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My FT-60 battery
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Hello guys,
I’m a happy owner of a FT-60 for several years but I’m new in this group.
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I found this group when I was searching for info about the battery of this ht. I believe the battery of my ft-60 is giving up…
It has a FB-83 model since I bought it new. Today I measured the internal resistance of the battery with a dedicated analyzer and I measured 525 miliOhm.
From my experience this value is quite high, I use this analyzer to combine 18650 lithium cells and to evaluate lead-acid batteries.
my first thought was purchase the AA cells box from Aliexpress and then purchase a set of Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA cells to fill it. It turn that I found that in this way the ft-60 will not put full power out and it will not charge the cells. I don’t want to have to remove the cells each time I want to charge them or loose power.
The battery pack of my ft-60 is rated 1400mAh and it is too little.
What do people use? What is the best option I can find without have to sell the liver?
I am located in Portugal so the best would be purchase from Europe. Or, if available, I can purchase just the case and make my own battery, I can do spot welding and I have equipment to do it.
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Thanks for your inputs!
73 from CT7AHV/C91AHV/D4AHV
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I use two of the AA holders and Eneloop batteriesWhen one goes low, I remove and replace with the second holder. Take batteries out of the first holder and charge them. Using Eneloops, I get twice the power as when using a stock battery. 2400ah versus 1200. Much longer service and actual savings in battery costs.
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73 de KU8Q
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开云体育Hello Pedro, I've had good luck with using two 18650 cells.? It's a bit of a DIY project to do, but not too difficult. I Googled "3d print FT-60 18650" and found a design for a new battery carrier/back cover that accepts 18650s.? I sent it out to a 3D printer company (I found them here: ) and had it printed for under USD 10.? It fits very well on my FT-60. There is also a design for a drop in charger that
uses an inexpensive lithium cell charging printed circuit board.
I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too complicated.? In any case, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Ron KK6AMZ
Start here:?
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开云体育Hello Pedro, I've had good luck with using two 18650 cells.? It's a bit of a DIY project to do, but not too difficult. I Googled "3d print FT-60 18650" and found a design for a new battery carrier/back cover that accepts 18650s.? I sent it out to a 3D printer company (I found them here: ) and had it printed for under USD 10.? It fits very well on my FT-60. There is also a design for a drop in charger that
uses an inexpensive lithium cell charging printed circuit board.
I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too complicated.? In any case, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Ron KK6AMZ
Start here:?
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开云体育I have used the AA battery case and? Eneloops in the past.? I had
two cases, 12 batteries and a pair of MAHA C-9000 chargers. This
was several years ago and battery capacity and physical size back
then may have been smaller that the current offering. At the risk of being branded a heretic, I bought an aftermarket lithium battery pack and matching wall wart charger from eBay several years ago.? It has worked well for me, but I only use the FT-60 rather infrequently.? Heavier users may have a different experience. 73, NIck, AA3T
On 5/4/2025 11:54 PM, Clint Bradford
via groups.io wrote:
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Yes, I have put my IMPROVED replacement on Thingiverse! It needs a 3D printed back, circuit board, and Li batteries.? All very reasonable and it vastly increases capacity, The new set up has replacement that is almost instant and easy if you have (and you will) extra batteries and an inexpensive USB charger. This works and is so convenient and cost effective.? Take a look, it is not that difficult. No support needed for 3D print. PS? I get no reward, no $$, etc. I did it for ME but am willing to share. Enjoy. KK6QDS
On Monday, May 5, 2025 at 09:47:30 AM PDT, Hot Hopper via groups.io <hothopper@...> wrote:
Hello Pedro, I've had good luck with using two 18650 cells.? It's a bit of a DIY project to do, but not too difficult. I Googled "3d print FT-60 18650" and found a design for a new battery carrier/back cover that accepts 18650s.? I sent it out to a 3D printer company (I found them here: ) and had it printed for under USD 10.? It fits very well on my FT-60. There is also a design for a drop in charger that
uses an inexpensive lithium cell charging printed circuit board.
I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too complicated.? In any case, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Ron KK6AMZ
Start here:?
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开云体育Hello to all people! I would like to thank to all for your inputs and suggestions! The solution shared by KK6QDS is my go-to! I have a few dozens of new 18650 cells and I have a friend with a nice 3D printer. I will go ahead and make a battery pack with that design from thingiverse! On the last years the Chinese HTs are on the rail, but I prefer to keep my trusty ft-60! ? Thank you all, best 73 and good health! ? Pedro CT7AHV/C91AHV/D4AHV ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Marty Maeding via groups.io
Sent: 05 May 2025 22:39 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-60] My FT-60 battery ? Yes, I have put my IMPROVED replacement on Thingiverse! It needs a 3D printed back, circuit board, and Li batteries.? All very reasonable and it vastly increases capacity, The new set up has replacement that is almost instant and easy if you have (and you will) extra batteries and an inexpensive USB charger. This works and is so convenient and cost effective.? Take a look, it is not that difficult. No support needed for 3D print. PS? I get no reward, no $$, etc. I did it for ME but am willing to share. Enjoy. KK6QDS ? On Monday, May 5, 2025 at 09:47:30 AM PDT, Hot Hopper via groups.io <hothopper@...> wrote: ? ? Hello Pedro, I've had good luck with using two 18650 cells.? It's a bit of a DIY project to do, but not too difficult. I Googled "3d print FT-60 18650" and found a design for a new battery carrier/back cover that accepts 18650s.? I sent it out to a 3D printer company (I found them here: ) and had it printed for under USD 10.? It fits very well on my FT-60. There is also a design for a drop in charger that uses an inexpensive lithium cell charging printed circuit board. I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too complicated.? In any case, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Ron KK6AMZ ? Start here:? ? ? ?
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If you have issues, email me. I can give you my Amazon links if needed but they should already be in the files.? The charger I use is usb powered, from Amazon also and charges 4 of those big cells at once. When you run out of battery, pop the back open and take out the two cells and insert 2 more. They are LIGHT so carrying is easy. Yes, I bought a dozen of the batteries at one time. Good Luck.? ?
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 02:45:35 PM PDT, Pedro Madeira CT7AHV <pedro_transistor@...> wrote:
Hello to all people! I would like to thank to all for your inputs and suggestions! The solution shared by KK6QDS is my go-to! I have a few dozens of new 18650 cells and I have a friend with a nice 3D printer. I will go ahead and make a battery pack with that design from thingiverse! On the last years the Chinese HTs are on the rail, but I prefer to keep my trusty ft-60! ? Thank you all, best 73 and good health! ? Pedro CT7AHV/C91AHV/D4AHV ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Marty Maeding via groups.io
Sent: 05 May 2025 22:39 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-60] My FT-60 battery ? Yes, I have put my IMPROVED replacement on Thingiverse! It needs a 3D printed back, circuit board, and Li batteries.? All very reasonable and it vastly increases capacity, The new set up has replacement that is almost instant and easy if you have (and you will) extra batteries and an inexpensive USB charger. This works and is so convenient and cost effective.? Take a look, it is not that difficult. No support needed for 3D print. PS? I get no reward, no $$, etc. I did it for ME but am willing to share. Enjoy. KK6QDS ? On Monday, May 5, 2025 at 09:47:30 AM PDT, Hot Hopper via groups.io <hothopper@...> wrote: ? ? Hello Pedro, I've had good luck with using two 18650 cells.? It's a bit of a DIY project to do, but not too difficult. I Googled "3d print FT-60 18650" and found a design for a new battery carrier/back cover that accepts 18650s.? I sent it out to a 3D printer company (I found them here: ) and had it printed for under USD 10.? It fits very well on my FT-60. There is also a design for a drop in charger that uses an inexpensive lithium cell charging printed circuit board. I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too complicated.? In any case, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Ron KK6AMZ ? Start here:? ? ? ?
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开云体育I use something similar that I got several years ago from eBay.? The brand name is Sundely and the capacity is 2000 mAh.? It is the same physical size as the original battery and it fits nicely in my modified VX-150 leather case.? The charger is a wall wart that directly plugs into the battery (no cradle).? 73, Nick, AA3T
On 5/8/2025 8:42 AM, Brian WB4IT via
groups.io wrote:
-- Sent from laptop |
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开云体育The? OEM battery pack for the TID Radio H3 is a pair of 18650
cells, but you cannot access the individual cells.? 73, Nick, AA3T
On 5/7/2025 5:45 PM, Pedro Madeira
CT7AHV via groups.io wrote:
-- Sent from laptop |
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I believe if you get a Lithium battery you will need a different charger. I did. How much do you talk on the radio that the battery might be a problem? I just worked the Pittsburgh Marathon and talked on the radio 2-3 times. Good Luck. On May 11, 2025, at 3:03 PM, "dcx3420 via groups.io" <dcx3420@...> wrote: While on the topic of batteries, I have a FNB-83 original battery with a SBH-13 desktop drop in charger. Looking for a new battery. I am open lithium or? But need it to work with the SBH-13 charger.?
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Thank You
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Gary KY8M Macomb, MI. |
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I really don't use my 60r much, but still like to have a good battery. Don't want to change chargers. I would be happy with another NI-MH. Thank you.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 05:16:16 PM EDT, Chuck Tobias via groups.io <cvx_25@...> wrote:
I believe if you get a Lithium battery you will need a different charger. I did. How much do you talk on the radio that the battery might be a problem? I just worked the Pittsburgh Marathon and talked on the radio 2-3 times. Good Luck. On May 11, 2025, at 3:03 PM, "dcx3420 via groups.io" <dcx3420@...> wrote: While on the topic of batteries, I have a FNB-83 original battery with a SBH-13 desktop drop in charger. Looking for a new battery. I am open lithium or? But need it to work with the SBH-13 charger.?
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Thank You
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Gary
KY8M Macomb, MI. -- Gary KY8M Macomb, MI. |
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Good afternoon When my trusty FT60 battery needed replaced a few years ago, I bought another FNB-83. I see prices have not really changed. If it not's broke, don't fix it.? I find with camera batteries a notice difference between the cheap knockoffs and the original.? I'd expect the same with radio batteries. 73 Frank KB3PQT - |
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Retevis makes a good clone for the ft60 battery.
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Rudi wa2nub
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开云体育I bought a FNB-83x (higher capacity) from Batteries America.?I don’t use it for ham use AT ALL, or hardly at all. I use it mostly as a scanner for hearing the fire departments and forestry folks. The receiver in the FT-60 (and most amateur handhelds) is far superior to any handheld scanner from Uniden or any other maker (yes, I know there’s nobody else now).
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That's what I am looking for Frank. Where can I get another one?
On Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 05:42:49 PM EDT, Frank Mellott via groups.io <frankmellott@...> wrote:
Good afternoon When my trusty FT60 battery needed replaced a few years ago, I bought another FNB-83. I see prices have not really changed. If it not's broke, don't fix it.? I find with camera batteries a notice difference between the cheap knockoffs and the original.? I'd expect the same with radio batteries. 73 Frank KB3PQT - -- Gary KY8M Macomb, MI. |
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When my trusty FT60 battery needed replaced a few years ago, I bought That's what I am looking for Frank. Where can I get another one?Off the wall idea... As the FT-60, and everything associated with it, is still in production to this day, how about a ham radio store? I bought a new FNB-83 from HRO (Ham Radio Outlet) two weeks ago, will order a second tomorrow, so I'm not dead in the water while charging the first. Current cost is about $35. I get about ten years out of them on average, started monitoring more, and getting about a week of daily monitoring before needing a charge. Didn't notice an issue until a few weeks ago when transmitting, the display light dimmed, then the battery indicator came on. This came on suddenly, good one week, flaky the next. Promptly ordered new, chucked the old. Kurt |
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Try batteriesamerica.com? 73, Nick, AA3T
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On 5/11/2025 11:51 PM, Facility 406 via groups.io wrote:
When my trusty FT60 battery needed replaced a few years ago, I bought --
Sent from laptop |
Brian WB4IT