HP2 Question

[ab5r]

I have been charging my new HP2 using the USB cable from the computer, as instructed. It has been charging well OVER the 14 hours MAX time. How log does it take for initial new battery charge?

I also tried a AC USB SmartPhone adapter too. The red LED flashed on and off using that method.

Thanks

 

[ranger821]

Just a suggestion. Get you about 2 more sets of 4 rechargeable batterires and a plug in charger. Much quicker and safer for your HP2. when I purchased my HP 2, I tried the same thing.

 

[KE0GXN]

Very bad things can happen when you over charge/over heat NiMH batteries . I too suggest you get a separate charger and charge outside your scanner.

 

[marksmith]

Dangerous to charge batteries using the radio which has NO monitoring other than a time clock. You need to understand that it's not a proper charger and you could destroy the radio using it for one.

For $35 you can get a proper charger that independently charges 4 batteries (not 2 at a time) and your batteries will last longer, and probably your radio too. And you will always have a charged set ready to go.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[kc2kth]

Since we're talking chargers, I highly recommend the Powerex C9000 along with Eneloops, Powerex or Imedion batteries. I haven't used my Maha 204 or 801 since I got the C9000, excellent charger/analyzer with nice space between cells to keep them cool plus you can set the correct charging rate for each cell (and discharge rate when conditioning/cycling). I stick to charging at ~0.3 x capacity. I get all my battery and charging gear from Thomas Distributing. Just throwing that out there as well.

 

[KE0GXN]

I will second the C9000 and TD, both are excellent entities.

 

[ansky]

I charge my batteries right in the scanner using an AC power adapter. USB ports on computers simply don't provide enough current to adequately charge these batteries.

Honestly, I have been charging batteries in scanners for over 20 years and never hand a single problem. I think much of the concern is unwarranted. In my opinion you are much more likely to damage the scanner by constantly pulling batteries in and out, and the added risk of dropping the unit in doing so.

 

[ab5r]

THANKS to everyone and especially the suggestions.

Best Regards

 

[ab5r]

I wonder IF anyone has experience with a C9000 and Lacrosse BC-900 comparison?

 

[kc2kth]

So while I haven't used the BC900 I did a lot of reading on comparisons between LaCrosse and PowerEx (and a bit on the Opus models too). Everything I read seemed to say the same - LaCrosse vs PowerEx is basically Ford vs Chevy, both are solid performers with about the same (low) failure rate. Supposedly the LaCrosse excels at bringing back cells that have been severely discharged, the PowerEx excels in other areas. I decided it wasn't worth buying both, at least not for my needs.

 

[KE0GXN]

Jerry I would go with whatever you felt fits your needs....

What drew me to the Maha, was the cell spacing. It was just my preference to have the extra heat dissipation.

I also had better interaction with the Maha customer support then I did with Lacrosse's. So, at the end of the day, the spacing, Maha's customer support and 3 year warranty sealed the deal for me.

 

[Voyager]

Both are good units - prefer the 9000 myself.

 

[K3RBP]

Although I have also been charging batteries in my Pro-series Radio Shack scanners for years, without a single problem (original batteries), when I bought the HP2, I bought an external charger. After looking at what others are using, I decided on the "Ambient Weather" smart charger, for $33 Amazon Prime. It has several operating modes, including refreshing/conditioning both new and old batteries, to maximize their capacity.

But I also charge the HP2 via the usb port. I have removed the battery cover, to monitor the battery temps, and they barely get warm to the touch... certainly no more than when charhed by the smart charger at the lowest chrge rate.

I haven't heard on anyone who has damaged their HP scanner by in-scanner charging, and I don't think Uniden would design a charger that would likely cause damage, but we all know, anything is possible. So if you're worried about it, and don't mind the daily battery swaps, charge them in a charger. I'll do it from time to time, but I doubt I'll do it all the time.

 

[ab5r]

I kinda agree about the C9000 too, overall. The only challenge that I have is the $$, being on Social Security and limitations there. I also wonder IF I really need the bells and whistles with these "better type" chargers come with. It would be nice to own the BEST of everything, BUT YOU KNOW HOW THAT IS. KE0GXN, I agree with you....."what I need."

Thanks to all.

 

[stingray327]

Costco sells Enelope batteries a combo of size C,D, AA and triple AAA with charger all for under $30.00.
I use this charger and it charges the batteries fast in a few hours.

 

[MississippiPI]

I charge my HP-2 via the wall charger while the unit is either on or off.



Be Safe

 

[ab5r]

MississipiPI is this what you are referring to?

AC Adapter USB (5V 1A)

 

[KE0GXN]

Jerry at the end of day if you go with a Wally World charger, your still protecting your scanner. I used an Energizer AA wall-wart charger while I was figuring out which charger I ultimately wanted. Worked good and I still have it as a back-up.

I also have wall and car USB adaptors if for whatever reason I choose to power the scanner via car or home power.

You could probably go the entire life of the scanner and charge the batteries in it like the manual states and never have an issue. But then again who knows.....at $400 a pop to replace my sacanner, I'd rather play it safe, spend a few bucks and not find out otherwise.

Its whatever you are comfortable with in the end.

73

 

[ab5r]

Thanks Tony. But, I have a C-9000 ordered and enroute. Thank you for all your input. I've been curious about the AC option. Does it operate alone and without batteries installed - or - does it bypass the charging? HP manual is NOT thorough.
Regards,
Jerry

 

[KE0GXN]

No problem Jerry. Congrats on the C-9000 order. It will extend the life of your batteries two-fold, I have been running several quads through my C-9000 and HP-2. Works out great.

If I am not mistaken, basically, you can power the HP-2 with the supplied USB cable and a wall/car adaptor, however to answer your question, if you remove the batteries your recording capability will become disabled.

It is also not recommended to power the scanner without a quad of batteries in it, in case of a power failure in order to avoid an abrupt improper shutdown. The batteries serve as an immediate back-up power source in that event and avoids the SD card from becoming corrupted due the a power failure and sudden/improper shutdown.

Also, when using the supplied USB cable as a power source, the HP-2 will not charge the batteries unless you specifically tell it to do so, via the on-screen prompts.