LBI-33057
19
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACKS
After receiving a new battery pack from the factory,
it should be fully charged before it is placed into service.
This also applies to batteries that have been stored for
long periods.
Chargers are available with nominal charge times of
1 hour (rapid) and 14 (standard) hours. Combinations
include single and multi position standard and rapid
charge units. The rapid chargers utilize an internal
thermistor in the battery pack to sense temperature and
automatically controlcharge rate of the battery. This al-
lows a rapid charger to charge at a maximum rate with-
out overheating the battery. All battery packs can be
charged in less than 1 1/2 hours in a rapid charger.
Nominal full charge time in a standard charger is 14
hours. For specific instructions for the particular charger,
refer to the applicable charger's Operating Manual.
A fully charged battery pack should provide an open
terminal voltage greater than 7.5 Vdc (typically 9 Vdc).
A fully discharged battery pack should be no less than 6
Vdc. When the battery pack drops below approximately
6.8 Vdc the radio will warn the operator with an alert
tone and the "BAT" flag will turn on.
REDUCED CAPACITY CONDITION
Rechargeable batteries can develop a condition of re-
duced capacity sometimes called "Memory Effect". This
condition can occur when a battery is continuously
charged for long periods of time or when a regularly
performed duty cycle allows the battery to expend only a
limited portion of its capacity.
If the battery pack is seldom used and left on a con-
tinuous charge for long periods it may develop reduced
capacity. On the first discharge cycle, the capacity may
be significantly lowered, reducing useful service hours.
The reduced capacity condition should be suspected
on any rechargeable battery pack showing signs of re-
duced capacity. If reduced capacity is in fact a problem,
the following procedure may restore useful capacity:
1. Discharge the battery pack at a normal discharge
rate until the output voltage is approximately 1
Volt per cell. This equals 6 Volts output for the
battery packs. Refer to Figure 9. Note the flatness
of the discharge curve from 0% - 90%. Experi-
ence shows discharging below the "knee is not
necessary.
2. Complete a full charge cycle using an Ericsson
charger.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2. Performing this deep cycle
at least twice should be sufficient to restore bat-
tery pack capacity.
The above procedure is easily completed using
Discharge Analyzer 19B801506P9 and Rapid
Multi-Charger 19B801506P16 or P18.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK
DISPOSAL
Under specific state laws, it may be illegal
to dispose of rechargeable batteries, re-
chargeable batteries packs and/or prod-
ucts powered by rechargeable batteries
except in accordance with specific proce-
dures. Special collection systems are in
place in certain states. Call Toll Free 1-
800-822-9363 for specific procedures for returning re-
chargeable batteries in your state.
CONTROL KNOB STOP PLATE
A stop plate is normally installed under the Control
Knob of the radio at the factory. It is used to limit the
maximum number of unique Control Knob positions to
less than sixteen (16). The stop plate is normally factory
placed for fifteen (15) positions unless sixteen unique
factory programmed positions are ordered. This stop
plate can be repositioned to limit the maximum number
of unique Control Knob positions to match personality
programming.
Figure 9 - Typical Cell Discharge Curve
NOTE
