Two Way Radio Battery Tips: 5 Tips When Comparing Different Two Way Radio Batteries

Two way radio batteries are not that big a mystery once you learn which battery is the best one for your two way radio. Consumer walkie talkie radios are different from commercial two way radios for business - so be sure your research includes the right application!

When buying two way radio batteries, there are a number of things to keep in mind, depending on your specific needs, application and requirements.

5 Helpful Tips to Help You Choose the Right Two Way Radio Battery For Your Needs

1. Know the Different Kinds of Two Way Radio Batteries?

• Nickel cadmium (NiCd)
  The most commonly used battery for two way radios, NiCd batteries are known and liked for their long life, durability, steady high capacity and generally economical price.
  
• Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
  An NiMH battery uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy instead of cadmium for its negative electrodes; it starts with a higher energy density than an NiCd battery but has a shorter cycle life.
  
• Lithium ion (Li-ion)
  Among the newest batteries available, these are significantly lighter and lower maintenance than NiCd or NiMH batteries and are gaining in popularity for two way radio use.

• NiCd batteries have a long reputation for reliability. They can handle high loads and work well in two way radios and other tools that require a lot of power.
  
• NiMH batteries contain no toxic metals and are less detrimental to the environment than NiCd batteries.
  
• Li-ion batteries are lighter than NiCd or NiMH batteries while still providing considerable power. Because they don't have any memory, Li-ion batteries are not vulnerable to "memory effect" (see below).

• NiCd
  The main disadvantage of a nickel cadmium battery is its susceptibility to "memory effect," meaning that the battery gradually loses its capacity for full recharging if it is repeatedly recharged before its capacity has been fully drained. Because of this, nickel-based batteries (both NiCd and NiMH) are relatively high maintenance. Also, the cadmium in NiCd batteries is toxic.
  
• NiMH
  Like the NiCd battery, the nickel-metal hydride battery is prone to memory effect and requires careful maintenance. And while the NiCd battery starts off with good capacity and low interest resistance, after a few hundred cycles this resistance increases, and an NiMh battery will experience a voltage drop as it nears full discharge.
  
• Li-ion
  Lithium ion batteries cost notably more than other two way radio batteries, and at the same time they are less durable and more chemically volatile. Also, Li-ion batteries require their own chargers (NiCd and NiMH batteries can often use the same charger) and at full power can irreversibly lose between 5-20% of their storage capacity annually.