GME EPIRB SAFETY ALERT - microprocessor failures

[ozscott]

Please see

http://www.gme.net.au/public/pdf/bro...ty%20alert.pdf

Cheers

[WalrusLike]

Thanks for that. I only test it rarely. I will do so more often now.

[ozscott]

I have a GPS one in that date range. My concern is that there is a recognized problem causing failure and testing is only to pick up problems before relying on it. Trouble is you could check it before going out and it could fail an hour later....I dont trust mine now. Im going to write to them asking for a replacement with one with the new component or to have mine serviced and offending component replaced. Happy to pay pro rata.

Cheers

[cormorant]

1. I don't understand why that isn't a recall
2. It is prescribed essential safety equipment with no back up
3. good luck claiming if you die cause it doesn't work
4. hmmmmm this format is fun
5. seriously did they mail you out a letter via your registration details????????
6. Need top check our 2nd one as I think it is also in date range
7. Please lets us know what response you get from GME and if not fair trading. Thanks I didn't know about it and both Bias , whitworths etc all should have signs up in their shops to make people aware

[Crunchy]

8. I always wondered if GME epirbs were as shoddy as their VHF's; so I have always been very wary so I test regularly.
9. Your right, it is fun - I'm starting to warm to the bullet point thread style, maybe SatNav was onto something all along?

[snapperbasher]

1. Gives more credit to keeping your out of date EPIRB onboard 'just in case'....:-)

[ozscott]

Got the info from Redlands Boat Club. A recall would be very costly (I would like to see one) hence the half way measure I guess.

Cheers

[ozscott]

8. I always wondered if GME epirbs were as shoddy as their VHF's; so I have always been very wary so I test regularly.
9. Your right, it is fun - I'm starting to warm to the bullet point thread style, maybe SatNav was onto something all along?

Yes, I chose ICOM over GME for the radio. I like that mine is not a float free jobbie (at risk of being trapped under an overturned boat...) but IS water activated. I carry it i a floating grab bag that would hopefully be thrown clear in a capsize event and I can quickly grab it in other events. McMurdo for example do not, as far as I can tell, have one with a GPS that does this.

Cheers

[fishing111]

There should be a total recall in my opinion at NO COST to the purchaser. My unit beeps when i take it out of the bracket without even pushing the test function. I told GME about it years ago and they replaced it ,but this unit is doing it also, and was told to not worry about it.

I wonder how long GME have been sitting on this information?

To me common sense would dictate that every unit would be tested on the production line before being shipped to dealer to be sold.

So to my way of thinking, quite obviously this is a random problem which can occur at any time, as the units worked when tested at the factory.

So who's to say the unit can't fail straight after it has been tested, especially since GME have acknowledged a known problem?

GME should replace all affected under warranty !!

[Moonlighter]

Mine is due for a battey replacement in the not too distant future. Checked with GME and cost of that is $150 plus freight.

Cost of a new MT406g with built in GPS and 6 year warranty and free battery replacement at 6 year age is $340 or thereabouts. Might go that way. Also found another brand with GPS Inbuilt for $299 plus $15 delivery.

[chris69]

Just sent a email to AMSA and asked it they no about it and why no email to alert every one about it,so we will see what the they say.

[LittleSkipper]

Why is the term "microprocessor failure" being used when GME make no mention of the term "microprocessor failure" in there notice to consumers?

Does a certain someone know something we don't?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[fishing111]

INVESTIGATION
Subsequent testing and investigation in the company’s Sydney engineering laboratory, identified a microprocessor
malfunction that effectively shuts the beacon down, hence the self test failure.
Detailed analysis has shown that the failures have occurred in EPIRBs manufactured in the 2005 – 2010 period; to
date the overall failure rate remains low, never the less as a responsible supplier of safety at sea equipment, Standard
Communications Pty Ltd has in consultation with National Maritime Authorities voluntarily elected to publish this
precautionary safety alert.

Failure or malfunction both = bad news potentially.

[honda900]

Failure or malfunction both = could potentially kill you and your crew relying on this device.

needs a mandatory recall..

Regards
Honda.

[chris69]

hi all got a reply from the AMSA


Hi Chris,



Thank-you for advising us on the GME Safety Alert. Yes, GME have notified AMSA and we have published the details on our website as an additional method of communicating the Safety Alert, http://nationalsystem.amsa.gov.au/latest_news.php The safety alert is being managed by GME and they issued the Media Release on Monday 4th November. They are using several media channels to release the Safety Alert.



The safety alert is not considered a recall. GME have identified a small percentage in which the self-test has failed. Beacon owners are encouraged and reminded to follow their self-test procedure as per the instructions in their user manual and if it fails to contact GME.



If you require further assistance with your GME beacon please contact GME;



Website: www.gme.net.au

Email: mtfail@gme.net.au

Ph: 02 8867 6000



Regards,



Linda Berryman

AUSTRALIAN 406 MHZ/MMSI DATABASE MANAGER

PLANNING & BUSINESS SUPPORT

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION



82 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2612

GPO BOX 2181, Canberra ACT 2601

p
+61 2 6279 5041 or 1800 406 406

f
+61 2 9332 6323 or 1800 406 329

e
linda.berryman@amsa.gov.au

w
www.amsa.gov.au



DON'T RISK GOING WITHOUT A 406
Distress Beacon Information & Advice
e ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au
w www.amsa.gov.au/beacons

Online Beacon Registration
w www.beacons.amsa.gov.au

MMSI & VHF-DSC Information
w www.amsa.gov.au/mmsi

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PPlease consider the environment before printing this email



From: Wills, Jonathan
Sent: Friday, 8 November 2013 8:26 AM
To: Berryman, Linda
Cc: Wills, Jonathan
Subject: Fw: AMSA website contact us form SEC=Personal



Classification: Personal




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: enquiries@amsa.gov.au <enquiries@amsa.gov.au>
To: AMSA Communication
Sent: Fri Nov 08 00:33:34 2013
Subject: AMSA website contact us form

Name:
Chris De-Vene

Email:
cjdv@aanet.com.au

Phone:

Company:

Postal:

datRec:
communication

Subject:
GME epirb fault

Message:
To whom it may concern, ive just read on a forum [ ausfish] about the GME epirbs purchased between 2005 to 2010 having a fault with a microprocesser,I was woundering if this should have not been a recall for these Epirbs,if I had not have read this on the forum I would not have know about it,so many others don't no about it,I would have expected a email to alert me about the problem,has anyone from AMSA been notified about this from GME.regards Chris De-Vene.

Submit:
Submit





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