Bcd396t

[Lynch_Christopher]

I recently purchased a BCD396T. I had a question regarding the charger. I plug it in at night and then next morning I notice that the back cover of the batter pack is really hot. I took off the cover and felt the batteries and noticed that they are fairly hot. I am using the batteries that came with the scanner from Uniden. Is it normal for the batteries to heat up a lot. I am just concerned that there is something wrong with the scanner.

Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

There is a mini switch in the battery compartment that, I think, selects the proper charging voltage for the batteries. I've never seen anything written up about it, so it's a mystery to me.

In any case, batteries should never get hot when recharging. It can shorten their lifespan. Getting a good external charger is a real must. I've heard many good things about Maha chargers (and they are sold by many retailers and resellers); you may not even need to go expensive. I think - I could be wrong here, so someone jump in - that Energizer has a dedicated charger for their batteries (I could swear I've seen it in my local Giant....). It's quite inexpensive, as chargers go.

73 Mike

 

[slypx]

Unfortunately it is normal.

To save your scanner from absorbing that unnecessary heat, you should use a external and a fast charger. By doing so, you will gain on time of charge from 14 hours down to 1 hour depending of the model.

I've got a Lemar with 4 AA's of 2500 MAh which, with the original batteries, gives me 2 set of AAA's and they charge from fully discharged in 45 - 60 minutes average.

 

[Lynch_Christopher]

So it is normal for it to get hot. Will the heat damage the internal components of the scanner. In terms of the charger I am using the one that came with the scanner from Uniden. Thank you for your responses.

 

[ka3jjz]

It could cause leakage and some damage to the compartment if that happens....better safe than sorry

73 Mike

 

[slypx]

So it is normal for it to get hot. Will the heat damage the internal components of the scanner. In terms of the charger I am using the one that came with the scanner from Uniden. Thank you for your responses.

As a rule of thumb, less heat in the scanner, longer it should live (not scientific at all but it's logical !!)

External charger is the way to go for me.

 

[Lynch_Christopher]

I think I am going to purchase one of those maha chargers. Which model charger should I go with. I just want to make sure I get the right one for the batteries that go with my scanner. Since the BCD396T is expensive I want to make sure that I take good care of it.

 

[BuiltonAsus]

I would also recommend purchasing a recharger that can charge each cell individually as the BCD396t requires 3 batteries. Most chargers that I have come across will require you charge batteries as pairs, meaning you would have to always charge 4 to charge 3. I am not sure on the exact science, but over charging one battery all the time would seem to do damage to the battery cell.

 

[jkahn]

I have said it before on this list, and I will say it again..... Charging batteries in the scanner is asking for the kiss of death.

At some point, one of the batteries will fail, and heat up enought to melt or warp the board in the scanner, which according to all of the variations of Murphy's Laws, will be out of warranty by about a month. I lost a BC250D that way. The repair cost was not terrible but it was enough to teach me that lesson.

I have purchased a LaCrosse charger from Thomas Distributing, and several sets of NIMH 2600 MAh batteries. I am very satisfied with their customer service (almost as good as Uniden...thanks Paul).
http://www.thomas-distributing.com

They carry all types of chargers, so just find one that has the features everybody suggests and the right price for your budget. Look for one that charges each cell individually. Mine lets you select several options, like regular charge (10-14 hours), a discharge-charge cycle that prevents or eliminates any memory effect and continues until peak charge is acheived (24 or more hours), etc. You can actually select a different option for each cell. For NIMH, a slower charge is better than a 1 hour quick charge, so I have several sets, which keeps one in the charger one in the radio and one in my pocket. ( and a couple extra, too).

I usually get 8-10+ hours of almost continuous use from the 2600 MAh batteries and they have some really good prices/deals, like a free plastic case to carry 4 extra batteries in.

I have also seen packages of charger & batteries in Sam's and COSTCO, so I guess Wal-Mart and Best Buy could also have them at slightly higher prices.

Good Luck.

 

[SCPD]

FYI, I've used the stock batteries that came with my BC396T and have charged it *many* times over the past 1.5 years. I've had only one weird power issue recently, but I don't think that had any relation to the batteries.

As long as the mini-switch inside the compartment is switched properly then you should be just fine.

 

[milo09]

jkanh, which lacrosse charger model did you buy? That site has so many to choose from. Also, does anyone use regular alkaline batteries for their scanner?

 

[Dave520]

I bought the Maha CF401 and it works great. As mentioned it charges each cell seperately so that you can charge from 1 to 4 cells at a time. I got mine from Thomas Dist. also. Very good to deal with.
Just my 2 cents.
Dave

 

[milo09]

Thanks Dave, I will check that one out. I wanted one that doesn't require 4 at a time....hmm...not finding it.

 

[slicerwizard]

I recently purchased a BCD396T. I had a question regarding the charger. I plug it in at night and then next morning I notice that the back cover of the batter pack is really hot. I took off the cover and felt the batteries and noticed that they are fairly hot.

The batteries are hot because they are overcharging. They are doing this because you aren't completely running them down before recharging them.

I am using the batteries that came with the scanner from Uniden. Is it normal for the batteries to heat up a lot. I am just concerned that there is something wrong with the scanner.

The scanner is defective by design. Every time you plug it in it shoves a full 14 hour charge into the cells whether they need it or not. You'll be needing new ones pretty soon.

 

[spigford]

I use lotsa' rechargeable, both NiCad and NiMH. It's my understanding most simple chargers work by timing a presumed 'full charge', then trickle afterward. If the batteries aren't fully discharged, they overheat during the full charge. This'll certainly shorten the life of the batteries.
I love my C. Crane QuickCharger -- it keeps track of the charge status, and will not overcharge. I use consistent identical sets of batteries (groups of 3 for the BCD396). Find C. Crane company online. The charger is slightly pricier than simpler units, but I think well worth it.

 

[Taloniilm]

Charger deal

Milo 09,
I went with this deal, (batteries and Lacross charger $52.94)... I'm very happy !!!

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-NiMH-Re...000IV413S/ref=pd_sim_ol_2/002-3651631-1835258

 

[milo09]

Taloniilm, hey thanks!!! Looks like a good deal too.

 

[DrDenny1]

I use a Duracell 1hr charger and Duracell batteries 2050 as well as the batts that come with the 396 2250's. Both battery types will runn the scanner 8-10+ hours. The charger will also charge 1 to 4 batteries and also do a trickel charge after the 1 hour, LED's change from red to green when done, they don't get over slightly warm at any time of the charging cycle. I have had this unit for a couple of years, I got it for my cameras. I only try and used the AC adaptor while the scanner is on and it doesn't seem to get as hot as when it's off in an overnight charge.