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HTs which use 18650 batteries? (piefed.social)

submitted 1 week ago by pageflight@piefed.social to c/amateur_radio@lemmy.radio

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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.

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[–] puffball@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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!

[–] pageflight@piefed.social 2 points 1 week ago

That's an impressive feature set! IP67, GPS/APRS, and <$200. The Android app reviews are pretty negative and it insists on routing data to China but it sounds like better firmware + other apps gives a better APRS experience. I don't see mentions of 18650s anywhere but in the clear version it certainly does look like it.

Thanks for the recommendation!

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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.

[–] pageflight@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago

Good to know the caveat on AAs! Thanks for the info.

[–] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago

Nothing but 3D printed mods as far as my eyes could see.