by >(CM7s and CM8s). Because these batteries undergo heavy use,
>after a few years many register no voltage and cannot be
>recharged. I imagine in many cases this may just be the result
>of a blown fuse or two and not simply the result of memory.
> Because the batteries are expensive, we would like to
>repair any that we can. The only problem... I don't know how
>to do it! Is there anyone out there that could either direct
>me to someone who can help us in fixing these batteries or
>donate their own time and expertise?
Our SAR team uses the same radios and we had the same problems. It was
caused by the fact that after every training practice (once a week)
the radios were used for a short period of time and placed back in the
chargers for another week. After replacing 24 battery packs in about a
6 month period we decided to try something to correct the problem. The
solution was to have a second battery pack for every radio. When we
come back from practice the partially used packs go into a discharge /
recharge unit rather than the standard Icom charger. The discharge /
recharge unit was fairly expensive ($1600.00 and charges 24 radios at
once) but has probably saved us several times it's value in battery
packs. We didn't want to go with a single pack for every radio because
you can be guaranteed that a call out will come in when every pack is
just finishing the discharge cycle so we always have a fully charged
set of batteries on hand. I don't recommend trying to repair the packs
yourself. This may be ok for the average ham but in SAR work the
radios are being subjected to heavy use, physical abuse and moisture
and with lives depending on them you just can't take a chance on a
soldered battery pack connection failing. Drop me a note if you need
any further info.
Jim VE7JLS