Re: [Paddlewise] Icom Revises Rating

Robert C. Cline wrote:

> The problem with the M15 is, it only uses the rechargable batteries... not
> the Alkaline that are off the shelf.  On extended overnights, or days of
> heavy usage, this presents a problem.

Huh? Unless you know something that I don't, this statement is simply
untrue. First, I think what you mean is that Icom does not make a AA
battery pack for the M15.  This does not imply that you cannot use AA
alkaline batteries, it simply implies that you need to use a wee bit of
resourcefulness to use them.  As was pointed out in an article in Sea
Kayaker magazine a few years back, it is a simple matter for any
competent electronics technician to rig up a AA battery pack for most
handheld radios.  In the case of the M15 this is particularly easy,
because of the large size of the high-capacity battery case and because
of the nature of the watertight gasket. (HINT: Have the technician
remove the NiCad cells and insert fittings for AAs.)

Having said this, and having used both AA alkalines and NiCads in
handheld VHF radios, I have difficulty imagining why anyone would prefer
to use AA alkalines. There are significant advantages to NiCads:  

(1) Good NiCads can be cycled approximately 1,500 times.  The equivalent
number of disposable alkalines is quite large (and very costly).  This
loses relevance only if you use your radio very infrequently.

(2) NiCads have a very flat voltage curve as they are discharged.  This
contrasts with alkalines, whose voltage drops significantly as they are
used.  For this reason, Icom was in the past quite hesitant to provide a
transmit power rating for their handhelds that use AA's.  (I used to
use, and still have, an Icom M7 with both a NiCad and a AA battery
pack.  The transmit power for the AA alkaline batteries, according to
Icom, was lower and more variable than for the NiCad.)

The disadvantages of NiCads:

(1) You need to "babysit" them.  They need to be exercised occasionally
(fully discharged and recharged), and they need to be monitored for
storage time, as they self-discharge in storage. (Approximately 20
percent in the first month, and 10 percent per month thereafter.)  The
hassle associated with both of these problems are mitigated through the
use of a rapid charger (hence my recommendation to include one in the
"optimal" package).

(2) They have a higher up-front cost.  If you are going on a long
expedition (say, more than one month) you might need to buy two or more
battery packs.  My recommendation of a 900mAh and a 1200mAh for the M15
will last a VERY long time, unless you are talkative to the point of
violating FCC regulations.  (While the upfront expense of two or more
battery packs is significant, if you use the radio frequently this is
still much cheaper than buying a mountain of alkalines.) 

While this is one of those issues where I do not expect to change
anyone's opinion, in my experience (having used both alkalines and
NiCads) there is no contest.  NiCads, on balance, are a clearly superior
choice for handheld VHF radios.  But if for some bizarre reason you
disagree :^) -- and want to use a reliable, truly waterproof, very
rugged handheld VHF -- then buy an Icom M15 and have a technician modify
a battery pack to use AA alkalines (yuck!).

Otherwise use a "baggie", and check it frequently for leaks.

As always, this is simply my humble opinion.

Dan Hagen
Mazama, Washington
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