BC296D Battery Life

[fletch97]

Got a new BC296D less than a month ago. I charged it per the instructions initially and otherwise normally leave it plugged in. However, when I unplug it I often get a low battery warning within 5 minutes. Occasionally I get the warning the instant I unplug it. I'm assuming that a new and fully charged battery should last much longer than that, but just wanted to check to see if others have had any similar issues?

I've never let it continue to run for a long time unplugged so I suppose it's also possible that my scanner just indicates a low battery sooner than it should. Anyway, I've contacted Uniden and hopefully can get a replacement battery since it's brand new, but definitely interested in hearing how long on average other users can run on battery only before getting a low battery warning.

Thanks!

[AZScanner]

Originally Posted by fletch97

Got a new BC296D less than a month ago. I charged it per the instructions initially and otherwise normally leave it plugged in.

I do NOT recommend doing this. The BC250 and 296 have a problem in their charging circuits that causes the radio to get HOT. Not warm but HOT. Mine does this, and I soon was experiencing dead battery syndrome after about an hour of scanning.

If you intend to keep it plugged in full time, I would remove the battery. I've done this on mine and the heat problem is no longer a factor.

Still looking for a decent battery pack replacement that takes AA's. I'm totally spoiled by the PRO-96's ability to accept AA's. I have 4 sets of NiMH rechargables. I looked at the homebrew one posted in the forums before, but I want something that is a bit more professional than that.

-AZ

[digitalpimp_n]

Same problem here. I have the 296d and now the battery last about 30 minutes now. i was leaving it plugged in then it would get very warm then i would unplug it then it would die very quickly. I like the pro-96 setup. may have to come up with some other system for the 296d battery setup.

[fletch97]

Thanks for the replies! I kind of figured I just got a bad battery (and maybe I did), but it sounds like the problem may be worse and that there may be a design problem with the BC296D.

The good news is that I faxed Uniden my reciept and they immediately sent me a new battery pack no questions asked. So, I guess based on what you're saying maybe I'll save this pack until there's a time I know I'll need a long battery only operation before hooking it up. Starting to wonder if I should have gone for the Pro-96. . .I guess when I have another $500 that I don't know what I could possibly do with it I'll have something else to burn it on

[TheGator]

May I add my 3 cents here. I have to tell you what I came up with, now I know a lot of people want as much time on there radio between charges, myself If I get 4 hours Im ok with it, This is for the everyone like myself.
go to radio shack and buy a 4 triple A battery holder. Take the two lead wires and run them back through the inside of the holder, (they will not be in the way of the batteries) the holder fits perfectly in the 296D. buy 4 800Ma NiMh Batteries from walmart, A full charge gave me 4 hours of play time, this I feel is a good alternative to the dreaded power pack.

AL

[jdc50]

Gator are you charging the batteries in the radio or outside the radio?

Want to make sure you mean a AAA battery holder and puting the AA batteries in it.


Thanks

[TheGator]

using AAA batteries with a AAA 4 Battery holder u can charge them in the radio or out of the radio with a AAA battery charger. it works.

[TheGator]

I forgot to mention, I take a telephone battery connector which is the same as the 296 connector, slip some heat shrink the wire, then solder the wires shrink the heat shrink and your done.

[Raptor50se]

Hi, I don't charge my battery in my 296D, I take it out and use a computer controlled charger from my local hobby shop. You can pick one up for about $40. It has a display and shows the current the battery has taken.
I can use my 296D for about 12 hours before a charge.