ACR ResQLink battery replacement

[Cocximus]

There are a bunch of ACR ResQLink PLBs with expiring batteries. I am considering buying one and replacing the batteries as another rescue option. A few questions:

1. The manual states the PLB has 12 self-tests. Is this coded in the PLB software, and after 12 self-tests it locks out any further self-tests? Or is it just a battery limitation and with a new battery more self-tests are available?

2. If the PLB was registered once with ACR, can it be re-registered to another user?

[Cocximus]

RTFM jong:

This beacon has enough excess battery life to perform 12 GPS
self tests over the 5 year life of the battery. Once this GPS
testing feature reaches 12 times, the feature will be disabled by
internal software.

[tgapp]

Following this thread because I've got an older ACR ResQLink and I'll need to replace the batteries sometime soon. I'd like to be able to do that myself, if possible. I know that you can re-register the beacon thru NOAA with another user, as well.

[mattig]

whatever you do, get the mini if it's going in a jacket.

I got the GPS model and it is too big for me to want to throw in anything but a backpack. It definitely fits in a jacket pocket, but you'll know it's there.

FWIW, I think the 12 use thing came about because people were running tests as a means of communicating with email addresses that could be registered to be notified of GPS coordinates from the self-test.

I'd love to hear more 1st person experience with ACR vs In-Reach. For the true oh-shit moment, ACR makes most sense on paper. But In-Reach seems better in just about every other way (other than the fee).

[Cocximus]

ADVrider had someone open one https://advrider.com/f/threads/acr-r...tVT3XzOoGn5P1N

[tgapp]

ADVrider had someone open one https://advrider.com/f/threads/acr-r...tVT3XzOoGn5P1N

That link is erroring out. Very curious to see if batteries can be user-replaced.

I'd love to hear more 1st person experience with ACR vs In-Reach. For the true oh-shit moment, ACR makes most sense on paper. But In-Reach seems better in just about every other way (other than the fee).

I agree - I bought the ACR when I thought that the be all and end all was the device's broadcast strength and ability to get out an SOS signal. Now I understand the utility of a true two-way communication system. InReach costs more and has a weaker antenna, but I think that'll be my next big purchase.

[dunfree]

Define “user replaceable”.

it’s a couple screws, a connectorized battery, and proper reassembly with the seal to maintain waterproofing. It’s not looking terribly hard, but you can fuck something up.

https://advrider.com/f/threads/acr-r...cement.749245/