Disable your PLB

[Nuts]

Here's a few pics of disabling our PLB units: Ocean Signal PLB-1

1. Pry off the top cover with a small flat screwdriver.
2. Remove the two larger screws
3. Pry out the battery & circuit board
4. Snip the battery from the board, dispose of the lot (with an obligatory sigh) & the battery as appropriate.

[Moondog55]

Not serviceable? Or just totally out of date?

[Nuts]

They are definitely serviceable. They are just 3x 2 CR (sized) batteries tabbed in series but the pack even has a micro connector so the entire battery can be simply swapped.

I'd give the PLB to someone who doesn't have one, as they still test at full power, but its complicated by legalities. After the run around from OC and the retailer, i'll just move on to another brand this time. Definitely worth trying your retailer before scrapping them.

(More of an FYI for others, for when it comes to disposal. Rather than dropping them in the bin, they'll a be similar method)

[Moondog55]

I had no trouble at all swapping ownership of the S/H one I bought, took about 5 minutes in total
What is the problem ; if any; with that brand?

[Nuts]

Batteries out of date, the distributor will only deal through their retailer who no longer sells the brand and refuses to deal with the distributor.

[Moondog55]

Batteries out of date, the distributor will only deal through their retailer who no longer sells the brand and refuses to deal with the distributor.

Did you try the feller who does this battery replacement via eBay?
I know there are various thoughts about the process but it is only a battery pack after all

[Nuts]

No I didn't, do you have a link? I won't bother, these were hired out all those years so, other than battery life, have seen a lot of 'use'.

And tech moves on. The attribute of these is that they are small, otherwize there are better buys on a budget.
And, for another $150 (and a reasonable annual fee) the Garmin mini leaves every plb behind. Possibly be able to talk into something this size in 7-10yrs time (even better tech).

[Moondog55]

Details in a PM
My second hand ACR will need a battery in 3 years time, in 3 years a lot can happen

[Nuts]

Different model M'dog but if anyone has had success with Ocean Signal PLB-1 let us know.
Also, one of the better retailers may be motivated to follow through for a battery swap on your behalf.
I was surprised to hear of them ending up in landfill (and that they can self activate) so if the retailer wont take it back for disposal or help there's not another local option, it's not hard to disable them yourself.