XTS3000 harsh environment use

[katt02]

Hi All,
I recently obtained an XTS3000 and I am wondering if I can use it in sub zero temperatures. I am using an NNTN4436B NiMH battery in the radio. I tried to look up what the radios operating temperatures are and I could not get an accurate answer. I have heard Motorola is known for making rugged radios and I am hoping this will have no effect on the battery life or radio life. I plan to use this radio for hikes/team communications in very cold and icy areas that can go down to -30 fahrenheit. Will this damage the battery or radio? Finally, is there any special thing I should do when I bring the radio back into the heat?
Thanks!

TLDR: Can I use the XTS3k with NiMH battery NNTN4436B in temperatures as cold as -30 Fahrenheit?

 

[gatekeep]

The XTS3K itself, is supposed to meet MIL-STD-810E 502.3/I; meaning its supposed to be able to operate in temperatures as low as -35C (IIRC the standard correctly). The battery on the other hand I'm not sure, cold has a funny way of effecting battery chemistries differently.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Hi All,
I recently obtained an XTS3000 and I am wondering if I can use it in sub zero temperatures. I am using an NNTN4436B NiMH battery in the radio. I tried to look up what the radios operating temperatures are and I could not get an accurate answer. I have heard Motorola is known for making rugged radios and I am hoping this will have no effect on the battery life or radio life. I plan to use this radio for hikes/team communications in very cold and icy areas that can go down to -30 fahrenheit. Will this damage the battery or radio? Finally, is there any special thing I should do when I bring the radio back into the heat?
Thanks!

TLDR: Can I use the XTS3k with NiMH battery NNTN4436B in temperatures as cold as -30 Fahrenheit?

Your radio will be fine, you would be better to get lithium ion batteries though.

I used to use a VX231 with lithium ion batteries in -25 to-30 centigrade and never had any issues with the radio, or batteries. Radio would get ice covered and snow covered, never hurt it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Danny37]

The only issue I've heard about the xts3000 in extreme temperatures is the display going blank. Not sure if this only applies to the early models or the entire line or just some radios here and there. Definitely go for the lithium batteries, NI batteries don't do so well in extreme temperatures. It's happened to me with Nimh batteries left over-night in a cold ambulance in sub-zero temperatures

 

[kayn1n32008]

The only issue I've heard about the xts3000 in extreme temperatures is the display going blank. Not sure if this only applies to the early models or the entire line or just some radios here and there.

Any LCD display is going to have issues at -35c, regardless of who makes the radio. From a $20 Baoturds to a $4000+ APX8000 and everything in between.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[K2NEC]

My HT1250 NiMH battery has a tendency to tell the radio that it is low in cold temperatures. I found that out when I was working out in single digit temperatures and my radio started chirping and displaying a low battery. I knew I charged it the night before. As soon as I got inside and the battery warmed up it instantly showed full bars again. And none of my Lithium Ion batteries do that. Very strange.

 

[kayn1n32008]

My HT1250 NiMH battery has a tendency to tell the radio that it is low in cold temperatures. I found that out when I was working out in single digit temperatures and my radio started chirping and displaying a low battery. I knew I charged it the night before. As soon as I got inside and the battery warmed up it instantly showed full bars again. And none of my Lithium Ion batteries do that. Very strange.

I have been out in -25c(-13f) and colder with A VX-231 with li-ion batteries for 10+ hours at a time and have not had the batteries low alert due to cold. Ni-cad not so much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk