--- In "oryoki2000" <> wrote:
> It's nice to have a choice of battery solutions!
>
> The Li-Polymer battery referenced is about 7 ounces lighter than a
> similar NiMH battery, but comes with a high price. The $46 battery
> listed above provides 3000 mAh. The same money will buy two 3600 mAh
> NiMH batteries plus a wall charger.
> Be careful when purchasing a Li-Polymer battery that the dimensions
> are appropriate for the FR-2LE's battery compartment. The battery
> listed above probably will fit. I've seen others that are too wide.
>
> --oryoki
The argument for using Lithium Polymer batteries is quite persuasive
in terms of power/weight ratio. However there are drawbacks.
I am a member of a group of amateur radio enthusiasts who enjoy making
contact with other hams all over the world whilst walking and carrying
their equipment (receivers, transmitters, antennas, batteries etc.) in
their backpacks. Clearly the superior power/weight ratio of lithium
batteries are attractive in this situation (similar to that of the
field recordist).
Despite the weight advantage only a few, very knowledgeable, hams have
adopted the LiPo battery packs - mainly for safety reasons. These
concern difficulties while charging and fires during discharge.
The following link gives some information:
http://www.rchelisite.com/lipo_battery_charging_and_safety_guide.php
I do not own a FR-2LE but if I did I would happily use NiMH battery
packs (been using them for my backpack radio work for six years or so
with no problems whatsoever) but would be hesitant to go down the Lipo
route at this point in time.
I note a lot of the photos of Lipo packs show a second lead in
addition to the one ending in a Tamiya plug. Is this for connection
to the charger to control the charging rate? or does it also have to
be connected to the FR-2LE?
Maybe someone with experience of LiPo battery packs could shed some
light.
Cheers
Tom Robinson - G=D8SBW
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