yaesumofo
Member
I have to disagree with you on this @rtharmon1. I strongly prefer to charge and condition my batteries in a capable charger like the Powerex, Maha or La Crosse units.
Would it be cool if the 436 had all of those capabilities built-in? Yes, I guess it would, but it can charge when it is powered off and that's enough for me. Further, I would definitely NOT want my AA NiMH batteries to constantly be getting a charge while I scanned with the USB connected. I also would not want the 436 design to have been any ;larger to incorporate simultaneous charging and conditioning.
So to me, a non-issue. Very pleased with overall product and will use it along with the 396XT and PSR-800 I have had for some time.
I also prefer to charge my batteries OUTBOARD.
I have one set of three in the radio.
I have one set on charge
I have one set resting before being used. (in a battery holder carried in my edc bag)
So with 9 batteries and an external charger I seriously doubt I will ever run out of juice.
These 9 cells should last at least a year of moderate use.
The charge circuit in the radio will not be stressed or cause the radio to get hot or even warm.
Maha NiMh cells, or SANYO NiMh, (over 2700 mAh. Dont buy batteries that claim a higher capacity ie 3000mAh. The current real max has been reached in AA NiMh cells and its around 2500-2700 mAh.
When the battery saver is OFF the radio does seem to go through batteries....
BTW I always have a set of alkaline Primary AA's in my bag too.
Has anybody done any kind of runtime test?
That might be interesting.
Yaesumofo