When I purchased my FT-60, I also went for the FBA-25A AA battery
case. I threw in some older Energizer AA Alkalines to try it out and that
works fine. However, I was mildly surprised to read in the manual that
users were cautioned not to use rechargeable batteries in this pack because it did not include the usual current and voltage limiting circuitry found in their own rechargeable packs.
Now, I can understand the point of this admonition if all they
mean is not to recharge such batteries in the radio using the supplied
power supply. However, I can't see the risk in using batteries recharged
outside the radio on a free standing recharger. Am I missing something
about NiMH batteries here? Is there some risk in putting six previously
Energizer NiMH 2100 mAh cells in the unit? I can't imagine why there should
be, but Yaesu's directions seem pretty specific here. If the more
technically savvy amongst us can enlighten me, I'd appreciate the help.
While we are at it, is there a drop in charger for the supplied
FNB-83 battery. I'm told that the CD-29B rapid battery charger is not yet
available. Is there an aftermarket drop-in charger that allows the FNB-83
to be charged (relatively quickly) outside the radio unit itself? I seen it
suggested in an e-ham review or two that the VX-150 accessories will work.
Is that correct as respects charging the FNB-83?
Dan - N7ZXL
Cardinal Nation - N 38°34'53", W 90°22'32", 680'
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to
visit violence on those who would do us harm"
