Icom M1-Euro Battery Dilemma?

[Richard10002]

The battery on my handheld has given up the ghost.

Seems I can get a BP-186 (1040mAh), with over twice the capacity of the BP-185, (original 400mAh about £40), for about £45 delivered...

http://www.belmont-coms.com/acatalog/product_info.php?products_id=2039

Is it sensible to buy Ni-Cd technology, or would it be more cost effective long term to buy a new submersible 31 with Li-on battery for about £125 delivered?

http://www.marine-super-store.com/posit/shop/index.php?selectedpartno=99066758

Cheers

Richard

 

[pvb]

More sensible...

It would be sensible to go for Li-ion, but I'd suggest not with the M31. Doesn't the M31 still have the electronic on/off switch which continues to drain the battery whilst the radio's switched off? It also has, in my experience of owning one, very poor audio.

The more sensible choice would be the Icom M71 for £150 plus delivery. It's one of the finest handhelds around, more in keeping with your experience with the M1. The M71 has 6W output, a 2000mAh Li-ion battery, and superb IPX8 waterproofing. And it has a "proper" on/off switch!

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Re: More sensible...

[ QUOTE ]
It would be sensible to go for Li-ion, but I'd suggest not with the M31. Doesn't the M31 still have the electronic on/off switch which continues to drain the battery whilst the radio's switched off? It also has, in my experience of owning one, very poor audio.

The more sensible choice would be the Icom M71 for £150 plus delivery. It's one of the finest handhelds around, more in keeping with your experience with the M1. The M71 has 6W output, a 2000mAh Li-ion battery, and superb IPX8 waterproofing. And it has a "proper" on/off switch!

[/ QUOTE ]

I wondered why the battery on my M31 kept draining of its own volition ... thanks for this!

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[jwilson]

More bits of electronics get chucked away because the 'special' Nicad/Li-ion battery have died than any other reason. Buying a new battery is often difficult and usually expensive as well.

I always try and find kit that runs on AA cells, and use high-capacity Ni-Mh AA rechargeables. It's the reason I didn't buy an Icom VHF last year.

 

[RobBrown]

I don't know about the Icom M71, but the M31 comes with an alternative standard AA battery pack insert inclusive. I would definitely pick Lithium batteries in preference to Nicads, to allow ad hoc recharging.