EPIRB Replace batterys

[nodjule]

Anyone had there EPIRB recertified for the five year check recently, if so what sort of price and by whom? as I am weighing up whether to ditch it and buy one of these new ones that are compulsory from 2009 or getting 3 more years out of my GME MT300.


Cheers....

[Hagar]

This one has come up a few times before on this board . The cost to change batteries and re- certify is only a few bucks less than you can buy a new old style unit for and most guys go the new unit . Thats what I did and will buy the new type when this one expires . I still think it's a bloody rip-off though . If you dismantle your old one sometime and see what is in there you will see what I mean . Bit like a computer - a few components and a lot of airspace . A simple job to replace the batteries but it isn't legal without the approved sticker .

Chris

[banshee]

I went the same way as Hagar,it was over a hundred bucks to renew the battery and the new tech ones are prety pricey so I got a new MT 300,I think (hope) the price will drop a bit for the new tech ones over the next few years.

[Thunderbird]

Was in the same situation only a week back.
The price of re-fitting new batteries and having the unit certified was only a few dollars cheaper than a new unit.
Couldn't be bothered with the stuff around and the wait, so went for a new unit.
These are the days we live in i guess.. Toss it in the bin and buy a new one mentality.
What ever happened to the days when things were made to last???
Cheers birdy.....

[johnnytheone]

I was talking to an avionics technician about changing the batts, and the price of same. He reckons they just use Dura Cells or Energisers cuase they have a good shelf life. They also have to replace the batts on their units more often than you and I. The problem lies in getting the old ones out. They seem to bed the batts in some sort of resin. I tried to soften it in boiling water, but half an hour didn't make any imression. Maybe it's some sort of 2 pack stuff.
We definitely get shafted on the replacement and re-certification. I wouldn't be surprised if they simply screw on a new battery housing, rather than actually replace batteries. There must be a technician out thre who knows!