Best Batteries

[TechnoDave]

When I got my Pro96 about 4 years ago, I purchased some Rad Shack NiCad batteries (they were blue) and these have worked GREAT for 4 years, but their life has come to an end. I tried some NiMh batteries that I normally use in my camera flash and they dont last anytime at all.
Are NiCad batteries still available? Or do you have any other suggestions as to the type of batteries I need that will give me another 4 years of great service?

 

[Jakemcgraw]

When I got my Pro96 about 4 years ago, I purchased some Rad Shack NiCad batteries (they were blue) and these have worked GREAT for 4 years, but their life has come to an end. I tried some NiMh batteries that I normally use in my camera flash and they dont last anytime at all.
Are NiCad batteries still available? Or do you have any other suggestions as to the type of batteries I need that will give me another 4 years of great service?

I use and recommend the Precharged NI-MH type batteries, most of which are 2000 mah,,,the precharged ones i use that work extremely well are the Duracell and the Sanyo Eneloops, both are 2000 mah,,ive had really good experience with both.

 

[Ensnared]

At present, I am using the aforementioned Sanyo batteries, but I must say, they don't impress me. I preferred the Rayvac Hybrids, but I cannot find them anymore. Target used to carry these. Another listening turned me on to these batteries. They have more memory capacity:
Buy.com - Maha PowerEx MHRAA14 IMEDION AA Size Low-Discharge NimH Battery 4-Pack (2400mAh) + Accessory Bag

 

[mike_s104]

Not sure how much power your scanner uses, but 3 Eneloops last for about 12 hours in my 396T. I used to use a Duracell 15min quick charger but started using a Powerex charger and have gotten better performance with it.

Not sure which one I have but it's one of the 8 one here:

Thomas Distributing

 

[gmclam]

Yes you can still get NiCd batteries. One place that has then is Harbor Freight (of all places).

I find that using the highest capacity batteries out there (over 2500mah) is not ideal. They just don't live for as many months. After trying quite a few brands and capacities of batteries, I am very happy with Sanyo Eneloops 2000mah batteries.

My least favorites are DuraCell, Energizer and PowerEx.

 

[chanerz]

I use enercell, lenmar, and pre-charged lenmar r2g.

 

[Ensnared]

I would guess that my preference for a lit keyboard & LED during reception affects the longevity of charges with these batteries. I will share this word of warning concerning 15 minute chargers. I once used a 15 minute charger in my 2008 Nissan Versa. This charger worked for a while. Then, it fried the power outlet. Nissan installed a new one. I learned my lesson.

 

[KR4BD]

I have had great luck with an offbeat brand of NiMH batteries that I have only seen sold at the Dayton Hamvention. However, you can find them on-line by Googling. They are Power2000 (black and orange color) and are rated at 2900 mah.

A fully charged set of 4 lasts about 18-20 hours in my Pro-97 and about 14-15 hours in my Pro-106.

 

[jamesa53]

I have had good luck with Wal-Mart purchased Eveready NiMH rechargeables. My 106 will run 12 hours or longer on them.

 

[WA6KFI]

Great batteries...

I have used the Maha batteries for many years now, they seem to hold up very well. I just got 4 of the "Powerex" 2700-AA rechargeables again for my Pro-96, they do stay charged-up and never had a problem with them and the price was right for a set of 4.

 

[WA1ATA]

When I got my Pro96 about 4 years ago, I purchased some Rad Shack NiCad batteries (they were blue) and these have worked GREAT for 4 years, but their life has come to an end. I tried some NiMh batteries that I normally use in my camera flash and they dont last anytime at all.
Are NiCad batteries still available? Or do you have any other suggestions as to the type of batteries I need that will give me another 4 years of great service?

Are you continuously charging your batteries in the radio?

NiCad batteries are much more tolerant of a continuous trickle charge than are NiMH.