How to charge batteries for a Pro 106

rfrf · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 02:36 PM

I looked around quick for the answer to my question and couldn't find plus I didn't want to hijack someone else's post, so here is my question. I hope someone can help....
I have a 9V 800ma power source plugged into my new Pro 106. There are 4 2650mAh Duracell NiMH rechargeable batteries in the yellow holder inside the radio. The global menu has been changed to NiMH battery.
How long should I charge these batteries for? I used to know the formula (I think), but in my old age I've forgotten it.

Is it okay to run the scanner a little while it's charging; I expect it will add time on to the charging.
Also, I read that most people prefer to charge outside of the scanner. I'll keep that in mind the next time....

rfrf · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 03:21 PM

In searching around a little more, I may have found the answer to my question.
Divide the capacity of the battery by the rate of the charger
i.e. in my case 2650mAh divided by 800mAh = 4 hours (simple concept)
I understand you take the answer and add about 20% ?
Does this make sense?
Thanks..

hill · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:25 PM

I would suggest to you not to charge the batteries in the scanner, but use a external battery charger. If something goes wrong with the batteries during charging you will do major damage to a $500 scanner. The battery chargers do a much better job in recharging and will help to keep the batteries lasting longer. This way you can a few extra sets and will have backup ones when the first set dies. I never use the yellow battery holder in any GRE/Radio Shack scanners that recharge the batteries, but just the black one.

UPMan · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:29 PM

The current is most likely limited to about 100-200 mA charging current. Even though the AC adapter can deliver 800 mA, doesn't mean that is what the circuit is going to draw.

Scanners are typically set up to charge in 12-14 hours.

rfrf · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:38 PM

Very good. Thanks UPMan and hill; your points are well taken. I had that in the back of my head UPMan about what the circuit would actually draw.
You know, I think I'm going to slip over to WalMart right now and get a charger, remove the batteries from the scanner and charge them in the external charger.
So, if the batteries are charged outside of the scanner, you're saying it's okay to not use the yellow battery holder, just the black one?

icom1020 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 05:31 PM

Go slow on the charging rate, I have found some of the chargers that are faster heat up the batteries and result in throw aways. Numerous threads here on rechargeable but after several sets, I got a overnight charger and several quality sets like Sanyo. See if you can find something other than a 'fast' charger.

rfrf · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 05:34 PM

I've got a RayoVac charger now and it recommends 12-14 hrs charge time.
The Duracell 2650 mAh batteries are now in that charger....
Thanks.

AlabamaRS · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfrf

Very good. Thanks UPMan and hill; your points are well taken. I had that in the back of my head UPMan about what the circuit would actually draw.
You know, I think I'm going to slip over to WalMart right now and get a charger, remove the batteries from the scanner and charge them in the external charger.
So, if the batteries are charged outside of the scanner, you're saying it's okay to not use the yellow battery holder, just the black one?

use only rechargeables in the yellow case , no matter how they are charged, others ( not rechargeables) use the black case

rfrf · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:47 PM

Okay, very good.
Thanks AlabamaRS

UPMan · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:50 PM

To be clear, there is no problem using rechargeable or alkalines in the black case. They just won't be charged in the scanner. Never put alkalines in the yellow case, to prevent accidentally applying charge current if you plug in power.

rfrf · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:59 PM

To show AlabamaRS that I understood his post (and now the further context you put it in), I was going to make that very point, but then thought to leave well enough alone.
Thanks for your help Paul; you were also a lot of help to me last year when I was having difficulty programing my new BCD996T. It's sitting her purring away as I type!

ampulman · #12 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hill

I never use the yellow battery holder in any GRE/Radio Shack scanners that recharge the batteries, but just the black one.

Not a hijack, but related. When I briefly owned a PRO-96, I didn't use the scanner as a recharger. I did use the yellow battery holder to hold an extra set of batteries (alkalines or NIMH).

Since I only used battery operation 'in the field', it enabled a quick change when batteries would suddenly go flat during an active scanning session.

Amp

DaveIN · #13 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 08:47 AM

Also, if you do plan to charge NiMIH batteries in the radio, only leave them charging for the time needed to bring them to full charge. Over charging them for extended periods of time could cause them to overheat and possibly melt the scanner case or worse, cause a fire.

AlabamaRS · #14 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfrf

To show AlabamaRS that I understood his post (and now the further context you put it in), I was going to make that very point, but then thought to leave well enough alone.
Thanks for your help Paul; you were also a lot of help to me last year when I was having difficulty programing my new BCD996T. It's sitting her purring away as I type!

Glad I could help

<------ Also A Paul