Battery Care

Batteries for two way radios are made of three different chemistries, nickel-cadmium (NiCD), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-ion). NiCD is the least expensive. NiMH is a bit more expensive and with a higher capacity and less likely to have any “memory” buildup. Although the most expensive, Li-ion provides the highest capacity, lightest weight and very resistant to memory buildup. You can expect any of these chemistries to last 350-400 charging cycles. Bring your batteries into our service department to be checked or if you have a battery analyzer replacement is recommended after they have less than 80% original capacity.

Proper care of batteries can reduce costs down the road and increase reliability in the meantime. Whether you are a mission critical organization or use radios on an occasional basis, knowing a bit about your batteries can save time and put money back into your budget. Most batteries have a one year warranty and often make it through the warranty period without optimal care.

If you are interested in going well beyond the warranty period there are a few steps to take that will greatly improve your life cycle.

Do’s

1. Drain the battery as much as possible before recharging.
2. Put the battery through a charging cycle if not used for a few weeks.
3. Analyze the battery as needed.

Don’t

1. “Top off” the battery to give it just a little extra charge.
2. Over charge the battery.
3. Operate the radio while in the charger.
4. Charge batteries if they are well above room temperature as they will heat up while charging.
5. Drop your radio, it’s harder on the battery than the radio.