436 charge question
- Thread starter kb9hgi
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The scanner only charges for the time period set. It is not a "smart" charger that senses when the batteries are fully charged then ceases charging.
The charge time can be set via the main menu:
Press Menu
scroll to Settings and select (press the 'E(enter)' key)
Scroll to Battery Options & select that
Scroll to and select 'Set Charge Time' if you want to change the settin.
Your best option is to use an external battery charger, preferably a 'smart' charger that can charge the cells individually and at the optimal rate.
First, take the batteries out of the radio to charge them. Your charger is on a timer and does not read the level of the charge while charging. It will probably charge approximately 14 hours regardless of the actual level of the charge in the batteries.
I only use the internal charger as a last ditch requirement to charge the batteries. I can remember doing in twice in 4 years and even then, I charged only a few hours to get me through until I could put them in a real charger.
Many people use Maha chargers. Google it.
I only use the internal charger as a last ditch requirement to charge the batteries. I can remember doing in twice in 4 years and even then, I charged only a few hours to get me through until I could put them in a real charger.
Many people use Maha chargers. Google it.
It will.
When you connect the USB cable, if the scanner is already on, you'll get the prompt for choosing either Mass Storage mode (for programming) or Serial Mode (which allows for controlling/logging via software or powering via USB. If you do not make a choice with 10 seconds or so, it will default to serial mode, and the scanner will be running via the USB power.
If you connect the cable with the scanner turned off, or turn the scanner off with the cable connected, then you'll see a prompt to choose 'Charge Yes or No'. Say No if you are charging externally. As KK4JUG notes, I also charge externally, unless I have no other option. I have multiple sets of rechargeable batteries and several chargers, as most of my scanners are portables, even though many never leave the house.
Well that clears all that up thanks guys! You would think Uniden would have a better charging system on these. Should have at least auto charge and after charged shut off. im a Ham and have several Hand helds and I never have to remove the battery packs from them just plug them in in or drop in a charger and its does it Auto.I have more money in this scanner then I do my digital hand helds that have built in GPS and all.
dcisive
Member
Another Charging Issue To Keep In Mind
Once in a while it's a good idea to plug in your 436 and have it running on DC for a few days. I know it sounds excessive but I understand this done on occasion (like perhaps once a month) to keep the internal battery that maintains the clock. Just thought I'd mention that again as it's rarely discussed. I happen to have a Logitech wart that uses the USB interface with an AC plug on the other end of it. Same as a Samsung charger for your phone basically. This is what I use to have it run continuously for a few days on occasion just to keep things up to snuf. And NO the AA batteries that run it do NOT in any way get charged during this process.
Once in a while it's a good idea to plug in your 436 and have it running on DC for a few days. I know it sounds excessive but I understand this done on occasion (like perhaps once a month) to keep the internal battery that maintains the clock. Just thought I'd mention that again as it's rarely discussed. I happen to have a Logitech wart that uses the USB interface with an AC plug on the other end of it. Same as a Samsung charger for your phone basically. This is what I use to have it run continuously for a few days on occasion just to keep things up to snuf. And NO the AA batteries that run it do NOT in any way get charged during this process.
How I Charge Onboard
I charge my batteries inside the radio. I do turn the scanner over, remove the battery cover, connect the supplied usb cord and a wall wart usb adapter, press yes for normal charging. Granted the pre-set charge time has no regard for a proper amount of charge and 14 hours is way too much. Usually after 7-8 hours I start checking the batteries by touch and when they start getting hot I take them off charge. They will really get hot if not checked and this can't be good for the batteries. I set them aside until cool and then place them back on charge for a "final top off". Usually after about half an hour they start to get warm again. This seems to work good and gives a good time of normal scanner use. Mike.
I charge my batteries inside the radio. I do turn the scanner over, remove the battery cover, connect the supplied usb cord and a wall wart usb adapter, press yes for normal charging. Granted the pre-set charge time has no regard for a proper amount of charge and 14 hours is way too much. Usually after 7-8 hours I start checking the batteries by touch and when they start getting hot I take them off charge. They will really get hot if not checked and this can't be good for the batteries. I set them aside until cool and then place them back on charge for a "final top off". Usually after about half an hour they start to get warm again. This seems to work good and gives a good time of normal scanner use. Mike.
I guess maybe it works for you but it seems sort of iffy. A Maha (or similar) charger can cycle the batteries, analyze them and never overcharge them.
Unlike NiCad batteries, which are endothermic during charge (they stay cool) and only get noticeably warm during overcharge, NiMH batteries are exothermic during charge (they get warm). Warm batteries are normal and expected.
At the very low rate the scanner charges at, most if not all overcharge to NiMH batteries are safely dissipated as heat and do not damage either the batteries (significantly) or the scanner. That is why we use a slow charge. Because of the nearly flat discharge curve for NiMH batteries, it is impossible to determine an accurate charge state for NiMH batteries. It is also impossible to determine whether NiMH batteries are fully charged during charging at less than a .5C rate (about 1.25 Amps) nor when batteries are connected in series (the batteries don't all achieve full charge at the same time, masking actual full charge).
I use an external MAHA charger because it seems that when I go to pick up any of the scanners on/around my desk, their batteries are dead...and I need the scanner for some task right now! The MAHA will put a solid charge on in a very short time, so saves me time. When I'm in the car/at home or wherever, I don't worry at all about charging in the scanner itself. It just takes a long time and for most models charging only happens when power is off.
At the very low rate the scanner charges at, most if not all overcharge to NiMH batteries are safely dissipated as heat and do not damage either the batteries (significantly) or the scanner. That is why we use a slow charge. Because of the nearly flat discharge curve for NiMH batteries, it is impossible to determine an accurate charge state for NiMH batteries. It is also impossible to determine whether NiMH batteries are fully charged during charging at less than a .5C rate (about 1.25 Amps) nor when batteries are connected in series (the batteries don't all achieve full charge at the same time, masking actual full charge).
I use an external MAHA charger because it seems that when I go to pick up any of the scanners on/around my desk, their batteries are dead...and I need the scanner for some task right now! The MAHA will put a solid charge on in a very short time, so saves me time. When I'm in the car/at home or wherever, I don't worry at all about charging in the scanner itself. It just takes a long time and for most models charging only happens when power is off.
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