Apelco GPS Battery

[Solittle]

I have an Apelco GXL 1100 GPS that is about 12 years old and it still works though I haven't used it in years. I think the lithium battery is dead and would like to replace it. The battery is about the size of an old nickel and is attached to a circuit board with what looks like some kind of adhesive. I have never replaced one of these and the manual states that this should be done only by a dealer.<br /><br />This may be a good excuse to get a new unit but that goes against my grain. Anybody replaced one of these & can offer any tips?

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

I've never considered extending the life of electronics already that old. Too many new upgrades since that was new, plus it is living beyond its service life expectancy.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

I kinda like that. More fuel to get a chartplotter -- I just might hit the Miami Boat show. <br /><br />I would like to know how to change the battery on the old unit though.

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

Maybe it's just soldered in, and they figure most people are not equipped to do that. You'd have to be careful not to damage the battery too.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

Well I went to the Miami Boat show and came home empty handed. I decided to fix what I have rather than spend $600.00 to get what I would like.<br /><br />Anyway looking for some advice on how to do this. I went to West Marine & got no help - - same with Radio Shack - - must be someone out there who has done this?????

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

The adhesive you see is probably keeps the battery in place. There has to be a metal tab or a soldered connection on both sides of the battery. Without some sort of clip or metal tab, or a soldered connection on the both sides, this thing can't work. Undo the connection(s) and then break the adhesive if thats what holds the battery in place. Note the number on the battery and head back to Radio Shack and have them cross reference the number if it has been superceded. Reverse the process to install the new battery. Use a hot glue gun to secure the battery. Look at it this way -- you have a device that is old and doesn't work. If you replace the battery and it still doesn't work what are you out? If it does work, you can proudly proclaim "Hey Dear - look what I did?"

 

[Boatist]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

Most of the ones I have seen either have tabs to solder to the board or it is like a watch battery, pop off the spring clip and put in a new battery then put the spring clip back on. Likely any 3 volt Lithium cell would work.

 

[gss036]

Re: Apelco GPS Battery

If you must solder it, there are several cold solder guns on the market today, but again they cost about $20-25 bucks at Costco, etc. If you glue it on the glue needs to conduct electicity to make contact. Check with one of your local marine electronic store.