BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Discharge Rate

BC2001

Jesse
Joined
Oct 10, 2015
Messages
252
Location
Pineville, KY
So I've had the 436HP for 1 or 2 years now. Since I've had this scanner, I've noticed that when putting in fresh NiMH batteries, the battery voltage initially decreases fairly rapidly. It starts a little above 4.0 volts, and then drops to, give or take, 3.70 volts. At that point, it starts dropping much more gradually. I assume this isnt a problem considering I got just over 9 hours of nonstop usage with 2,000 MAh amazon rechargeables the other day.

What I am wondering though is whether anyone else has noticed/experienced this with their BCD436HP? Is there any explanation on this? Is this just how Nimh batteries operate?

I appreciate the answers in advance, everyone! :)
 

RMason

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
347
Location
Colorado / Mississippi
That is typical behavior of NiMH batteries. The initial drop from an open-circuit voltage of approximately 1.4 volts to a 1.2 volt plateau occurs rapidly. The battery will then maintain near this plateau until it exhibits a sharp "knee" at the end of the discharge where the voltage drops quickly.
 

BC2001

Jesse
Joined
Oct 10, 2015
Messages
252
Location
Pineville, KY
That is typical behavior of NiMH batteries. The initial drop from an open-circuit voltage of approximately 1.4 volts to a 1.2 volt plateau occurs rapidly. The battery will then maintain near this plateau until it exhibits a sharp "knee" at the end of the discharge where the voltage drops quickly.
Thank you for the answer, @RMason.
 

Roydog62

Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2021
Messages
22
So I've had the 436HP for 1 or 2 years now. Since I've had this scanner, I've noticed that when putting in fresh NiMH batteries, the battery voltage initially decreases fairly rapidly. It starts a little above 4.0 volts, and then drops to, give or take, 3.70 volts. At that point, it starts dropping much more gradually. I assume this isnt a problem considering I got just over 9 hours of nonstop usage with 2,000 MAh amazon rechargeables the other day.

What I am wondering though is whether anyone else has noticed/experienced this with their BCD436HP? Is there any explanation on this? Is this just how Nimh batteries operate?

I appreciate the answers in advance, everyone! :)
I own two BCD436HPs and I started using the following nimh batteries: "white" EBL 2800mah, Duracell 2500mah, X2PAA 2700mah (batteries plus). My voltages usually start at 4.2v and batteries die @ 3.2v . I invested in a smart charger that will truly charge your batteries to their full voltage and mA. I get 10.5 to 11 hrs listening to 10 different very active departments in Southeastern Virginia. Also check out your low battery voltage settings. I use 3100mw. Opus BT-C3400 Smart charger is what I use on all my batteries. Best $62.00 ever spent. Good luck 👍
 
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