Ocean Signal PLB1 battery replacement instructions

[SailFastTri]

My PLB1 was stamped to replace the battery in January 2022 (when I opened it I learned the battery itself was labeled with a March 2023 expiration).
I researched replacement options online and found various services from $160 up. I called my preferred (local) dealer who I purchased it from, and he sounded like he didn’t want to be bothered, and told me it’s about the same as the cost to replace, around $330. (So much for buying local. We’ll have to see who gets my business in the future).
I found replacement batteries online for $40, but didn’t find installation instructions. So here they are:
There are 3 screws under the top label. That will allow you to remove the cap assembly that holds the antenna. Under that are 2 larger screws one on each side that will separate the top section and expose the battery/circuit board.
See images for more information, it should be self explanatory, if not you should not attempt it on your own.
When reassembling, make sure everything mates properly before tightening screws, and there is nothing interfering with the seal between the caps and body. (There’s a clear rubber gasket in the recessed edges where the cap mates with the body).
After reassembling, test with a full GPS self test.
PS - for those who wish to pontificate about “how much is your life worth?” or letting the “pros” do this, or voiding the warranty, keep in mind the warranty is long expired before the battery date.
The final full self test is proof of whether you can trust your own work. This is only my opinion, you must make your own decisions and use your judgment.
If you do send yours in I recommend you send it to an Ocean Signal “authorized” facility and when it comes back you should still perform the full self test with GPS functionality.
Disclaimer - if you DIY you’re on your own, and I am not recommending this. Ocean Signal says this is not user-serviceable. So this post is for information only. Send it to Ocean Signal if you want to be most confident, but I recommend to test the device afterwards, no matter what you decide.

[noelex 77]

Thanks for the post .

This type of shared experience from someone who has already tackled a project is always helpful.

Can you please share the battery specifications you used?

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Thanks for the post .

This type of shared experience from someone who has already tackled a project is always helpful.

Can you please share the battery specifications you used?

I used https://beaconbatteryreplacement.com/
This is not an endorsement, because my experience is very limited. The battery was delivered quickly and appears similar to the Ocean Signal OEM battery, but was in white shrink wrap (original was black shrink wrapped). The replacement was labeled with a future expiration date. It also came with a new expiration date label to apply to the outside of the case.

Here’s a picture showing the battery. I didn’t post it above because the wire is resting on the circuit board in a way that might be misleading. Note that the battery is NOT plugged into the board in this picture. The socket is the white plastic square close to the right edge of the board in the picture.

P.S. - slight correction to my first post above: Removing the 3 top screws only releases the top cover. The two larger screws below allow removing the antenna assembly/cap. This should be self evident in the images.