The PLB is really a single-use device. When activated it's supposed to be able to continuously transmit for 24 hours. On my PLB, the batteries are rated to exp

The PLB is really a single-use device. When activated it's supposed to be able to continuously transmit for 24 hours. On my PLB, the batteries are rated to expire after 10 years, after which you buy a new one. Making batteries replaceable carries either a weight or a durability penalty, and I'd rather have a small and light and durable thing that I replace every 10 years. It seems like a good tradeoff.