BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Charging BCD436HP Batteries in Scanner

[opdave2001]

Hi. I just purchased this scanner and expecting delivery today. I'm Getting back into scanning after a hiatus since the early 2000s. All the terminology seems foreign to me on this new scanner. My question: Other than the downtime while charging is there any downside to charging the batteries while in the scanner? Thanks.

 

[hexagon_keyhole]

Most people prefer not do to so. Charging batteries on the BCD43HP is based on time, not on the voltage remaining/capacity of the batteries. This could lead to over charging. Better off getting a external charger for the batteries.

 

[dave3825]

Other than the downtime while charging

No down time if you get another set of rechargeable batts.

 

[opdave2001]

Thanks for the tips. Will go with the battery charger and spare batteries.

 

[opdave2001]

While I wait for the batteries and charger do the included batteries come charged? If partially how do I determine how much?

 

[hexagon_keyhole]

While I wait for the batteries and charger do the included batteries come charged? If partially how do I determine how much?

I think when I got mine, it had a partial charge. It's not charged fully when shipped as that can cause issues. You can also check the voltage of the batteries through the scanner yourself: Easier to Read BCD436/536HP Digital Scanner Manual (marksscanners.com)

 

[opdave2001]

Thank you.

 

[opdave2001]

Hopefully one final question. Until I have rechargeable batteries and a charger would it be better to charge the included batteries in the scanner or install regular non-rechargeable batteries in order to get started?

 

[jonwienke]

Avoid using the factory internal charging function on the 436. It runs on a timer, rather than making any attempt to monitor the charge state of the batteries.

 

[kb3isq]

Hopefully one final question. Until I have rechargeable batteries and a charger would it be better to charge the included batteries in the scanner or install regular non-rechargeable batteries in order to get started?

Jonwienike has a internal mod that charges the battery correctly. He installed it in my 436 about three years ago, still works great as well as the internal GPS mod.