[Icom] New to Group

[KD5SFA]

Hello all,
I am new to the group via the addition of an IC-505 6m multi-mode portable I recently purchased.  I recall seeing some threads in the archives about similar portables.  This unit came with the optional FM board and the nicad battery pack/charging unit.  As near as I can tell the battery pack was set up to use 2 6v sticks of 2/3 sub-c cells in parallel.  I was thinking of using 2200 mah aa size nimh batteries for more capacity.

Has anyone given any thought to modifications to the charging circuit for the different charging rates for nimh batteries in similar portables ?

Also, I am without the manual for this unit.  Any operational tips/notes would be appreciated.

73,
Jon
KD5SFA