RE: [Cal_Boats] EPIRB (John)

John, Boat US rents EPIRBS for $50 a week. That's what we do when we head to the Bahamas. The unit is "programmed" with boat information, shipped in a sealed Pelican style case, and includes return shipping. You can find more information at: http://www.boatus.com/foundation/epirb/ Michael --- On Mon, 4/13/09, john raxter <jr… [at] triad.rr.com> wrote: From: john raxter <jr… [at] triad.rr.com> Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] EPIRB To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, April 13, 2009, 7:32 AM David, Thanks, the S1015 is a 406 mhz epirb, so it is not one of the frequencies that is being discontinued. I have encountered two problems so far: 1. The original mfg is out of business, so the batteries are no longer being supplied to testing facilities. Even if the batteries could be found, they now are considered Hazardous materials and shipping fees exceed the cost of the batteries. 2. When the batteries are replaced. The unit should be tested for proper frequency broadcast. The coast guard also has constraints on that as well. The EPIRB came with the boat when we bought her. We rarely sail off shore so it would make more sense to buy one at a time when the need existed, maybe one of the new “personal” EPIRB would be a better purchase. Does anyone have recommendations on these type of EPIRB? Thanks John From: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com [mailto:Cal_ Boats@yahoogroup s.com] On Behalf Of david dobbs Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 11:11 PM To: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] EPIRB John, Check the CG website, the old EPIRBs are no longer in use. They have a newer model that uses a different frequency Regards, David Dobbs --- On Mon, 4/6/09, john raxter <jraxter@triad. rr.com> wrote: From: john raxter <jraxter@triad. rr.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] EPIRB To: Cal_Boats@yahoogrou ps.com Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 5:01 PM Hello, I have a Alden Electronics Satfind model S1015 EPIRB. The battery was replace several years ago, and according to the sticker was suppose to last until 5/09. The “test” switch fails to activate the light, so I assume the battery is too weak to operate properly. I have not been able to find any information about Alden on the web, except they are out of the EPIRB business. When the battery was last replaced, they also were able to perform a frequency test. I am fairly mechanical and could probably get the unit apart to replace the batteries. Performing the test is beyond my current capabilities. Does anyone know of a facility or repair shop that can “economically” replace the batteries and test the unit? TIA John