HT1000 Best charger for HT1000 batteries.

[Skyman2002]

Hello friends! This is my first post in this Forum.

I own three VHF Motorola HT1000's that I have for Amateur Radio use.

Recently, my NTN8831A charger stopped working.

My friend recommended that I get a brand new Impres WPLN4114AR, as it was considered to be quite the upgrade from what I had.

To my surprise, The Impres charger, although they slid right in, would not charge my Motorola Batteries nor my generic ones. It just angrily flashed red.

I'm currently without the radio until I can find something that will be kind to my batteries.

I'm well aware of the reliability of the generic VS OEM Motorola batteries, but I'd like to find something that will charge both, safely.

If anyone could recommend one that is compatable, I'd appreciate it!

-73's

-Sky.

 

[mbnv992]

That impress charger that was recommended
( WPLN4114 ) IS the best charger for the Jedi batteries. That is what I’ve been using since they came out in the mid 2000’s and they work great. If it’s flashing red it’s trying to tell you your batteries are crapped out and need new batteries.

This charger also can charger Saber and XTS batteries as well. It is also a tri-chemistry ( Li-ion, NiMh, and Ni-Cad ) charger, as well as impress.

 

[Skyman2002]

I wonder if I got a Dud charger in this case? The 4114 I had wouldn't charge any of the 7 batteries I had on hand, many are still in the box.

-Sky.

That impress charger that was recommended
( WPLN4114 ) IS the best charger for the Jedi batteries. That is what I’ve been using since they came out in the mid 2000’s and they work great. If it’s flashing red it’s trying to tell you your batteries are crapped out and need new batteries.

This charger also can charger Saber and XTS batteries as well. It is also a tri-chemistry ( Li-ion, NiMh, and Ni-Cad ) charger, as well as impress.

 

[mmckenna]

I wonder if I got a Dud charger in this case? The 4114 I had wouldn't charge any of the 7 batteries I had on hand, many are still in the box.

-Sky.

Could be.

I've been using the same charger since the 1990's with MTS-2000's, HT-1000's and JT-1000's. Never had an issue.

Make sure the batteries are warm and you are not doing this out in your garage or something.

 

[Skyman2002]

Thanks for that info!

What firmware does your charger run?

Could be.

I've been using the same charger since the 1990's with MTS-2000's, HT-1000's and JT-1000's. Never had an issue.

Make sure the batteries are warm and you are not doing this out in your garage or something.

 

[Skyman2002]

Update: I believe my issue may have been outdated Firmware on the charging base... This begs the question: How does one go about updating the Firmware on something like this?

 

[N4KVE]

Update: I believe my issue may have been outdated Firmware on the charging base... This begs the question: How does one go about updating the Firmware on something like this?

With this device right here.

 

[Skyman2002]

With this device right here.

Thank you.

Are these field programmers difficult to get a hold of?

 

[N4KVE]

Thank you.

Are these field programmers difficult to get a hold of?

I’m told they are NLA from Moto, but at $275 it was cheaper to have the newest FW charger. There are people who have the device who can upgrade your charger for a few bucks.

 

[GTR8000]

You haven't mentioned the make and model of the batteries you're trying to charge, or the current firmware level of the charger itself.

I've charged Jedi series HNN9028AR 1550 mAh NiCD IMPRES batteries with no issues in several WPLN4111 chargers, all with various firmware levels (3.00, 3.10, 3.40, and 3.90)

Most of the more recent firmware updates for that charger have dealt with APX battery issues, not older Jedi series batteries.

 

[mmckenna]

I agree.
I'm using old chargers that likely have old/original firmware from the 2000's in them. They have never been updated.
I'm running non-Impress batteries in them, and even after market batteries with no issue.

Where you'll sometimes get the flashing red light is if the batteries are too cold or if you are trying to charge with the radio turned on.

 

[n3obl]

I'm still going with dud batteries. I use bunch of those and older rack chargers which have the same board as the single with no issues.

 

[GTR8000]

@Skyman2002 Try cleaning the charger's contacts with a pencil eraser, they could have dirt or oxidation preventing full contact with the batteries.

Where you'll sometimes get the flashing red light is if the batteries are too cold or if you are trying to charge with the radio turned on.

The flashing red indicates a fault; flashing amber indicates too cold/too hot/low voltage.

 

[mmckenna]

Good point. I'm probably thinking of the cheap chargers.

 

[Skyman2002]

Lots of really good info here, thank you all for your input. Most of the batteries that I have are the

"Motorola WPNN4013A" NIMH and "Power Works 7144MHXXT-PW" NIMH.

The firmware on my charger is 3.40.

Regardless of whether they are connected to the radio or not, when they are placed into the Cradle, the red light flashes.

 

[Skyman2002]

Does anyone know of a service available that could update the base to the most recent firmware?

I'd have no trouble shipping.

 

[K2NEC]

Why are you looking to upgrade the firmware? It was already stated that the firmware won't make a difference for older batteries. Newer firmware only affects APX batteries.

 

[Skyman2002]

Why are you looking to upgrade the firmware? It was already stated that the firmware won't make a difference for older batteries. Newer firmware only affects APX batteries.

I understand now, I missed those particular posts above.

Thanks.

 

[Skyman2002]

Hello friends I just wanted to close out this thread. Some fantastic answers. Here's what has transpired over the past few weeks.

I contacted my friend who I had purchased the impres charger from, and sent it back to him. He opened the charger and after some examination, found a fault where the battery contacts meet the board.

I was sent a second charger, and hey presto, steady red, followed by flashing green, then steady green!

Again, thanks everyone!

 

[mbnv992]

Glad you got your charger fixed ! Enjoy. That’s the best single unit charger Motorola has made for these older radios.