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Internal Batteries: How Long Do They Last?
Some aircraft owners are not aware that GPS and FMS systems have small low-voltage batteries imbedded in them to keep the memory in these units alive when the system is turned off. According to the manufacturers, these batteries have a life of 4 to 5 years. Most GPS/FMS units warn you when the battery is close to running down by a message displayed on the screen or by a low-voltage blinking light. But some give no warning before the battery fails.
Changing the battery is usually a job for an avionics technician. Some batteries "clip in". Others require soldering into place. The soldering must be done very carefully, especially on multi-layer boards. If the battery fails completely you may lose all your stored flight plans, way-points and other user-entered information. GPS doe not remember time or date, so it has no memory of where the satellites are--thus the loss of GPS operation. You may be surprised to find your battery dead if you have not flown you aircraft for awhile. If you know your GPS/FMS battery has not been changed in 3 to 4 years, it is time to think about a new battery. We can install it for you--just call us at 801-539-8412.
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Kings technician Jeff Nicholls performs a delicate soldering job to install a battery. |
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