I have been using an HTX-202 since I got my license year and a half ago. Every time I plug in the battery recharger the little red lite goes on. However, in the last 2 days it has not gone on and I can only use the unit in my truck with the cigarette adapter. Looks like the battery is dead and can no longer hold a charge. The manual says that there batteries last 3-5 years. My time must be up.
My question to the group:
Is there a good source for a replacement?
Paul Cronshaw DC KF6TRT
Paul; Quick answer (QST March 2000, p.174): "Mr. NiCd's Batteries America" http://www.batteriesamerica.com tel:608-831-3443
BP-202h NiMH 7.2V 14000mAh $29.95 (ask about charging) IC-8 8-cell NiCd/Alkaline Case $15.95 (9.6/12V) Longer story: I had a similar experience last year: charger worked, but cells no longer held a charge. Disassembling the battery holder, I found a bundle of 6 AA nicad batteries (7.2V). You may find one or more of these cells leaking and corroded, with low voltage, or even reverse biased.
You can get replacement AA NiCads with tabs and rebuild the pack. These are typically 600maH cells. It's not recommended to solder directly to the NiCad battery contacts - they are easily damaged by too much heat.
Another option is to simply get an AA battery case that's intended for alkaline cells and use rechargeables instead. It may be less convenient to recharge than the original, but you can quickly pop in another set of cells from the changer without waiting. You may use higher capacity quick-chargeable cells like the new Sanyo 1000mAH NiCads. A spare set of alkyline cells serves as a backup. NiMH provide even more capacity, and apparently work for this application.
73 de Jim KE6WGO
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Jim Henry -
Paul Cronshaw, D.C.