Recharging Your Batteries

Icom UK sells two different types of batteries: Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH); and Lithium Ion (Li-ion). Each battery must be recharged in a particular way, though in all cases, if the radio is attached to the battery while charging, the radio must be turned off during the charging. Voltage spikes may ruin the radio and also the radio draws more current when turned on than the battery charger delivers, depleting the battery if the radio is left on.

NiMH batteries:
This battery operates at a 30% higher capacity than the Ni-Cd. Charge using the same procedure as the Ni-Cd.

Important tips: Unlike the Ni-Cd, this battery should be discharged completely every three months (rather than one month, like the Ni-Cd). It costs slightly more than the Ni-Cd but it also comes with a higher memory capacity.

Li-ion batteries :
This battery operates at a very high capacity. Charge as often as necessary. Partial small charges are fine.

Important tips: This battery has the most stable memory and is lightweight, which makes it the costliest of the three options. It’s capable of fewer charge/discharge cycles.

20/03/2006