Garmin 126/128 - internal lithium battery

[Telo]

I've been following Shuggy's GPS ponderings, and wondering about our Garmin 128. Towards the end of last season, our anchor alarm either didn't come on, or was very slow in doing so - like sailing a couple of miles from the anchorage before the audible alarm kicked in.

Using all my forensic engineering skills, I came to the conclusion that the GPS was either crying out for a new internal lithium battery, or was in the process of coming to the end of its natural life (it had been fitted on board by the previous owner, so, probably pre-2001). Trouble is, the screws seem to be rather firmly set in place, and I'm reluctant to apply too much force, so, as yet, haven't opened it up.

Has anyone here replaced the battery? Anything I need to be aware of?

[bosun higgs]

Vaguely remember being told they are nitrogen filled to avoid moisture probs.

[marisca]

I opened my 128 - yup, screws were tight but I can't remember the battery configuration. Garmin will replace the whole thing with a reconditioned one for less than £60 - considerably less than they go for on ebay.

[ash]

Has anyone here replaced the battery? Anything I need to be aware of?

Nick had a saga with his during his Atlantic trip.

Here's a link to get you near the correct timescale.

Ash

[Nick]

.
Ask Steve Birch of VAGB if he still has any battery replacement kits left . . .

[Telo]

Thanks all - good advice as usual.

Best

D