BC125AT: Rechargable batteries for the BC125AT.

[Avix]

I just got a BC125AT to replace my ancient RS Pro-97, and I'm wondering how high I can go with rechargeable batteries. It came with 2 x 2300 mHa batteries, but all my AA NiHi's are 2800 or more. Am I going to fry anything using these, especially if I leave them in to recharge, or are am I good to go? I called Uniden and was told that the highest I could use was 4.2. Whatever that means.

Scotty.

 

[vagrant]

1. You’re fine to use the 2800 mAh.
2. I never charge my batteries in the scanner. I set the switch to alkaline to avoid charging when I power the scanner via USB. I use an external charger like the one that came with Eneloop batteries.

 

[hazrat8990]

The 4.2 they are referring to is voltage. The 2800mAh you refer to is the capacity of the batteries. They will give the same voltage as the ones that came with it, but will last longer.

 

[Avix]

Longer is better. This thing is a battery hog! Thanks for the information, guys. My new 18 slot individual charging charger got here today as well, as the new pack of 2800. After blowing up my rechargeable case on the RS Pro 97 I've been very leary of charging in the scanner. I think I've got enough batteries to keep it going for a couple of hours. Thank you all.

Scotty.

 

[vagrant]

@Avix - At home and in the vehicle I power my BC125AT using the USB port on the side. Zero batteries are used. There are various inexpensive adapters available for vehicle and home use. Additionally, while I don't often walk around with my scanners, even a slim sub $20 USB battery will typically offer much more than 2800 mAh resulting in quite a bit more listening time. Your needs may vary of course.

 

[rkmullen]

Using the batteries that came with the BC125AT and charging it in the scanner I would get less than 3 hours scanning time while railfanning. I switched to Panasonic Enloop 2800 batteries with a dedicated charger and doubled the output to 6-7 hours. Huge difference.

 

[Scan125]

A point to bear in mind with mAh rating is that the BC125AT (and UBC125XLT) charge the batteries on a TIMER!

The BC125AT has a maximum charge time setting of: 17 hours for 2700mAh

The UBC125XLT has a maximum charge time of: 14 Hours for 2300mAh

So batteries over 2700mAh which are fully discharged my not be fully charged when charged in the scanner.

As mentioned many people charge their batteries outside of the scanner and set the battery switch to the Alkaline position.

 

[D31245]

Check out this discussion:

Ikea Ladda batteries.

Looking for review's on Ikea Ladda aa rechargeable batteries. I have been using Eneloops mostly, and am quite happy. But the price ! . Some say Ladda's are rebranded Eneloops. Thanks for any help.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[bradenmikael]

I use Eneloop Pro AA cells in my scanners. I get about 5-7 hours per fully charged pair - depending on the volume I have the scanner set at.
You just cannot go wrong with Eneloop Pros.

 

[Avix]

Vagrant: that is kind of where I seem to be going. I've got 2 right angle USB cables for the 125AT for the USB adapter coming for my cars. Now I just need three more power points lol. I also have my jump box in the back and a portable power pack for my phone I can run it off. I figure that will give me maybe 3 hours, lol. I also carry a 4 pack of plain kirkland alkaline in the glovebox. I don't see me carrying it around much except to the odd air show or fly-in.

RKmullen: I ordered up a 12 pack of AA batteries from the same company I ordered the 16 slot charger (Tennergy) but didn't read the large print well enough. 2500 instead of 2800. Things happen. The charger does have an adapter for car power points, so that's something.

Scan125: Timer Eh. Well, that pretty much resolves that. I knew there was a reason I bought a 16 slot charger.

Kc1the: That was an interesting thread. The nearest Ikea is Portland, Oregon. Other side of the next state over and down one. I just have a thing about paying for shipping. $12.00 for a $4.00 item just makes my blood boil kind of thing. Maybe next time when we drive the 6 hours over.

Brandenmikael and others: NOW I learn about Eneloop Nihi's. Next time I'll go there. Thanks for everything, guys. I've got 2 right angle USB Mini-B cables on order (if they ever get here) so those I'll be using in the cars. I never considered using my battery packs for power for it. I've almost got the wife talked into getting another BC125AT for her truck. She's got hooked on listening. I think it was the high-speed pursuit though town (98 in a 45 zone into oncoming traffic on a hilly, curvy road) and the guy driving along the side walk to pass the backed up traffic that sold her.

Scotty.

 

[KK4JUG]

Using the batteries that came with the BC125AT and charging it in the scanner I would get less than 3 hours scanning time while railfanning. I switched to Panasonic Enloop 2800 batteries with a dedicated charger and doubled the output to 6-7 hours. Huge difference.

That Uniden internal charger is a timed charger. Regardless of how much you used your batteries, it charges for the same amount of time, leading to frequent overcharging. This can be deadly for the batteries. I've always used the Maha charger but there are others

 

[palmerjrusa]

There are no genuine 2800 mAh AAs on the market, despite what certain Chinese NiMH manufacturers claim. EBL 2800 mAh AAs are actually around 2500 mAh. Their so-called "10,000 mAh D cells" have an actual capacity of around 7,500 mAh.

The maximum capacity of current NiMH AAs are the Powerex Pro AAs (2700 mAh) which are made in Japan (same manufacturer of Eneloop AAs) and accurately rated.

Eneloop AAs are the Gold Standard.

The Amazon Basic Brand AAs are also accurately rated and excellent value.

 

[palmerjrusa]

That Uniden internal charger is a timed charger. Regardless of how much you used your batteries, it charges for the same amount of time, leading to frequent overcharging. This can be deadly for the batteries. I've always used the Maha charger but there are others

If you want to track the health and actual capacity of your NiMH batteries then a smart charger is essential.