Handhelds and alkaline batteries

On Wed, 06 Aug 2003 16:28:27 GMT, (Ross
Oliver) wrote:


I recently purchased an Icom A23 Sport handheld transceiver, which
uses 6 AA alkaline batteries rather than the rechargable NiCad.
I chose the Sport model because I plan to use it primarily as an
emergency backup, the alkalines will hold a charge much longer than
the NiCads. The radio receives great, but it will not transmit
at all. Even with brand new name-brand batteries, the "low battery"
warning comes on as soon as I key the PTT, and the transmission is
so badly clipped that it is unreadable. I'm guessing that the alkalines
simply cannot provide enough current to adequately power the transmitter.

Has anyone else tried transmitting using a handheld powered by alkalines,
either the A23 or any of the other brands? I'm thinking about trying the
Sporty's model next. It uses 8 AA rather than the A23's 6.


Ross Oliver

I have a new Icom A-5 and I have also experienced an immediate low
battery warning with the optional alkaline battery pack installed. I
have also had difficulty charging the rechargeable battery. It has
been taking an average of three attempts to get a charge on the
battery. Every time I think that I've had enough and should send it
back, it charges and I forget about it until it needs a charge again.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm not happy with it. I
haven't even tried to transmit yet.

Rich Russell