RadioShack Pro-106 Power Options

[revclstoner]

I recently purchased a RadioShack Pro-106. I did some research concerning the use of rechargeable batteries. Based on what I read, I will NOT be charging batteries in this scanner. I plan on using Energizer® Recharge® Power Plus AA Batteries with the included charger. I also plan on not using an dc adapter since I have two sets of four rechargeable batteries.

My question: how are other Pro-106 users, or users of similar scanners, powering the scanner?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

[hiegtx]

Originally Posted by revclstoner

I recently purchased a RadioShack Pro-106. I did some research concerning the use of rechargeable batteries. Based on what I read, I will NOT be charging batteries in this scanner. I plan on using Energizer® Recharge® Power Plus AA Batteries with the included charger. I also plan on not using an dc adapter since I have two sets of four rechargeable batteries.

My question: how are other Pro-106 users, or users of similar scanners, powering the scanner?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

For my PSR-500 (same scanner, other than a different front faceplate), I use the low self discharge batteries, such as Sanyo Eneloops, or Maha's Imedion 2400mAH cells. I also use an external charger. I have multiple sets of batteries, and several chargers. At home, depending on what room I'm in, I may use the ac adapter, but I always use the black battery pack, so that the scanner can't charge the batteries. Mobile, depending on how long I'll be on the road, I may use the dc adapter, but also carry extra sets of batteries. You can find the low self discharge batteries at multiple sources, including Amazon.

Be sure that your charger does not overheat the batteries, as that will shorten their life, and can contribute to them developing a high self-discharge rate, leaving you with a dead set, instead of fully charged, when you need them most.

[bkantor]

I also use rechargeable batteries in my 106 (as well as all of my other scanners) - I picked up the Sanyo Eneloops from Costco (and some on-line) and they work great. I always charge them externally - why take a chance on ruining an expensive radio. I used to use alkalines - the cost savings (and environmental benefit) of using rechargables is great.
Bob

[rk911]

Originally Posted by revclstoner

I recently purchased a RadioShack Pro-106. I did some research concerning the use of rechargeable batteries. Based on what I read, I will NOT be charging batteries in this scanner. I plan on using Energizer® Recharge® Power Plus AA Batteries with the included charger. I also plan on not using an dc adapter since I have two sets of four rechargeable batteries.

My question: how are other Pro-106 users, or users of similar scanners, powering the scanner?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

i use the DC adapter as often as possible. beyond that i do the same as you...two sets of rechargeable batteries which are charged outside of the radio.

[desert-cheetah]

Since most of my listening is done at work, I have my 106 plugged in with the DC adapter, sometimes with the battery/battery pack removed and sometimes with it in. When I listen at home it's either hooked up with the DC adapter or running off of rechargeable batteries. I have an external battery charger, but my batteries always seem to run out of juice real fast.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by bkantor

I also use rechargeable batteries in my 106 (as well as all of my other scanners) - I picked up the Sanyo Eneloops from Costco (and some on-line) and they work great. I always charge them externally - why take a chance on ruining an expensive radio. I used to use alkalines - the cost savings (and environmental benefit) of using rechargables is great.
Bob

I'll look into those Sanyo batteries. I used to use alkalines, too; didn't want to buy batteries often.

[jaspence]

I use NiMH batteries in the alkaline case. This allows safe use of the DC adapter for extended listening. My Pro 96 cased was melted by a defective battery during charging, so charging outside of the radio is the only safe way.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by jaspence

I use NiMH batteries in the alkaline case. This allows safe use of the DC adapter for extended listening. My Pro 96 cased was melted by a defective battery during charging, so charging outside of the radio is the only safe way.

Me, too. I just don't use the DC adapter.

[Techy]

Hi Rev. I use Sanyo Eneloops as well, great batteries. I also use the Energizers as well with the included charger. I find better runtime with the Sanyo's. They all seem to run decent with my PSR 310. I have read on the forums here, to stay away from the Energizers with a green colored top as they had some issue with them. My other Energizers have a white colored top as to where the positive contact is.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by Techy

I have read on the forums here, to stay away from the Energizers with a green colored top as they had some issue with them. My other Energizers have a white colored top as to where the positive contact is.

Aww man!!! I have the ones with the green colored top!!!

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by Techy

I have read on the forums here, to stay away from the Energizers with a green colored top as they had some issue with them. My other Energizers have a white colored top as to where the positive contact is.

Correction: I have one set with the green top (1300 mAh) and one set without the green top (2300 mAh).

[revclstoner]

Has anyone ever used these in there scanner: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries

[Ensnared]

Originally Posted by hiegtx

For my PSR-500 (same scanner, other than a different front faceplate), I use the low self discharge batteries, such as Sanyo Eneloops, or Maha's Imedion 2400mAH cells. I also use an external charger. I have multiple sets of batteries, and several chargers. At home, depending on what room I'm in, I may use the ac adapter, but I always use the black battery pack, so that the scanner can't charge the batteries. Mobile, depending on how long I'll be on the road, I may use the dc adapter, but also carry extra sets of batteries. You can find the low self discharge batteries at multiple sources, including Amazon.

Be sure that your charger does not overheat the batteries, as that will shorten their life, and can contribute to them developing a high self-discharge rate, leaving you with a dead set, instead of fully charged, when you need them most.

I would second that motion about Sanyo batteries. They take a licking and keep on ticking. I have used more expensive batteries; however, they don't weather the storm and accept as many recharges. I have given up on those available at RS. I purchase my Sanyo Eneloops on Amazon. The four battery charger is well-constructed if you buy that package.

[Ensnared]

Posting error

[morrisr3nd]

Originally Posted by jaspence

I use NiMH batteries in the alkaline case. This allows safe use of the DC adapter for extended listening. My Pro 96 cased was melted by a defective battery during charging, so charging outside of the radio is the only safe way.

I did that too, until doing it MELTED my case, battery cover, and (BLACK) battery holder. NEVER leave batteries in the unit while connected to ANY DC source. You are asking for a major meltdown like it had. It was a blessing that my unit still worked. Had to replace all the melted parts. Small price to pay.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by morrisr3nd

I did that too, until doing it MELTED my case, battery cover, and (BLACK) battery holder. NEVER leave batteries in the unit while connected to ANY DC source. You are asking for a major meltdown like it had. It was a blessing that my unit still worked. Had to replace all the melted parts. Small price to pay.

I'm not even using a DC adapter with my scanner. Just rechargeable batteries.

[GrumpyAeroGuy]

I have been using Rat Shack Enercells in my PSR500. I use the RS charger for them, and, NOW, charge externally, exclusively.

I bought a set about a year ago, and a new set recently. The old ones are starting to show their age, as they don't power the scanner as long as the newer ones do.

Overall, I am satisfied with them.

I would like to try the sanyos as well, just too lazy to order them right at the moment.

[Ronaldski]

Ive rarely used my maha charger for charging the radio batteries, I use the radio to do it for many years, no problems. When I use the maha charger it only takes say 1-2 hours at most to be fully charged, so with that I always set the radio charge timer in the Global program settings to 1 usually 2 hours is all. Default settings are set to "cook" the batteries.

I also run the radios off the 9v DC off the vehicle power as well. IMO if people would put their charge timer settings low you'll be perfectly fine, just dont use some dirt cheap dollar store off brand crap batteries is all.

Over the years I bet an average of 5-6 battery charging threads I see here and on the yahoo groups as well. Like I said just change the charge timer settings be it in RS radios or unidens.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by Ronaldski

Ive rarely used my maha charger for charging the radio batteries, I use the radio to do it for many years, no problems. When I use the maha charger it only takes say 1-2 hours at most to be fully charged, so with that I always set the radio charge timer in the Global program settings to 1 usually 2 hours is all. Default settings are set to "cook" the batteries.

I also run the radios off the 9v DC off the vehicle power as well. IMO if people would put their charge timer settings low you'll be perfectly fine, just dont use some dirt cheap dollar store off brand crap batteries is all.

Over the years I bet an average of 5-6 battery charging threads I see here and on the yahoo groups as well. Like I said just change the charge timer settings be it in RS radios or unidens.

I knew it!!! When I was fumbling around in the Arc500 software, I came across a setting about the charge time for rechargeable batteries!

[skyliner]

I have multiple sets of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries which I rotate regularly and use. I always charge them outside the unit.