VE6AB Technical

Are You Ready - Batteries Required

It goes without saying that the most important part required to keep our handi'talki's talking are the batteries that power them.

Now having said that, and I realize that all HT's today come with a lithium-Ion battery pack from factory, but for a second backup battery-pack, I prefer to purchase and use the AA/AAA battery housings that most HT manufactures offer as a option.

My reasoning for this, is the fact that AA batteries are available the world over, and under emergency conditions when all your batteries are dead, and you don't have time to charge them, it's as simple as purchasing a dozen or two of AA alkaline batteries to go, from most any outlet from grocery stores to gas stations, or the corner 7-11store.

All the batteries pictured here are nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and not only do they power my HT's, but I also use them in my other devices, such as my antenna analyzer, electronic flash units for my cameras, various flashlight's, external power for my Garmin Montana when pared with my Kenwood D72, as well as other devices that require AA's.

The next requirement is a charger, and the best AA charger that I have owned and used for the past 8 years and highly recommend, is the Powerex MH-C801D battery charger pictured here.
In fact I have recently purchased a second one that resides in my mobile for those times that my AA/AAA batteries need charging while I'm away from home.

This charger has 8 independent charging circuits capable of charging 1-8 batteries in any combination. A large LCD screen shows the charging status of each battery. You have a choice of rapid and soft charge modes. Rapid charge enables 8 batteries to be fully charged to their maximum capacities in 1 hr. Soft charge takes about 2 hr but provides greater battery life, as well as compatibility with older, lower-capacity batteries.

An integrated deep conditioning system charges, deep-discharges and then recharges batteries automatically, in order to offer maximum rejuvenation. The charger's microprocessor ensures batteries are charged to their maximum capacities without being over- or undercharged. It affords maximum battery longevity, delivering just the right amount of charge.

So remember your various AA/AAA battery powered devices will only perform as good as the freshly charged batteries that you have in your go-box to power them with.

Click on the photo for a closer look.....