of the reasons I asked was because about five/six years ago, after seeing the cost of ACR replacements, I eventually tracked down the manufacturer of their batteries and got a quote to have a small batch made to the same spec. The price they quoted was just about acceptable but I really couldn’t be bothered selling the rest of the batch, so didn’t go ahead. So, in that situation, I would have happily used a non approved battery.

 

[TQA]

If it is an ACR 406 then this company sells them off the shelf Stored Energy Products.

An easy job to fit if you are comfortable with a soldering iron.

Saved enough to buy a PLB.

 

[[70521]]

Having looked at the article I have never read such twaddle:

Battery cells non-compliant with the Cospas-Sarsat type-approval certificate.

True, but not really a problem.

Battery capacity much less than OEM batteries, resulting in decreased operational lifetime, below the specified requirement.

Just how long do you need a signal to start a rescue? I recall ChannelYachty saying that EPIRB is one data element in the decision to start a rescue.

Non-approved batteries not of the same weight as the OEM battery, which may lead to instability of an EPIRB while floating in the water, resulting in decreased transmission reliability

Thats easy to fix, just add some weight. I am sure that sea conditions may have more of an affect than a few grams in the battery

A reduction in radiated signal strength

Do tell how power from battery a pushes the signal further then battery b! Given the same specification.

Short circuiting

Can happen with any make.

Inferior replacement gaskets, seals and other components necessary to maintain the watertight integrity of the beacon.

Sounds like there is a manufacturing issue with the beacon if this is a problem!

I think somebody is desperately attempting to protect their income stream. And yes I would use non OEM kit and do so all the time - it is often made to a much higher specification that the OEM.

 

[Talulah]

An analogy would be car brakes.
It is essential car brakes work when applied.
Some dealerships will warn of fitting non OEM brake parts and some customers will be scared in to fitting OEM parts by this warning and having them 'dealer fitted'.
I myself will fit non OEM brake parts and do it myself.
Do we have a problem with non OEM brakes and DIY fit? Obviously not. The same would apply to non OEM batteries.

 

[Sans Bateau]

I bought a new battery for a lap top from Ebay, a lap top which only gets occasional use. It hadnt been used for around a month when I needed to use it the other week. Tried to power it up, nothing, Mmm, must be flat, plugged in the mains lead, fine! OK lets leave it on charge overnight. Next morning, unpluged it from the charger, tried to power it up, nothing. 6 months old cheap battery dead.

Of course that is an isolated case which will never happen with an epirb.

Tahulah, there is nothing wrong with using pattern parts. Trouble is these days the internet opens up all sorts of markets for the unscrupulous trader. Yes buy EDC, Veleo, SAK etc brakes, but would you buy unbranded from China?

 

[Talulah]

.... but would you buy unbranded from China?

No. I agree with you. There is the Self Test on the EPIRB to provide a degree of feedback.

 

[Sans Bateau]

No. I agree with you. There is the Self Test on the EPIRB to provide a degree of feedback.

OK, so tell me, DIY or proper replacement and test on your coded boat?

 

[Talulah]

OK, so tell me, DIY or proper replacement and test on your coded boat?

Not a coding requirement for up to 60 miles from safe haven.
However, I do have one and replaced the Epirb instead.
Technology moves on.

 

[nimbusgb]

The batteries I put into my Epirb were supplied from the USA, the were made by the same manufacturer as the oem parts, branded the same, same part number, the only difference was the £150 saving.

 

[oldbilbo]

The batteries I put into my Epirb were supplied from the USA, the were made by the same manufacturer as the oem parts, branded the same, same part number, the only difference was the £150 saving.

So give me a name, please, or a usable pointer.... so i can resurrect an otherwise dead and useless EPIRB.

 

[TQA]

So give me a name, please, or a usable pointer.... so i can resurrect an otherwise dead and useless EPIRB.

Try these guys http://sepbatteries.com/.

 

[nimbusgb]

Yup sep are the people to use. Last year I posted this account of investigating and replacing my batteries. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?300094-EPIRB-Battery-replacement

 

[macd]

The batteries I put into my Epirb were supplied from the USA, the were made by the same manufacturer as the oem parts, branded the same, same part number, the only difference was the £150 saving.

Ditto with my ACR, except Amazon UK supplied the batteries. Cost: £13 plus a bit of soldering.