rapid radios
Radio battery life is critical for two-way communication systems. It is important to understand the different types of batteries and how to charge them properly. Lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries offer more energy per pound than other battery technologies. They also don’t have the memory effect that NiCads do and perform well in deep-discharge applications. Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries are the oldest type of battery used in two-way rapid radios. They are economical and work well in cold temperatures. The downside of NiCads is their short lifespan due to the battery memory effect, and they are heavy for a given capacity.
NiCad cells are also environmentally harmful and need to undergo battery conditioning cycles to maintain a proper charge. Using chargers not specifically designed for NiCad cells may result in undercharged batteries or even ruptured batteries. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries have a higher capacity than NiCad cells and do not suffer from the memory effect. They are more expensive than NiCads, but they offer significant benefits including their lower environmental impact.
NiMH batteries are an excellent choice for powering a wide range of consumer electronics, from digital cameras to handheld gaming devices. They’re also employed in cordless tools and power banks thanks to their moderate energy density and dependable rechargeability. Nickel metal hydride batteries are available in many sizes, including AA cells and larger formats like C and D cells. They can be charged at rates ranging from 200mA (C/10) up to 667mA (C/3).
Do rapid radios have rechargeable batteries?
However, higher capacity cells can self-discharge faster than other battery types, typically losing 1-5% of their charge each day when idle, making them more dependent on frequent recharging. Additionally, high-discharge cells may be damaged if overcharged. For these reasons, it’s best to use low-discharge cells, like Sanyo Eneloop or Energizer XX. Li-ion batteries have a much higher energy density and are lighter than NiCad or nickel-metal hydride batteries. They don’t suffer from the “memory effect” and have good deep-discharge capabilities.
They can be recharged many times before reaching the end of their useful life, compared to only about half as many cycles for NiMH batteries. They don’t produce toxic gases when they decompose and don’t taint water supplies like cadmium does. Battery life depends on how the radio is used and cared for. Over time, a lithium battery will lose capacity due to internal gas generation or oxidation of the cathode metals. Regular testing with a battery analyzer is recommended. Any battery showing signs of deterioration should be removed from use and properly disposed.
There is a movement toward NMC-blended Li-ion battery chemistry as it is economical and performs well. It is also safe and combines the benefits of cobalt and nickel with the lower cost of manganese. Lithium Polymer batteries are a great choice for RC models. This battery chemistry offers high energy density and low internal resistance, and is lightweight. They are very popular for large electric RC helicopters, which peak at 8000 watts (10 HP) at the rotor shaft. Like all rechargeable batteries, LiPos have a limited lifespan and will eventually need replacement. They typically last for 350 to 500 charge-discharge cycles, but they will eventually lose their ability to hold a charge (degrade) over time.
LiPo’s are notoriously expensive compared to NiCad or NiMH. They also have shorter life expectancies when used hard in high current demand applications such as RC flight. They have a “C” rating that determines how fast the battery can be discharged before it will degrade and potentially catch fire. Over discharging and heat are the battery’s worst enemies. These can cause thermal runaway, which is a self sustaining reaction that generates more heat until the battery puffs up or, in the worst cases, explodes into flame.
