Portable VHF - Battery problems

[chas]

I have a Garmin 725E portable VHF with the standard NiCad rechargeable battery. I have been fairly careful to run it down at regular intervals to avoid battery memory problems. Recently, a new phenomenon has arisen. If I charge it one weekend and either not use it or use it for a very short time, the battery will be almost flat by the next weekend. If I charge it and leave it switched on, I can get up to 36 hours at standby (the manual says 10!). Can anyone tell me why it looses its charge so quickly if switched off, yet seems to work efficiently if not switched off? Would be grateful for any advice.

 

[Otter]

If the battery pack is detachable, does it still self discharge when removed? That at least would narrow it down to either the handset or battery

 

[chas]

Good idea - thanks - I will try it.

 

[davidpbo]

How old are the batteries?

A lot of rechargables I have used have failed after 2 years or so. Especially NiCads

 

[chas]

It must be about 3 years old. I thought that it might have gone, but it does seem to hold a good charge when the radio is in use.