Which is better for the (handheld VHF) battery?

MedSailor · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2011

Is it better to leave a handheld VHF in it's charging cradle at all times, or to unplug the cradle/leave it out from time to time?

The vhf in question has a nicad battery, but the question stands also for the newer Lithium ion batteries.

Medsailor

noelex77 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2011

Nicad batteries like to cycled from full to flat occasionally. so unplugging and using it till close to empty then fully recharging is best for your VHF.
Lithium batteries have their longest life kept at 50% and not cycled at all. This is not possible. Keeping them on the charger full time is generally best because a constant 100% is better than frequent cycling.