Thread: DIY replacement battery for ResQLink PLB

Hi all. I have managed to get my hands on a ResQLink PLB but it needs a new battery as the original has expired. Has anyone here replaced the battery in a ResQLink PLB themselves? I gave Wilco a buzz this morning to get a quote for a replacement battery and I was quoted $223+gst to get it replaced. I've found some decent videos on Youtube showing how to replace the battery and it seems like its a simple drop-in replacement.

post pic of battery
i suggest batterycell in welly
batterymasta in christchurch
dunno who does them in auckland

i did a plb ages back, was a 2213 (i went lithium) and it costed me $28

https://beaconbatteryreplacement.com...qlink-battery/

Down side is - they currently don't ship to NZ. The battery pack is assembled apparently from Panasonic CR123A Lithium long life 3V cells, three of them for 9v pack voltage. If someone could put up the link to the thin insulating shrink product that the pack requires as well as the connecting lead - the rest of the pack assembly isn't really that technical. A specific power rated temp-controlled soldering iron is probably the only other requirement just to minimise the heat input - spot welding for these packs isn't really an option just with the way the pack factory pack is assembled, but would be if you top and tailed it.

More info: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/a...cement.749245/

Looking at doing this myself later in the year, Batterymaster, here I come!

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Looking at doing this myself later in the year, Batterymaster, here I come!

"batterymasta"
the original owner (jeff mccarthy) liked altering spellings on things. h e originally worked for Tesa an electronics parts company, then he left and formed Asset electronics as its tesa backwards.

Originally Posted by gonetropo

"batterymasta"
the original owner (jeff mccarthy) liked altering spellings on things. h e originally worked for Tesa an electronics parts company, then he left and formed Asset electronics as its tesa backwards.

I remember Jeff from both businesses. Nice guy. Sure could talk!

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Looking at doing this myself later in the year, Batterymaster, here I come!

Do they sell the right batteries for the PLB or are you planning on soldering together your own battery?

Originally Posted by Tall kiwi

Do they sell the right batteries for the PLB or are you planning on soldering together your own battery?

Araldite and a bit of leckie tape. How hard can it be?

most battery packs are spot welded together, soldering is too cold and too long to guarantee a good bond

These ones look soldered with wire? The configuration is three in a line, positive up not up, down, up like a spotted pack with solid connection tabs...

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Araldite and a bit of leckie tape. How hard can it be?

It wouldn't be hard.
But you won't know for sure if it works until you're in the s**t and try to activate the PLB...

Presolder the tabs and preflux the battery end, jig to steady and hold tab against battery end, touch briefly with hot solder iron.

It can be done with a pretty low amount of heat going into the battery, depending on flux core increases the heat needed. Practice by making a duracell battery pack.

Use leaded solder, sticks better to stainless / chrome surfaces than the lead-free solder does.

Originally Posted by Cigar

It wouldn't be hard.
But you won't know for sure if it works until you're in the s**t and try to activate the PLB...

Test function........

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Test function........

...doesn't tell you if it's going to run for the required 24hrs

I did one for a friend, just buy some panasonic batteries and use the existing cables. Best if you have a spot welder (get one from aliexpress). I solder them on but feel not as strong as original so I told my friend to test it before going out