[aprssig] Kenwood TH-D7 Batteries (and Icom,Alinco,Yaesu)

[Greg D.]

Hi folks,

Recalling this thread from long ago...

I understand that the BT-11H pack from Batteries America has a charge-inhibiting diode built in, to protect standard AA cells from inadvertent destructive charging.  But if I only am using NiMH cells, and promise to be good, would it be possible to short out the diode and properly charge NiMH cells from the radio?  I know it will take a while (two days, perhaps), but I'd rather not have to carry the charger around.  

Thanks,

Greg  KO6TH



----------------------------------------
> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:15:35 -0500
> From: schiers at netins.net
> To: aprssig at lists.tapr.org
> Subject: [aprssig] Kenwood TH-D7 Batteries (and Icom,Alinco,Yaesu)
> 
> A frequent concern of Kenwood D7 (aprs dual bander with built-in TNC) 
> owners is batter life. I have found dramatic improvement in battery life 
> using the item(s) described below.
> 
> While perusing May QST, I ran ran across a nice 6 cell AA battery case 
> for the D7 and G7 handhelds at Batteries America. Unlike the 4 x AA 
> battery case that has been available for quite a few years, this one has 
> six slots, and can be ordered with a spring belt clip that fits all the 
> standard D7 battery cases.
> 
> The problem with the 4 cell case is if used with NIMH recharging 
> batteries, the D7 only runs for a very short time, no matter how high 
> the capacity of the batteries, as 1.2 x 4 = 4.8v, and even at the peak, 
> 1.4 x 4 = 5.6v. The intended purpose for the original 4 cell AA pack was 
> alkalines where 1.6 x 4 = 6.4v, which is much more acceptable for the D7.
> 
> With this 6 cell case and NIMH batteries, one gets 1.2 x 6 = 7.2v, which 
> even at the terminal (low end) voltage of the recharge cycle life is 
> adequate for the D7, and I have found that after recharging my 2500 maH 
> AA NIMH Energizer camera batteries produces about 8 volts from the pack, 
> and will run my D7 in packet mode, dual receive all day and then some. 
> (I'm on my 2nd day, shutting down just to sleep)
> 
> Another nice feature of the pack is that it uses a sliding drawer access 
> to the batteries, and of course, fits both the d7 and g7 just fine.
> 
> I own several of the high current 7.2v 1800 maH Maha packs which work 
> well, but not nearly as well as this 6 cell AA pack with 2500 maH AA 
> cells. The model number is BT-11H for the Kenwood D7/G7 Handhelds. 
> $24.95 (no batteries).
> 
> I  have a dozen 2500 maH batteries laying around, which gives me two 
> packs, one for the radio, the other for the charger. I no longer run out 
> of battery power for my D7...and have been experimenting with the 
> Energizer 15 minute charger (with AC & Car Cord) and find it works very, 
> very well. I do have reservations about how hard this is hitting the 
> batteries (even with the built in cooling fan on the charger) and their 
> ultimate lifetime, but only time will tell. (Wal-Mart, $30.00 with 4 AA 
> cells)
> 
> I ordered on line from Batteries America, and received my cases/clips 
> within 3 days.
> 
> www.batteriesamerica.com is the web site. I have no connection to them, 
> other than being very pleased with this new 6 cell AA case for the D7 
> and G7.
> 
> I'm also going to test the newer MAHA MH-C9000 Advanced Battery Charger, 
> which has a large display, 4 independently configurable charging slots 
> (AA and AAA only), and loads of other features like the C777 model. It 
> recharges AA cells in one hour, which should be easier on the batteries 
> than the Energizer 15 minute unit.
> 
> http://www.thomas-distributing.com/
> 
> Price: $59.97
> 
> I hope someone finds this info useful, even for other handhelds, as 
> Batteries America lists similar custom AA cases in their May QST ad for 
> Icom, Alinco and Yaesu handhelds, many models. (4th from last page, left 
> hand column, adjacent to the Index of Advertisers)
> 
> 73,
> 
> ...hasan, N0AN
> 
> _______________________________________________
> aprssig mailing list
> aprssig at lists.tapr.org
> https://lists.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

_________________________________________________________________
See what people are saying about Windows Live.  Check out featured posts.
http://www.windowslive.com/connect?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_connect2_082008