Jim,
Just a note on the popular two-way handheld radios sold in many big box and sporting goods stores in the US. I have been trying to standardize my rechargeable batteries for these little handhelds to the ubiquitous AAs since my scanners and many of our other small lights and some gear run on them. I have four older Motorolas from 3-to-5 years ago for our use around the farm and when traveling with more than one vehicle for any distance.
First, I noticed that there has been a gradual switch for these FRS/GMRS radios that once took AAs you had to purchase separately to radios sold with special rechargeable battery packs and desk chargers for them. This seems a good idea on the surface, but what happens when the issued charge pack reaches the end of its life or is faulty?…..I think you said something about this one time on a post, but I don’t recall where or when. Also, when I could find some handhelds by other companies (Audiovox, Uniden, etc.) that use individual
rechargeable batteries, they were all AAA size, which I don’t use around our farm.
Should I just keep looking for AA battery handhelds or try to get my old ones repaired? Or perhaps I should start stocking AAA rechargeables? Thanks for any perspective you might give me on this. Regards, – Redclay
JWR Replies: It is a sad sign of the times that manufacturers now intentionally de-standardize batteries, so that they can develop captive markets for their proprietary spares. Eli Whitney is sure rolling in his grave. If nothing else, it makes it more logistically challenging for those of us that are actively preparing for a time of disrupted commerce and infrastructure.