Batteries for BCD396T

[HoDo]

Is it okay to buy Energizer Rechargeable AA (2500 mAH) batteries to use in the scanner? USA Scan said just go to Walmart and buy some rechargeables to use, just wanted to make sure I get the correct thing.

 

[jpm]

That is the brand I'm currently using in my BCD396T scanner and haven't charged batteries in the actual scanner itself. The thing I love about this scanner is you just change the batteries when dead, I always let the batteries completely discharge before charging them. I am a member of Sams club and they had the best price for the charger and batteries. Also good price on the two packs of 4. Remember that you have to charge two batteries per side of the charger unlike me that only charged three and the single battery wasn't charging. So I called energizer complained and told the lady I was charging three and she gave me a $5 coupon. Must of been too early for her on a monday morning because I read the pamplet that came with batteries afterwards and it says to have two per side of the charger. Oh well.

 

[hiegtx]

I agree with JPM. They'll work fine. The 396 comes with 2300 mAH batteries, so you'll gain a little more run time between charges.

I noted in your earleir post in a different thread that you've just ordered your scanner. If you have not done so, you can download Uniden's software for the scanner here
It's free, and you can get acquainted with it while your scanner is on the way. You can also experiment with how you want to set up your programming so that when it arrives, you can load it up & listen

 

[W4KRR]

Is it okay to buy Energizer Rechargeable AA (2500 mAH) batteries to use in the scanner? USA Scan said just go to Walmart and buy some rechargeables to use, just wanted to make sure I get the correct thing.

I use those same batteries, also from Walmart. However, I charge mine with a Maha MH-C401FS charger. This will charge from one to four AA batteries in just a few hours. I keep two sets of batteries, so I always have a set fully charged and ready to go.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Here's another vote for the Energizer 2500's. I'm using them in all my scanners, digital camera's, and a few other devices. Can't beat the price or convenience. I also recommend the Maha MH-C401FS charger.

 

[Voyager]

I use those same batteries, also from Walmart. However, I charge mine with a Maha MH-C401FS charger. This will charge from one to four AA batteries in just a few hours. I keep two sets of batteries, so I always have a set fully charged and ready to go.

I would echo everything KRR said. I've been using 2500 mAH Energizers for years and have never had a problem. I've also recently picked up the exact charger mentioned for the reasons of charging sets of 3 cells, but I've been using MAHA chargers for many years as well with always satisfactory results. My scanner is never tethered to the wall for charging. Thomas Distributing has a nice package deal for the charger with 2500 NiMH Energizers and it includes carrying cases for the cells.

http://www.nimhbattery.com/mhc401fs_buy_international.php

(5th item down - "(Special Deal" - add on the Energizers) [I got several sets]

Joe M.

 

[rhutch]

It looks like it is unamimous I too use the energizers and charge them outside the scanner. I think I will pick up a Maha charge though. The battery life in the 396 is pretty good. One caveat don't mix the batteries that came with the scanner with the energizers as they are on 2300 mAH batteries (at least when charging).

 

[HoDo]

So the benefit to the charger is that it can charge 1, 2, or 3 at a time not all 4 like the energizer one does? Also HIEGTX where is the download for the software on that page, it looked like firmware downloads?

 

[hiegtx]

HoDo, the very bottom file, BCD396T_UASD_v1.2.2.2.exe, is Uniden's programming software. You have to 'accept' the licensing agreement (which is standard for everything), and enter your email address. Download the software & execute that file to install it. Uniden will email you an unlock key for the software. The activate option to unlock, if I remember correctly, is under the "Help" menu.
The scanner will arrive pre-programmed with systems from major metropolitan areas, but it may (or may not) have yours. It also does not include all channels (or talk groups for the trunked systems) that are on each system.

 

[W4KRR]

So the benefit to the charger is that it can charge 1, 2, or 3 at a time not all 4 like the energizer one does?

Yes, you don't have to charge four cells, or in pairs, you can charge just the three required by the BCD396.

 

[HoDo]

Well I went to Walmart and boughtthe Energizer charger with 4 2500mAH batteries. I guess I should mark 3 of the batteries and always charge them once depleted and keep the same one in the charger to complete the full circuit. Does that sound correct? Also do I need to delete the pre-programmed freqs and tg's in then scanner or once I download the ones I create will replace them in the banks? Also, sorry so many questions, how do I check the firmware version tomorrow once I get the scanner and do I just download the last update from the Uniden site and it will cover all the updates or do I need to do each individual one? Sorry I am a newbie trying to learn. I am sure you will see a lot of me here in the next weeks, LOL!

 

[HoDo]

Well I think I am going to buy the Maha MHC401FS from the above link. I see they sell one for $34.97 standard with case and battery holder and a WORLD charger that is $41.97 and comes with a additional plug. I dont think I would ever use the world charger, is the standard one the one everyone bought?

 

[rhutch]

Just picked up a new Energizer charger let lets you charge 1-4 cells, and is a quick charger says it will charge in 30 minutes. Comes with 4 AA's as well. And before anyone says anything I also have the normal Energizer charge in which you have to charge the bateries in pairs.

 

[MarkWestin]

Hello,

I have two of the Maha MHC401FS chargers and am thinking of getting a third one. I normally (always) charge on the "slow" setting (about 5+/- hours) instead of "fast" (1 hour) because I had a Maha Powerex 2200 mah battery split its wrapper while fast charging. (I Scotch taped it back together). You don't need the "World" charger unless you are planning on travelling overseas.

Mark

 

[Al42]

I guess I should mark 3 of the batteries and always charge them once depleted and keep the same one in the charger to complete the full circuit. Does that sound correct?

Yes - always keep sets of rechargeable batteries together.

Also do I need to delete the pre-programmed freqs and tg's in then scanner or once I download the ones I create will replace them in the banks?

No and no. If you want, you can keep all the ones that are in there and just add the ones you want. Or you can delete everything and replace it with yours. There's a "delete everything" checkbox in the software when you tell it to write to the scanner. (If you have a System named 'X' and upload a System named 'X' without deleting, you'll have a duplicate System.

do I just download the last update from the Uniden site and it will cover all the updates

Yes, but you might also want to download 1.07. There have been reports of specific problems with 1.08 (slow P25 decode) so, if that bothers you (Baltimore City has digital TGs), you might want to revert back to 1.07.

Sorry I am a newbie trying to learn.

We all were once.

 

[Joeyemtp]

Is there a reason not to use recharge the batteries while in the scanner? I leave mine plugged in a majority of the time. I have also noticed when I turn mine off at night it still saying charging and not charging complete like the book states. I did not use the batteries that came with it instead I am using Radio Shack rechargeables.

Just curious, I do have a charger that I could use instead if that is really better.

Joey

 

[rhutch]

While the reason most people choose to charge outside the scanner, is that if something goes wrong during the charging cycle you would damage a $10-100 charger instead of a $500-1000 dollar scanner. While charging there is a lot of heat built up and should a cell short it could explode (not in the violent sense just leak out) or in worst case senario start a fire (very, very unlikely). Are the Radio Shack batteries NiMH or NiCd? I have charged in the scanner (while traveling it was more convenient) but now I have a travel charger and just take a couple sets with me.

 

[Joeyemtp]

That would make sense not to worry about damaging the scanner. They are NIMH batteries but on futher inspection they are only 2000 and I bet since they never make it to 2300 the scanner thinks it always has to charge. Sometimes it helps to read the labels huh?

Thanks

Joey

 

[rhutch]

Acutally the charging ciruit is just timer based so if you unplug it it just starts the countdown all over again (14 hours I beleive). Won't hurt anything though. As for 2000 or 2300 mAH batteries the 2300 will just have longer runtime.

 

[w8mkh]

I have used both Duracell 2050Mah and Energizer 2500Mah NiMH batts that i got from Walmart and they work great.
I have been buying a 4 pack a week for two months now i can keep spares charged up for my 396 and my ham hts works out great.