s unda y, oc tobe r 12, 2008

CHANGING MCMURDO E3 EPIRB BATTERY

Recently, I have to change an expired McMurdo E3 EPIRB

battery. I never changed an EPIRB battery before but after
understanding its internal structure, I am confident enough to try
for the first time.

The replacement kit comes with a battery unit, a gasket, a silica

gel package, new battery expiry date sticker and 8 pieces of new
screws.

This is how the new gasket looks like. It is used to replace the
existing gasket on the top/antenna housing
 The screws comes with oring to ensure watertight integrity to
the EPIRB unit

First of all, remove all the holding down screws around the
housing usng a flat face screwdriver. Total of 6 screws if not
mistaken.
There are 2 screws hidden behind the lanyard. Pull the lanyard
holder to reveal the screws ports (2)

After removing all the screws, gently pull up the top/antenna

housing to disengage it from the lower part of the unit. The
printed circuit board can be seen after the top housing been
removed.
The printed circuit board is been secured with 3 screws
Use the Philips screwdriver to remove the centre screw. Extra
precaution not to lose the washer below the screw

Then remove the spacers by either removing screws from the

bottom of the spacers or loosen the spacers with finger. There
are washers below the spacers and should be careful so not to
lose the washers
Slightly lift up the circuit board gently. The battery unit can be
seen at the bottom of the printed circuit board.

Try to locate this 2 connections attached to the printed circuit

board. One of the connection is to the battery unit and the other
one is to the unit test button. Gently disengage the connectors
from the printed circuit board.
Note there is an old silica gel package (white package) at the
bottom of the printed circuit board.

Remove the previous silica gel and replace it with the new one
which comes with the replacement kit. Use the double sided
adhesive tape to ensure the new silica gel glued to the area. The
purpose of the silica gel is to keep the internal area dry from
moisture
With the printed circuit board removed, the battery unit is visible
underneath it

Use a narrow head plier to loosen the bolt that is securing the
battery unit. There is a washer below the nut and be careful not
to lose it.
After the nut is removed, the battery will slide out easily. There is
a tiny shaft in the middle that secure the battery unit.
 Change the gasket for the top/antenna housing

Reassembled it in the reverse order. Once it is reassembled,

push and hold the test button for 10 seconds to ensure the EPIRB
unit is in working condition and able to transmit.
Lastly, put on the new battery expiry date sticket on the EPIRB
unit. The battery has a lifespan of 5 years.

Also the EPIRB casing should be updated with the new battery