Charging an Icom battery pack

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I have finally obtained a replacement battery pack for my old IC-P2ET, kindly delivered to me by a friend's son who is on vacation from England.

My problem is now how to charge it. The previous battery pack was a BP-111, it was smaller (7.2V 700mAH) and had a dedicated charger BC-73 giving 12 Volts 50mA. For the new battery BP-113 (7.2V 1200mAH) the instruction manual says to use either the charger BC-74 or a cable from ship's supply OPC-254.

I am reluctant to chase the BC-74 due to many complaints that I found on the internet, e.g. "When the BC-74 goes, it takes the set with it".

I got no joy from the local Icom agent re ordering the OPC-254.

Question: how can I rig up an equivalent cable to charge the VHF set from the 12-volt boat supply without frying it? How do I limit the charging current?

The picture that I have seen of such a cable has what appear to be two fuse-holders, one each on the +ve and the -ve leads. Surely there must be some circuitry? Or is it built into the set itself?

Meanwhile, I have tried the 'old' charger overnight to see what effect - if any - its 50mA would have. Surprisingly, the battery seemed to be well charged and all functions were available. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Gumpy]

If the set is anything like the IC2E, IC2ET then its just a simple matter of providing 12v through a fused lead to the input socket, no need of a charger at all.
The charging circuit is internal (what little there is).

Julian

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

It looks like THIS

I imagine that it is similar to the IC-2E, apart from the keypad.

What would you suggest as a fuse rating? One fuse or one on each lead? Slow- or fast-blow?

Many thanks.

 

[Gumpy]

OK thats a newer model than the IC2E however all the Icoms I have had ( even my marine ones) will work on 12v even if they just charge and dont power the unit directly.
I would think that 1/2 amp would be fine quick blow as its only charging.
Must get my radios out again someday its over 10 years since I last transmitted on an amateur band.

Julian

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

1/2 amp it will be then!

Many thanks once again.

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

Not sure of the Icom model that I have. The mains charger was rated at 12volts. So as I needed to charge the VHF aboard, I have cabled it into the ships 12v supply.

I don't think it fully charges the battery as did the 240v charger, but its always usable for reasonable periods.

They should supply a direct ship to radio charger, as when on cruise, we often don't see 240 volts for a fortnight.

Mj