KTI PLB
Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 08, 2021 at 18:08
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142544
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OzzieCruiser
Hi All,
My GME PLB expires next month so I need to do something about a replacement. I can get another GME but I would prefer a KTI.
I appreciate that KTI had issues a while ago and they were no longer available but I believe they had sorted those issues and were back in production. However researching the usual suppliers they are either not listed or it indicates out of stock or not available.
So has anyone any recent experience in acquiring a KTI and if so where were you able to get them.
I appreciate many on this
forum believe in Spot and similar equipment but I am not interested - if the KTI is not available I will just replace my GME with a new one - not as good as the KTI due to battery life but good enough.
Thanks
Reply By: RMD - Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:29
Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:29
OzzieCruiser.
Seeing the unit is near expired, is it because of the battery becomes SUS or is it because the electronics go off song for the correct frequencies as
well?
If it is ONLY the battery in question, is it possible to convert it so it can run on alternative battery pack/replaceable items with sufficient run capacity IF ever needed and it would run for days? Simply making sure before a trip you have the power source available in a rechargeable pack which you WOULD do before a trip and even have pack charging system with you if required. That way the Electronic life can be extended even thought the OE battery stops. If intending bush walking, etc, it would be an item on the
check list to ensure OK before heading out.
The OE system if failsafe for anyone but practical people may be able to still use the unit if function is correct. It may not be good for boating use once opened but sealed up and with newpower source it may save some money.
AnswerID:
637867
Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:49
Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:49
A life saving device worth about $300 and you want to do a DIY hack on it over getting a new one ?
FollowupID:
916016
Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:54
Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 14:54
The unit is a sealed unit and I believe it is illegal to tamper with "prescribed" equipment.
The battery has a specified life of 7 years, hence the unit has a specified life of 7 years and even though the battery will last longer, I believe it is illegal to use an expired unit.
The other aspect is that without proof of the unit being refurbished the unit cannot be registered with the safety authorities.
FollowupID:
916017
Follow Up By: RMD - Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 18:40
Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 18:40
Ozzie cruiser.
Thanks for the clarification. I have never looked into or know of the legal aspect, hence the question. Verified registration/accreditation does change things.
FollowupID:
916022