These battery tips will help assure that you get the highest
performance and longest cycle life from your rechargeable battery.
New batteries...
Charge your NEW battery overnight (14-16 Hours) before
using it. Preferably at the trickle charge rate. This is referred to as
"initializing" and will enable you to obtain maximum battery
capacity.
Battery storage...
Store batteries, at room temperature, in a cool dry place.
Batteries which have been in storage should be charged
overnight.
Battery maintenance...
When using a rapid rate charger, leave battery in charger
for an additional 1-2 hours after the green light appears.
Do not leave your radio & battery in the charger
when not charging. Continuous charging will shorten battery life. Don't
use your charger as a radio stand.
Do not return fully charged batteries to the charger
for an "extra boost". The action will significantly reduce cycle
life.
Battery must be charged at room temperature.
Battery replacement...
A battery has a limited life, so any time after 18
months you may consider replacing your rechargeable battery.
A new battery can enhance radio performance and shorten
charging periods.
Observation...
Nickel Cadmium ("NiCad") batteries have the
shortest charge time, the highest load current and the lowest cost-per-use
but has the most demanding maintenance requirements.
Nickel Cadmium battery life can be extended beyond the
typical 800+ rating by using a battery optimizer. Payback
occurs if you have 5 or more rechargeable two-way radios.
Selecting
the Best Rechargeable Battery Chemistry
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries...
In use commercially since 1950.
Energy density is 45 to 80 Wh/kg.
Self discharge per month 20% (new battery).
Fast charge time is 1 hour.
Susceptible to 'memory effect', and may not utilize
its full capacity unless discharged to 1 volt per cell once every month.
Typical cost is about $90 for a 7.2V battery.
Capable of high current discharge rates.
Contain toxic metals and are not environmentally friendly.
Ideal for extreme conditions of cold and heat (-30C to
+50C).
Must be charged at room temperature.
Used for two-way radios, video cameras, power tools.
Can be recharged up to 800+ times.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries...
In use commercially since 1989.
Energy density is 60 to 120 Wh/kg.
Self discharge per month 35% (new battery).
Fast charge time is 2 to 4 hours.
Less susceptible to "memory effect" compared
to NiCd batteries.
Typical cost is about $108 for a 7.2V battery.
Inefficient operation at in extreme temperatures (limited
to -10C to +50C).
Must be charged at room temperature.
About 40% lighter than a NiCd battery with the same amp/hour
capacity.
No toxic metals to harm the environment.
Used for cellular phones and laptop computers.
Can be recharged up to 350 times.
Lithium Ion (Li Ion) batteries...
In use commercially since 1992.
Energy density is 110 to 160 Wh/kg.
Self discharge per month 10% (new battery).
Fast charge time is 2 to 4 hours.
No "memory effect".
Typical cost is about $180 for a 7.2V battery.
Inefficient operation at extreme temperatures (limited
to -10C to +50C).
Must be charged at room temperature.
The smallest and lightest rechargeable battery of all
the battery chemistries per amp/hour of storage capacity.
