Another Blinking Red light/No Battery Charge issue

[Deadguy]

Hi everyone! Before I start, yes, I've read all the other threads I could find about the blinking red light. If I may, here are the scenarios that do NOT apply to me:

1. My radio is NOT hot. Nothing at all...not a single part.
2. I've tried plugging it into all manner of safe power source using the OEM block and cable...walls, various power strips, my car, etc.
3. I've unplugged (with AND without the battery) the radio for hours, plugged it back in (with AND without the battery)
4. The manual makes no mention of a blinking red light while charging (at least that I can find)
5. I'm using the correct USB port on the scanner
6. Even at a full battery charge with the charging light green and plugged into a stable power source, the unit will not maintain a full battery charge and begin blinking red.

Please understand that I do not intend for this post to sound sarcastic, I've just read a lot of the same advice and not really any posts that say, "Oh wow! That worked." The truth is that I've had this radio on for the past few years. I totally understand that this isn't all that great for batteries, and I'm okay with the fact that I may just need to buy a new one. I just figured I'd try to ask the community before I do! Any help is appreciated!

PS, I will try just about anything y'all suggest here and let you know whether it works or not. Maybe this can be the last thread!

 

[Deadguy]

Update...as soon as I hit the button this thread, I notice the big ole' "***SAFETY ALERT***" battery thread. Attached is a picture of my own battery.

I think it is starting to swell. It also has a strange smell. Thing is, I didn't take note of the size...or smell...of my battery when it came new. This is starting to look like a "just get a new battery" issue.

Thoughts?

 

[jtwalker]

Just get a new battery, and get this one out of your house and away from your loved ones and property asap.

 

[Deadguy]

I just got it out of the house. I already broke it to my spouse that I need a new battery. Are there any lithium ion batteries or are they all this polymer type?

 

[buddrousa]

Just that you can get it from AMAZON with Charger most of the time for a good price

 

[JustinWHT]

Are there any lithium ion batteries or are they all this polymer type?

I use LiFePO2 batteries that as I understand don't have the hazards of older Li-Ion cells

 

[Ubbe]

Thoughts?

It's held together with electrical tape. Take it apart and look at the three cells in it. My battery had one cell that where swelled to max but the others where more or less fine. All cells are connected in parallel so you only have to use a wire cutter and snip one cell off from that pack and you can probably continue to use it when that bad cell are removed. Unidens batteries have never ripped or exploded, they are contained in some sort of a safety bag that allows it to swell, and the electrical tape also allows it to swell instead of being confined in a hard plastic shell that can make it explode.

I cut out one cell from my battery and the two remaining cells hasn't swelled any more after that.

/Ubbe

 

[bearcatrp]

Is he talking about the SDS100? Am assuming so.

 

[Deadguy]

Is he talking about the SDS100? Am assuming so.

I am referring to the SDS100. I can't believe I left that out!

 

[Deadguy]

It's held together with electrical tape. Take it apart and look at the three cells in it. My battery had one cell that where swelled to max but the others where more or less fine. All cells are connected in parallel so you only have to use a wire cutter and snip one cell off from that pack and you can probably continue to use it when that bad cell are removed. Unidens batteries have never ripped or exploded, they are contained in some sort of a safety bag that allows it to swell, and the electrical tape also allows it to swell instead of being confined in a hard plastic shell that can make it explode.

I cut out one cell from my battery and the two remaining cells hasn't swelled any more after that.

/Ubbe

That's cool! I'm not sure it would've worked my my case though because the battery wouldn't charge at all.