For a radio, the battery is one of the most important accessories. With a healthy battery, the device will also operate more efficiently and smoothly. However, most people using radios today not everyone knows how to charge the battery properly, leading to a decrease in battery life over years. The following article by Vietnam Telecom will help you know more about radio batteries and what you need to know to be able to use the battery for a long time.
1. Classification of radio batteries available on the market
Currently on the market there are 3 types of batteries, they are:
a. Ni-Cd batteries (Nikel Cadmium)
Ni-CD batteries are batteries produced from a mixture of nickel and cadmium, in which cadmium is a toxic substance that affects the environment after stopping use. Ni-Cd batteries have low to medium capacities and have been on the market for a long time. This type of battery has a "memory effect", this effect causes the battery to bottle easily and less capacity in battery capacity over time. To minimize the "memory effect", you need to use up the battery fully or discharge the battery before recharging it again. The advantage of this type of battery is its low cost.
b. Ni-MH batteries (Nikel Metal Hydride)
Ni-MH batteries are batteries manufactured from a mixture of Hydride absorption instead of Cadmium, so it is safer for the environment than Ni-Cd batteries. Ni-MH batteries usually have 2 - 3 times the capacity of electricity, the price is still in the cheap segment like Ni-Cd batteries. Ni-MH batteries still have "memory effect", the discharge level of the battery is higher than that of Ni-Cd batteries, so with the same capacity, Ni-MH batteries will run out faster.
c. Li-Ion battery (Lithium Ion)
Li-Ion battery is a battery produced according to the latest technology, has the ability to disconnect when fully charged and has no "memory effect" so it helps to reduce the phenomenon of battery bottles. Batteries with low self-discharge, high storage capacity, light weight, ... are very popular among radio manufacturers. Currently Li-Ion batteries appear in most radios recently launched and are also very popular with users. The cost of Li-Ion batteries is in the higher segment than Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries.
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2. Average battery life of walkie-talkie
Except for production technology and materials, the battery life of radio batteries depends on many factors during use such as: charging, discharging, preserving the battery, ... If the battery is charged correctly and securely. If the battery is good, the average radio battery life will be about:
Ni-Cd batteries: usually over 2 years
Ni-MH batteries: usually over 18 months
Li-Ion battery: usually over 18 months
3. Technically correct way to charge the radio
a. Ni-Cd batteries and Ni-MH batteries:
Because Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries exist "memory effect", the correct way of charging is that they will only charge when they use up their capacity, otherwise it will lead to bottles and damage.
Standard charger: If using a standard charger, for the first time use, the charging time will be 14 to 16 hours continuously. For later charges, charge 6 to 8 hours after each charge runs out.
Quick charger: In case of using a fast charger, it is necessary to charge it at least 2 times for the first time, until the indicator light turns green, and for later use it only takes 4 to 6 hours.
b. Li-ion battery
For Li-Ion batteries, you can comfortably charge anytime; even when not using up capacity; without fear of damage or battery bottle. However, you should charge it when the battery is very low to ensure maximum performance.