BCD325P2/BCD996P2: Battery Life

[benlichtenfeld]

The battery on my 325 drains very fast. Is there any way to reduce battery drainage?

 

[dave3825]

How bright is your screen and how loud do you listen?

 

[EAFrizzle]

The battery on my 325 drains very fast. Is there any way to reduce battery drainage?

What time period are you calling "very fast"? And do you charge the batteries in the scanner?

 

[benlichtenfeld]

How bright is your screen and how loud do you listen?

I usually have my volume around 6. I’m not sure what brightness.

 

[benlichtenfeld]

What time period are you calling "very fast"?

I would say a couple hours, but it feels like it goes by fast. I usually have it on in the background.

 

[benlichtenfeld]

I would say a couple hours, but it feels like it goes by fast. I usually have it on in the background.

However, it's plugged in most of the time, and when it's unplugged.

 

[benlichtenfeld]

I'll time it when I get home (around 3 pm EST).

 

[buddrousa]

The scanner only charges when the scanner is off and set to charge you could also use a USB power brick

 

[dave3825]

would say a couple hours,

However, it's plugged in most of the time, and when it's unplugged.

Had an issue with the 436. Left it plugged in all the time and when taken off external power, it died pretty fast or was dead. Not familiar with that scanner or what it does when plugged in, but how many milliamps is what ever your using to power it?

 

[benlichtenfeld]

Had an issue with the 436. Left it plugged in all the time and when taken off external power, it died pretty fast or was dead. Not familiar with that scanner or what it does when plugged in, but how many milliamps is what ever your using to power it?

Honestly, I have no idea. I'll have to check when I get home.

 

[EAFrizzle]

Your batteries are worn out. I get 5.5 - 6 hours per pair, volume at 10, max brightness on for 30 seconds.

I quit charging batteries in the radio, except for when absolutely necessary. To help prevent overcharging in the radio, you can adjust the charging time to 1 or 2 hours, just in case you forget it.

Amazon has conditioning chargers that handle multiple sizes and chemistry of batteries. I'm using a 4-bay right now, the Keenstone HXY-H; cost about 60 bucks when I got it. Proper charging is the best way to improve your battery life.

 

[benlichtenfeld]

Your batteries are worn out. I get 5.5 - 6 hours per pair, volume at 10, max brightness on for 30 seconds.

I quit charging batteries in the radio, except for when absolutely necessary. To help prevent overcharging in the radio, you can adjust the charging time to 1 or 2 hours, just in case you forget it.

Amazon has conditioning chargers that handle multiple sizes and chemistry of batteries. I'm using a 4-bay right now, the Keenstone HXY-H; cost about 60 bucks when I got it. Proper charging is the best way to improve your battery life.

Thank you so much.

 

[EAFrizzle]

Once they get down to that point, any adjustments in the radio aren't going to make a difference. They'll help get every extra minute out of a charge once you have fresh and well-maintained batteries.

 

[dave3825]

Amazon has conditioning chargers that handle multiple sizes and chemistry of batteries.

I have been using this for long time.

Amazon.com: Opus BT - C3100 V2.2 Universal Battery Charger Speedy LCD Display Smart Battery Charger for Rechargeable Batteries Ni-MH Ni-Cd AA AAA,3.7V Li-ion 18650 26650 17670 14500 18490 (4-Slot) : Electronics

Amazon.com: Opus BT - C3100 V2.2 Universal Battery Charger Speedy LCD Display Smart Battery Charger for Rechargeable Batteries Ni-MH Ni-Cd AA AAA,3.7V Li-ion 18650 26650 17670 14500 18490 (4-Slot) : Electronics

a.co

 

[benlichtenfeld]

Once they get down to that point, any adjustments in the radio aren't going to make a difference. They'll help get every extra minute out of a charge once you have fresh and well-maintained batteries.

So, in other words, there isn't a way to increase the battery life beyond what it is?

 

[N9JCQ]

There is a battery use setting within the setting of the 325P2. Additionally, find and use good quality batteries. Believe it or not, I find the best batteries are those sold by Ikea. I believe they are made by Panasonic. Unfortunately, I have only been able to get 5-5.5 hours or so hours out of batteries I use with low consumption settings.

 

[EAFrizzle]

And @buddrousa 's suggestion of porta-power is great, especially out at events. Just make sure to not set the batteries to charge while on the porta-pack

 

[EAFrizzle]

You could try them in a battery conditioner, but they're not going to get much improvement for very long.

As far as brands, I've got five here, and they're all fairly close in performance. The Amazon Basics are the weakest, but they're super-cheap. The Lexel cells that come with the 325 are surprisingly good batteries. Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, they're not noticeably different to me.

Main thing is proper maintenance of whatever cell you get.

 

[dave3825]

Believe it or not, I find the best batteries are those sold by Ikea.

Yup, the Ladda are awesome and 10 bucks for 4 is not bad.

LADDA rechargeable battery, HR06 AA 1.2V, 2450mAh - IKEA

LADDA rechargeable battery, HR06 AA 1.2V, 2450mAh If you’re a frequent user of alkaline batteries, over time you can save money, reduce waste and lower your impact on the environment by switching to LADDA rechargeable batteries. The battery is ready to use.

www.ikea.com

Heard the HF Thunderbolt Magnums are not bad either though they are only 2200 mAh

AA High Capacity NiMH Rechargeable Batteries, 4 Pack

Amazing deals on this 4Pk High Capacity Nimh Aa Batteries at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[benlichtenfeld]

You could try them in a battery conditioner, but they're not going to get much improvement for very long.

As far as brands, I've got five here, and they're all fairly close in performance. The Amazon Basics are the weakest, but they're super-cheap. The Lexel cells that come with the 325 are surprisingly good batteries. Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, they're not noticeably different to me.

Main thing is proper maintenance of whatever cell you get.

Can I charge the rechargable batteries using a power bank?