IC-F4-GT-2 replacement battery source

[kny2xb]

I dug out my F4GT & programmed it for GMRS [yes, it's Parts 90 + 95 certified]

Right now I have an aftermarket battery from years ago,
& a 1st gen Icom BP-210 [not the newer BP-210N] that I picked up new, but on clearance,
both are 1650 mA, & neither are holding their charge for very long
For now, I'm using the Icom BP-208N AA alkaline battery pack that automatically drops it to 1 watt output

Does anyone have a reliable source for replacement batteries? [preferably not eBay or Amazon]

I'd like to get a battery that's over 2000 mA

Next Batteries out of Delaware is offering a 2500 mA with the belt clip included for $62.90 right now
I've dealt with them once before for a battery for one of my Alinco h-t's, the price was agreeable,
but I was miffed that they didn't tell me that it was going to be shipped or drop shipped from California
& take 2+ weeks to arrive [good thing I didn't need the battery right away]

Is it worth upgrading the battery from NiMH to Li-Ion? I know that I'd have to buy a new charger also

Thank You in advance for any advice & your experience

73 & Merry Christmas to all

 

[jeepsandradios]

I've had good luck with W&W . I have batteries from them that are almost 20 years old and still work well.

http://www.ww-manufacturing.com/

 

[FKimble]

Can you even buy a lithium charger for an older radio that didn't come with lithium batteries? For older radios I prefer a AA pack with good NiMH rechargables. Cause next go around there may not be any batteries available. With the AA pack you can carry spares equal to any number of batties!

Frank

 

[kny2xb]

I've had good luck with W&W . I have batteries from them that are almost 20 years old and still work well.

http://www.ww-manufacturing.com/

Thank You! They're actually over in Tampa/Hillsborough County, I'm in North Clearwater/Pinellas County
After the holidays, I could drive over there & get one [if they take walk ins]

Can you even buy a lithium charger for an older radio that didn't come with lithium batteries? For older radios I prefer a AA pack with good NiMH rechargables. Cause next go around there may not be any batteries available. With the AA pack you can carry spares equal to any number of batteries!

Frank

I've checked a couple of other companies, Cut-Rate Batteries in Kansas offers a 2500 mA lithium battery for $39.00, & a desk charger for $54.50
Batteries America in Wisconsin offers a 2200 mA lithium for $46.95, & a desk charger for $54.95
So there are lithium batteries available for some of the older h-t's

The Icom BP-208N specifically states NOT to use NiCad or NIMH in the pack, to use alkalines only, I'd rather not risk it, I already tried Energizer AA lithiums in it & there was no display & the radio screeched at me

 

[FKimble]

Strange, I've used Enelopes in AA packs with 4 of my Yaesu HT's.Same voltage as sealed factory battery. It is a NiMH battery. Both have 6 cells. I wonder if your battery pack holds one less than the sealed factory battery. 6 times 1.2 = 7.2. 5 times 1.2 = 6.0. Just below 6.0 is the auto cutoff on my Yaesu's. They vary a couple .1s. Have seen some older HT's I believe Kenwoods, that only transmitted on low power due to one less battery. Good luck with you decision.

Frank

 

[kny2xb]

No, the BP-208N holds 6 AA's, I'll get 6 charged cells & put them in just to see what happens
If that works, I may buy some 2700 mA AA's, I've been wanting to buy some for my handheld scanner anyway

Maybe Icom gets kickbacks from Duracell, Energizer & Ray-o-Vac

Energizer lithiums - 6 x 1.8 = 10.8, no wonder the rig screamed at me

I'd have to get 2 dummy cells & drop to 4 batteries if I wanted to try the AA lithiums again,
fresh lithiums show 1.8 with no load on the volt meter