EPIRB Battery

[boden36]

My GME GPS epirb is overdue for a battery change. It has been in storage for a long time and presents as new. GME will not change the battery as it is more than two years out of date.
I can buy the exact battery on line and it is an easy job to change it. Any reason why I should not do this?

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by boden36

My GME GPS epirb is overdue for a battery change. It has been in storage for a long time and presents as new. GME will not change the battery as it is more than two years out of date.
I can buy the exact battery on line and it is an easy job to change it. Any reason why I should not do this?

Electrically no reason.
Mechanically you have to ensure the seals etc retain their functionality (ie keeps the water out).
Legally the unit no longer meets the Australian EPIRB carriage requirements - dunno if that is important to you or not!

Australia requires the unit to be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. Clearly this unit no longer meets GME maintenance requirements.

[IslandHopper]

I would say you would have little to no chance of registering it with AMSA, as soon as you try to register it, it will be flagged as out of date and expired.

https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/maintenance/servicing.asp

Who is authorised to service my beacon in Australia?

If the beacon battery was replaced or serviced by a non-certified service centre then the beacon is non-compliant for carriage requirements and there is a risk the beacon may not function correctly.

Who can service a beacon in Australia?

Your beacon can only be serviced by the manufacturer who is identified on the side of the beacon.

GME - can only be serviced by GME in Sydney, www.gme.net.au or Ph: 1300 463 463

[chrisr]

considering the price of a new epirb v the price of even a new battery (let alone the cost of service by the manufacturer), i've never found it cost effective.

new one can be had for $239...

cheers,

[boden36]

On reflection, I agree with the above posts. No point in spending money on what will be an unregisterable EPIRB. Quite a waste of good equipment though.
Thanks everyone for your advice, will buy a new one.
Cheers,
Richard