NiMH batteries in a 2-way radio

J

Jo

Guest
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.
 
You can use any batteries you like.

They want you to use their batteries with their recharger because A: they
know their batteries will work properly with their recharger, and B: they
want you to spend more money.

But there's nothing wrong with using NiMH cells from somebody else, in
another charger.
 
Jo wrote:
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.
Click to expand...
Use what you have can't hurt.
 
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:03:53 -0400, mark wrote
(in article <49C13789.6050707@lafn.org>):

Jo wrote:
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.

Use what you have can't hurt.
Click to expand...
I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

--
Nelson
 
"Nelson" <nelson@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C5E7F96200AE6DBDF0182648@news.astraweb.com...
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:03:53 -0400, mark wrote
(in article <49C13789.6050707@lafn.org>):

Jo wrote:
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.

Use what you have can't hurt.

I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

--
Nelson
Click to expand...
Yes that is true.. But your radios are designed for rechargeables. As long
as they are the same type of cells (NIMH) you shouldnt have any problems.
Its not like the company makes their own special batteries to go with the
radios. At best they buy batteries from some chinese company and pay them
to lable the batteries with a custom logo. Like this "Danger:These are the
only batteries you can use with this radio. If other battiers are used this
device will explode."
 
On Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:21:03 +0900, "Michael Kennedy"
<mikek400@crap.comcast.net> wrote:

"Nelson" <nelson@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C5E7F96200AE6DBDF0182648@news.astraweb.com...
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:03:53 -0400, mark wrote
(in article <49C13789.6050707@lafn.org>):

Jo wrote:
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.

Use what you have can't hurt.

I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

--
Nelson

Yes that is true.. But your radios are designed for rechargeables. As long
as they are the same type of cells (NIMH) you shouldnt have any problems.
Its not like the company makes their own special batteries to go with the
radios. At best they buy batteries from some chinese company and pay them
to lable the batteries with a custom logo. Like this "Danger:These are the
only batteries you can use with this radio. If other battiers are used this
device will explode."

They may not have their own special batteries, but they may have a
Click to expand...
pack that contains 5 NiCD cells vs 4 alkalines. ...both approx 6
volts. (That's a general comment... I don't know about Motorola
Talk-Abouts).
 
In article <1155s4hcuo458sh94dcfof0gtek2g7bmv3@4ax.com>, greenpjs@neo.rr.com wrote:
On Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:21:03 +0900, "Michael Kennedy"
mikek400@crap.comcast.net> wrote:


"Nelson" <nelson@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C5E7F96200AE6DBDF0182648@news.astraweb.com...
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:03:53 -0400, mark wrote
(in article <49C13789.6050707@lafn.org>):

Jo wrote:
I've been searching for a two-way radio (walkie talkie) and I've found
one I really like. This particular one works on three AAA alkaline
batteries. For $10 more I can get the same radio but with rechargeable
NiMH batteries and a recharger. The recharger just plugs right into
the radio. Since I already have rechargeable batteries I figured I'd
get the cheaper one without the recharger. I was looking at the
instructions and it says this: Only use our NiMH battery.
Does that mean I'm only supposed to use their NiMH battery if I'm
using the recharger? Or does it mean I shouldn't use any NiMH battery
at all? I don't see why there would be a problem if I charge my
batteries in my own separate charger then use them in the radio. I
contacted customer service but I really don't trust any customer
service representatives to give me an honest answer. They're just paid
to say whatever will make the company more money.

Use what you have can't hurt.

I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

--
Nelson

Yes that is true.. But your radios are designed for rechargeables. As long
as they are the same type of cells (NIMH) you shouldnt have any problems.
Its not like the company makes their own special batteries to go with the
radios. At best they buy batteries from some chinese company and pay them
to lable the batteries with a custom logo. Like this "Danger:These are the
only batteries you can use with this radio. If other battiers are used this
device will explode."

They may not have their own special batteries, but they may have a
pack that contains 5 NiCD cells vs 4 alkalines. ...both approx 6
volts. (That's a general comment... I don't know about Motorola
Talk-Abouts).
Click to expand...

The FRS radios I like opperate off AA and have a manual volume control.
Thats how my Icom FRS is. I have a pair of Midland FRS/GMRS
that opperate off AAA and have a silly PB volume control. Just awfull.

I can only say it migh be about battery mahr. Its is VERY nice though to have a charging
stand.

greg
 
I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

Mine have a menu option to adjust the battery indicator for either
Click to expand...
alkaline or NiMH batteries. Check yours for same....

jak
 
On Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:55:11 -0400, jakdedert wrote
(in article <SpEwl.18187$b9.4722@bignews6.bellsouth.net>):

I have a couple of Motorola Talk-Abouts. When I use rechargeables
other than those included in the sealed pack, the battery indicator
registers only "partly charged" even when they are fully charged; and
they don't seem to last as long. Might have something to do with the
voltage. I know NiCad are only 1.2 and register low if the device is
expecting alkaline 1.5's.

Mine have a menu option to adjust the battery indicator for either
alkaline or NiMH batteries. Check yours for same....

jak
Click to expand...
Nope. Model T9580RSAME, 28 mi range. I will give Motorola credit
however. I had a set of their 14 mile range SX600 which failed when
the temp dropped below 40 degrees. They upgraded me to the 28 mi model
and shipped the replacements to me at no charge and with no hassle.
They also sent a post-paid box to ship the failed ones back for
analysis. I'd do business with them again based on that experience.

--
Nelson
 
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