Por-96 Reception: Battery vs. A/C Power

[DewAddict]

Anyone else notice a decrease in reception of digital signals when using batteries vs. A/C Power? When I use NiMh batts the scanner squelches much more and does not decode the signal as well as it does when using A/C power. I am using the same antenna and the scanner is placed in the same location and this seems to be the only possible cause.

My brother had brought this to my attention as he experienced similar incidents until he started using the adapter. When the batteries are fully charged I get about 5.7v vs 9v on an A/C adapter. Any opinions on this? Also occurs in the vehicle application as well.

** EDIT: I know I mixed up my Pro with Por in the title...Pro-96 **

Rob

 

[DaveIN]

Sounds like you may have a weak battery. You may want to try another set.

 

[proquist96]

Sounds like you may have a weak battery. You may want to try another set.

Regular AA batteries are 1.5v where rechargable are 1.2v i wonder if the voltage could have an effect on the performance of the scanner?

 

[GTO_04]

I never noticed that. Mine runs just as well on metal hydrides as on AC power. Like DaveIN days you probably have low batteries. Get some good quality Ni MH batteries like Powerex 2700s. I have outstanding service from them!

GTO_04

 

[Stick0413]

Yeah get some good batteries. With AC power you know you are running at full power but with batteries it may be working and without the low battery warning but they are a little weak. Never have noticed that with my 96.

 

[DewAddict]

Allright...may be the case but I have used brand new rechargables and same thing happens. I have not tried any alkalines so maybe I'll compare to those as well. Just want to get some opinions. Thanks for the replies.

Rob

 

[Stick0413]

As far as disposiable batteries I sometimes use enigizer lithium batteries. They are great. Usually use them when I don't have time to charge.

 

[w8jjr]

decrease in reception of digital signals when using batteries vs. A/C Power?

Anyone else notice a decrease in reception of digital signals when using batteries vs. A/C Power?
Rob

Another thing is one side of the cord from the power cord is connected to the radio ground.
It can act as a ground plane. Many scanners have a slight signal improvement when using the wall wart.

Jim
w8jjr