PLB Fast find 210 battery replacement

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doctormilner

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I'm sure most are familiar with the problem of high cost of replacing batteries in these units. I bought a new Mcmurdo battery and top piece for about £60 and fitted it myself in about 10 mins. The unit then tested ok. I know they want you to use the expensive service centres which almost equate to the cost of a new unit which test other things in addition to the battery change but for most of us what I did will work just fine
 
Why are you telling us? If you are happy then its your decision. What other cost saving tips do you have for safety equipment?
 
I still think that 5 years sat in a damp environment is enough for a bit of electronics I may depend on for my life one day. I put my money where my mouth is on this one and (carefully) disposed of mine when the battery expired. But I'm quite prepared to accept my view may be extreme.

To the OP... have you checked the waterproofing on the device since you re-assembled it - just to be sure?
 
I posted this as I had always understood you could not change the batteries yourself and getting it done was very expensive. In addition to the batteries you get a new top with new gasket fitted and a spare gasket. Sutton Marine supply these, not sure if they deal with the public.I too disposed of my large boat epirb rather than spend >£260 on new battery fitting. I test and service my lifejackets and liferaft.You can save a lot of money.My 20 lifejackets cost about £16 each to check then any bits at full price ie lights £24 each, I was able to buy 12 united moulders lights date 2021 £8.50 each, same for cartridges, must admit the Hammar ones are a bit more fiddly to fit. I also have a personal AIS on my lifejacket by Kannad, I was checking it over and couldnt get it to open as it should in an emergency.I had to pry it open with small screwdriver, I then sanded the lip down till it still had slight resistance and I could slide it open, worth checking if you have one of these.I also have GPS subscription device called spot and a satellite phone in addition to SSb radio.
 
I was searching far and wide for instructions on how to change the battery in a PLB but could find nothing. Maybe this will help others...
This year, the unit will be four years old and the batteries, although suggesting replacement by 12/2017, are flat. So, the choices. 1. Send it back to a service agent who will test the unit and replace the batteries for between £90-150. 2. Buy a new unit. 3. Change the batteries.
Obviously, I did a few Google searches but found little information other than righteous arguments about how it's a life-saving device and to do anything other than send it to an agent or replace will lead to your death in horrible, very wet circumstances. Well, it's an individual decision but I purchased a replacement battery kit for £75 from ebay.
Method for unit with DEAD BATTERIES ONLY. :
Lift red tab and bend back to access screw
Unscrew and lift off top cover
Undo two screws either side of interior unit. You can let the antennae open, it makes things easier
Pull off head unit and little gasket to reveal PCB
Pull PCB out to access batteries. Remove batteries by unplugging from the PCB.
Replace in reverse order, folding the antennae back if you let it open. Note, the gasket only fits one way by pushing it over the joint between the top and bottom unit. Press test to check light flashes: dot-dash-dash-dash.
 
Strake said:
This year, the unit will be four years old and the batteries, although suggesting replacement by 12/2017, are flat.
Click to expand...

Never mind the hoo-hah over whether or not to DIY, this part is far more important. Why is the battery flat two years before its expiry date? Should the rest of us be worried?

Pete
 
I seem to recall, perhaps last year, manufacturers (whose manuals exorted us to test the battery every time we went sailing) admitted that once or twice a year will suffice - otherwise the battery goes flat rather quickly (!)

It's a case of RTFM and then do what you know makes more sense.

Rob.
 
doctormilner said:
I'm sure most are familiar with the problem of high cost of replacing batteries in these units. I bought a new Mcmurdo battery and top piece for about £60 and fitted it myself in about 10 mins. The unit then tested ok. I know they want you to use the expensive service centres which almost equate to the cost of a new unit which test other things in addition to the battery change but for most of us what I did will work just fine
Click to expand...

For what its worth, after replacing your batteries, if you want a free epirb test (in a controlled manner??) visit www.406link.com and follow the instructions. (obviously this will not test the devices' immersion capabilities!)
 
Rather interesting discovery regarding battery life on the FastFind 406.
In an idle moment, I decided to take a closer look at the batteries. On the back of the casing, it clearly states'Replace battery by 12/2017' Sure enough, there is a label on the battery showing 'DEC2017'. All fine until you peel that label off and underneath it states 'Replace: Aug 16'.
Now, to me..that seems a bit naughty if not downright dishonest.
I have a photo but not sure how to post it.
 

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