ICOM M31 handheld VHF - battery life

[RestlessL]

I have an ICOM IC-M31 handheld VHF in the grab bag. It is fitted with AA batteries, and I carry a stock of spares in the bag.

However, even though the radio remains off, when I brough the boat ashore last Oct the radio batteries were dead. Thinking I may have inadvertently switched it on I replaced the batteries.

3 month later, they are dead, even though I have not used the radio in the mean time.

Is this to be expected, or have I got a duff radio ?

John

 

[pvb]

They're all like it - ridiculous design! The radio has an electronic on/off switch which continues to draw power when the radio is switched off. The only way to stop this is to take the battery out, but this could allow moisture to get inside. I sold mine on eBay!

 

[RestlessL]

I expected that would be the case.

Any recommendations for a handheld VHF which:
(1) runs off AA batteries
(2) can still be used after 6 months in a grab bag.

John

 

[pvb]

The Standard Horizon HX270/370/500 handhelds come with a battery tray for AA batteries, guess the best choice would be the 500 as it has better audio output, as well as an SOS strobe light (also featured on the 370). These all have NiMH batteries. I understand you're interested in AA battery power as a back-up, but you might be better looking for a Li-Ion battery radio - these have low self-discharge, better recharging performance, and usually higher capacity. The Icom M71 might be worth considering (if you check first that it hasn't got a stupid electronic switch!), as it has 6W output and a big Li-Ion battery (but no AA battery case). The Icom M33 has a smaller Li-Ion battery, but does come with an AA battery case.

Just as an alternative thought, I have a Standard Horizon HX471, which is a DSC handheld, with strobe light, Li-Ion battery, and broadcast band reception too! About £100 from Hong Kong via eBay. Needless to say, it's not permitted in the EU.

 

[RestlessL]

Thanks, pvb.

I use an Entel HT640 as my day to day handheld, and although I have a spare Li-Ion battery and 12V charger on the boat, it lasted all season (but it does have a click type switch).

I have torches and a Garmin handheld GPS in the grab bag, all of which run on AA batteries, and I carry a couple of dozen of these in the bag. I just want a radio to do the same.

I could put the Entel in the grab bag, and use the ICOM for day to day use, but to be frank, I far prefer the Entel.

The SH HX500 looks as if it may fit the bill. Does anyone want a (little used) ICOM /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

John

 

[jeremyshaw]

I have the same problem with my M3A. Some of these battery types have a natural level of discharge anyway though I can't remember what it is for nicad or li-on. Mine, which is not regularly used, has taken to discharging after a few days anyway. I have now bought a battery back for it which takes rechargeable AA batteries - a much more sensible solution. I am not sure if this is possible with the M31 but check out icomuk.co.uk.

 

[RestlessL]

I don't want rechargeable batteries in the grab bag. I have a bulk pack of Duracell alkalines with an expiry date of 2014 in a sealed bag to power everything in the bag.

John

 

[JonBrooks]

The HX-500 has just been updated in terms of battery and will now comes with Lithium-ion battery.
There will be some stock of the NimH left.
The unit is not supplied as standard with the AA tray (only one we don't an AA tray with).
It is available as an option worth a haggle with your dealer!

Whilst this is a great battery it still has its faults, most of which were hi-lighted in the PBO hand held review (December Issue) well worth a read.

Cheers

 

[Dave_Rolfe]

Without sounding too obvious is it not possible just to remove the battery tray with batteries in until needed ?

 

[RestlessL]

[ QUOTE ]
Without sounding too obvious is it not possible just to remove the battery tray with batteries in until needed ?

[/ QUOTE ]

I would prefer not to expose the innards to salt water. If the batteries are dead when I need them I would replace them with some of the fresh ones in the bag.

My point is, if sh one t happens, and I am left floating in the water with just the grab bag for company, the last thing I want to do is start changing batteries.

John

 

[RestlessL]

I have found the answer - I have just put new batteries in the ICOM, but slipped a strip of thin plastic between one battery terminal and the holder, with the free end outside the set. This just needs to be pulled out before using the radio.

John

 

[st599]

I have found the answer - I have just put new batteries in the ICOM, but slipped a strip of thin plastic between one battery terminal and the holder, with the free end outside the set. This just needs to be pulled out before using the radio.

John

Bye Bye IPX7 rating

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have an Icom IC-M1 which is similar. It's rechargeable battery lasts for many months when turned off. Isn't there a rechargeable unit for the M31?

 

[rob2]

The story I heard was that the M31 was originally built for Ni-Cad batteries. To prevent charge memory restricting the battery, the design intentionally discharges the battery - the electronic switch. This was to ensure a full discharge and recharge regime. When the model was revamped to use a li-ion battery, the switch issue just became a nuisance and most users unlatch the battery when leaving the boat to preserve remaining charge. There certainly doesn't seem to be any way you can load the dry cell holder with AAs and have them stay good if fitted to the radio.

Rob.

 

[dt4134]

I've an ICOM M33 which I bought in 2008. It was last charged about Oct/Nov 2008 and has just had occasional use since. It was still charged up a week ago the last time I checked.