[ICOM] Re: 6-cell pack for T-81

[STeve Andre']

We've done the same thing that John writes of.  It works
pretty well, but I'm disappointed in the quality of the pack
itself.  The tabs for the negative contact on the batteries
aren't spring loaded.  I've modified one of them with them
and it seems to work better.   My wife's pack actually shorted
somehow, and made sizzling noises and got HOT.  Haven't
looked at that one.  We've switched to the Icom 3 cell pack
using 2300mah NiMH batteries, and while the T81a complains
of low voltage (the three cells come in at 3.6v), the radio
lasts a LONG time, albeit at low power.

I've scoured the net and have never seen any other 6 cell
packs other than the batteriesamerica ones.  With a little
work you can make it a reasonable pack.

--STeve Andre' (wb8wsf)

On Wednesday 21 July 2004 04:34, John Geiger wrote:
> Hi Bill, and list members,
>
> For the 6 cell pack for the T81A and T8A, they are
> available from www.batteriesamerica.com.  Cost is $37
> shipped.  They do make the radio a little fatter, but
> not real bad.
>
> You cannot charge the batteries in them using the wall
> charger, or a drop in charger.  I use a MAHA C777
> universal charger.  You just set the pins on the
> charger to charge the batteries through the contacts
> on the battery pack.  I put 2200mah NIMH cells in it,
> and they last quite a while.  The pack only puts out
> 7.2 volts, so your power will be reduced.  Probably 3
> watts out on high power.
>
> For those who want the full 5 watts out,
> batteriesamerica.com also offers a 1350mah 9.6 volt
> NIMH battery.  I think it costs around $57.
>
> Hope this information helps.  Both the T81A and the
> T8A are great HTs, but the stock batteries are kind of
> short on life.  Now I gotta grab my T81A to go bicycle
> mobile to Wal-Mart.  Out of coffee, and that would be
> a disaster come tomorrow morning.
>
> 73s John NE0P
>
>
> --- Bill Gallagher WA3RA
>
> <william.gallagher8 at verizon.net> wrote:
> > John:
> >
> > Where did you find the 6-cell pack? Does it make the
> > radio 'fatter', or is
> > it 'taller'?
> >
> > For some reason, I haven't been able to locate one
> > of those packs, and I'd
> > like to!
> >
> > Bill WA3RA
> >
> > > Subject: Re: [Icom] Icom T81A plus extras for sale