Batteries and backup power

A radio is only as good as its power. Pick the right battery, care for it and plan for outages.

Battery types

Lithium-ion: Most handhelds ship with one. Light, holds a charge well and has no memory effect. Do not leave it fully drained for months.
Nickel-metal hydride: Older and heavier, but forgiving. Common in some older radios and in AA packs.
AA pack: A battery tray that holds AA cells. Handy in a pinch because you can buy cells anywhere.
Lead-acid or LiFePO4 pack: Used with a mobile or base radio for backup. Look for a fused, protected pack.

Charge before trips: Top off the night before. Cold weather drains batteries faster.
Keep a spare: A second battery doubles your time on the air.
Store partly charged: If a battery will sit for months, store it around half charged in a cool, dry place.
Watch for swelling: A puffy or hot battery is done. Stop using it and recycle it safely.
Clean the contacts: A dab of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab clears dirt and improves charging.
Use the right charger: Chargers are matched to the battery. A wrong one can damage it.

Power bank: A USB battery pack can recharge some radios or power a small node for hours.
12 volt backup: A deep-cycle battery with a fuse and a charger keeps a mobile or base radio running in an outage.
Solar panel: A small panel with a charge controller tops up a battery over several days.
Car power: A vehicle can power a mobile radio. Run the engine now and then so you do not drain the car battery.
Generator: Run it outdoors, far from windows, and never refuel while it is hot.

Use low power: Keep the radio on low unless you need the reach. It can double battery life.
Turn down the screen: Dim the backlight and turn off beeps.
Keep calls short: Transmitting uses far more power than listening.
Plan for the net: Fully charge before Sunday night and have a backup ready.