There are generally three types of batteries used in the two-way radio business.

NiCD – Nickel Cadmium

NiMH – Nickel Metal Hydride

Li Ion – Lithium Ion

NiCD batteries are the older of the three battery types. They tend to have less capacity and may develop a “memory”. They are also the least environmentally friendly of the three types of batteries.

What is memory?

Memory is a reduction in the useful cycle of a battery. It is more prevalent in NiCD (nickel cadmium) batteries. The premature charging of the battery generally causes memory. NiCD batteries are to be fully discharged then fully recharged before they are used. Not following this complete discharge and complete recharge process will limit the cycle time or use time of the battery. The battery will exhibit signs of being fully charge when in fact it is only charge to a “familiar” level.

How can battery memory be avoided:

1.      Charge battery completely.

2.      Discharge battery completely and only then recharge completely.

3.      Purchase a spare battery for each battery that can not be fully discharged and fully recharged between usage periods

4.      Purchase a rapid charger to lessen the amount of time needed to fully recharge the battery. Please note that although a rapid charger lessens the amount of time it takes to recharge a battery, the battery must be fully discharged and then recharged to avoid memory failure.

What is the expected life of a rechargeable battery?

            Expect 12 to 18 months of use from a single battery, if it is used properly. For more tips on the care of your batteries please see the sections below.

NiCD batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly. It is illegal by various United States Federal, and State laws to dispose of NiCD batteries in landfills or incinerators. Contact your local waste management agency for specific requirements and information in your area.

These tips will help you obtain optimized performance and longer life cycle from your rechargeable battery.

1. Charge a new battery overnight before using (this is the Initializing process):
1. NiCD (nickel cadmium) or NiMH (nickel metal hydride) 14 to 16 hours
2. Li Ion (lithium ion) charge 2 – 3 additional hours after charge indictor indicates complete charge has been obtained
2. New Non Initialized batteries can be stored in well-ventilated, cool and dry areas without significant cycle loss. Storage period should not exceed the following:
1. NiCD (nickel cadmium) not more then 2 years
2. NiMH (nickel metal hydride) not more then 2 years
3. Li Ion (lithium ion) not more then 1 year
3. Batteries that have been in use, but may have been in storage for 1 month or more should be fully discharged and recharged for at least:
1.  NiCD (nickel cadmium) and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) 14 – 16 hours
2. Li Ion (lithium ion) 2 – 3 additional hours after charge indictor indicates complete charge has been obtained
4. Do not leave your battery / battery and radio in a charge when not charging. Continuous charging will shorten the battery life. (Charges are not intended to be used as radio stands)
5. Only charge a battery when it needs to be charged. It is more cost effective to purchase a spare battery then to continually charge a battery prematurely, which will shorten the life of the abused battery.
6. Fully charged batteries DO NOT need to be returned to a charge for an extra boost. This action significantly reduces the life of the battery.
7. Stabilize the battery to room temperature (~72 F ) before charging. Charging a battery that is below 50F and above 95F in temperature will decrease the useful life of the battery and may physically harm components of the battery.