Question: What PLB to buy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by garrycol

Where did you get that advice from? Certainly not from the GME PLB documentation which indicates they can be returned to have the batteries changed.

Cheers

Garry

I emailed GME directly.

The "service" and battery replacement cost is basically the same as buying a new one (at least for the MT410 GPS version.

My email to GME:

Quote:

I was looking to buy a MT410G 406 MHZ PLB with GPS, but can't find anywhere if / how much it costs to replace the batteries.

Can you please let me know:

Are the batteries user replaceable?
Are the batteries able to be replaced at a GME service centre?
How much does GME charge to replace the batteries?

GME response (some parts removed for brevity:

Quote:

**Please note: That due to PLBs being a safety device, GME does not simply replace
batteries, we do however offer a replacement exchange unit at a reduced cost.**

**Please Note: All GME Exchange units (PLB) come with "12 Months Warranty" Only**
**Please Note: Exchange PLB Battery Life; EX410G = 7 Years**

Units that are to be replaced, will need to be returned us directly.
You can send it to our National Service Dept;

You can pop in yourself or send the device via courier/post to our Service Dept,
the cost of the replacement for our;

EX410GAUS - Exchange for MT410/MT410G = $ 279.00 inc GST (excluding Freight)*

*Exchange unit that is supplied, will be the current (GPS) equipped version*

All of our emergency kits carry the GME410G. With 7 year warranty and 7 year battery life, that's around $43 a year.
Very cheap insurance. Id prefer a new one anyway after 7 years bumping around in a vehicle or backpack, rather than a battery change.

Thanks for that - I certainly accept that response - the ACCC might be interested in comparing that response with the information provided in the unit instructions.

Interestingly the replacement items have no warranty to work after one year - doesn't give peace of mind if you have an emergency incident one or more years into its second 7 years of life.

Cheers

Garry