I got into HAM radio doing HF and now I’m interested in VHF/UHV, so I’m considering an HT. I’d like to avoid another proprietary charger/battery. Are there any HTs that use 18650 lithium ion cells?

I see that some people have made 3D-printed trays for various models, but although I’m comfortable soldering and have spot-welded nickel strips to make packs I don’t have a 3D printer and would rather not have to build my own pack here. And I see some models like the VX-6R have AA trays available, but I assume with the higher Li cell voltage versus alkaline or NiMH mean you’d get more run time out of 18650s than AAs even though the mAh ratings are not drastically different.

I do like the USB-C charger on my Radioddity GM-30s (GMRS), so even a proprietary pack with a standard charge plug would be a plus.

  • puffball@slrpnk.netEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    I’ve got a Vero VR-N76 which I am satisfied with, it uses 18650s and charges using USB-C… I do not know if they are user replaceable, though. There’s a couple of other companies that sell the exact same radio rebadged, Vero offers it in a see-through gameboyesque crystal thing (hence how I can see the 18650s). pairs well with a glow in the dark signalstick!

  • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    Most radios will significantly reduce the transmit power if you use the AA battery pack. Be sure to read the manual before buying one. The VX-6R will only transmit 300mW with AA batteries.

    A 2 cell 18650 pack will hold about 50% more energy than a 6 cell AA NiMH pack.

    I’ve never seen an HT that uses replaceable 18650 cells. There are 3D printing services available if you don’t want to get a printer.