Question for newer DTS Tracker owners..

Last weekend, I had the unfortunate pleasure to discover that the battery contacts in my Tracker (2nd generation or 3rd generation) had snapped due to age or fatigue rendering it into a $300 paperweight. I emailed BCA about a possible repair and they said that they don't repair them but they'll offer to upgrade me to a new one for $175 (ouch).

For those that have the newest design (more squared off base rather than symmetrical rounded ends), what are the electrical contacts like for the batteries? Are they still using bent U shaped tabs or have they upgraded them to coils? I'm not happy that I have to spend another $175 for a beacon that was gently used and failed and I wonder if I'm just setting myself up all over again.

Thanks-

Steve

That sounds like a relatively easy fix with a soldering iron. If you're not handy with electronics, I'm sure someone would be willing to fix it for a few beers. If you're anywhere near Ellensburg, I'd do it for a six-pack.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I wouldn't try a DIY fix on a beacon. Yes, it's just some soldering, but if you get weird alloys or oxides or schmutz on the contacts and the beacon fails...

I'm with you on this one, Korup. I'm upset with BCA but this isn't some portable radio. I'm not comfortable trusting my life to an attempt at soldering. Grr..

Okay, but speaking as a military man that's trusted his life to solder jobs many times... If you're thinking of throwing it out, let me know and I'll come by and pick it up. I could always use a spare, if nothing else for the times your buddy forgets his at home.