Tk 2160 Li-Ion Battery Care/Life

[Peanut_SJU]

My department just purchased some TK 2160's with the 7.4 VDC, 1950mAh, 14.43Wh batteries.

I haven't used these before and am wondering the best way to extend their life? Do battery conditioner units help extend the life of Li-Ion batteries as much as with non-Li-Ions?

Does Kenwood make a battery like the Motorola Impres?

Thanks for any info you can provide me!

[n7maq-1]

Originally Posted by Peanut_SJU

My department just purchased some TK 2160's with the 7.4 VDC, 1950mAh, 14.43Wh batteries.

I haven't used these before and am wondering the best way to extend their life? Do battery conditioner units help extend the life of Li-Ion batteries as much as with non-Li-Ions?

Does Kenwood make a battery like the Motorola Impres?

Thanks for any info you can provide me!

Conditioning will not help Li-Ion batteries. For the best life always use the factory charger, or one that is approved for Li-Ion.

Kenwood does not make a "smart" battery like the Impress.

For a lot of good battery info go to Welcome to Battery University

Jim

[Peanut_SJU]

Thanks for your help! I think my questions are answered!

[Peanut_SJU]

Ok, how about this? Another dept of mine has Kenwood TK-272's. I see they sell Li-Ion batteries for this model radio, however from the link you posted Li-Ion batteries should only be charged in Li-Ion appropriate chargers. Where would I find these chargers? Or could I just use the rapid chargers that came with the TK-272's some 6-8 years ago?

Thanks!



Sounds like if the Li-Ion batteries are here to stay for the portable market there is not really a need to have conditioners anymore, huh?

[n7maq-1]

Originally Posted by Peanut_SJU

Ok, how about this? Another dept of mine has Kenwood TK-272's. I see they sell Li-Ion batteries for this model radio, however from the link you posted Li-Ion batteries should only be charged in Li-Ion appropriate chargers. Where would I find these chargers? Or could I just use the rapid chargers that came with the TK-272's some 6-8 years ago?

Thanks!



Sounds like if the Li-Ion batteries are here to stay for the portable market there is not really a need to have conditioners anymore, huh?

DO NOT use a KSC-16, or KSC-24 with Li-Ion batteries. Kenwood does not offer a Li-Ion battery for the TK-272, ask the manufacture of the battery (unless it's a well known vendor I would stay away from them anyway, the KNB-15, or 20 are just fine for FF use). Li-Ions can (and have) overheat and cause a fire when not charged correctly. The HAVE to be charged correctly or else you will have problems. They don't last (service life) long and are still very expensive. Do a Google search for "fires caused by li-ion batteries", or "Li-Ion battery safety" or "FAA rules on Li-Ion batteries". They have been responsible for aircraft fires.

Yes Li-Ion is here to stay, but the HAVE to be charged and handled correctly. Although for number of charges and service life NiCd are still the best deal. Li-Ions do not work well in extreme temperature environments, Ni based batteries are a long long way from being replaced.


Jim