#battery basics

Here's an older version of the table that includes information on the most commonly used batteries by hams.

Chemistry Type - These include the chemicals that are used in the battery

Fully-Charged Voltage - This is the output of a fresh battery

Energy Rating - This is measured in ampere-hours or milliampere hours which shows its ability to deliver current while still maintaining a steady output voltage.

And for your viewing pleasure, a few tips on how to ensure your battery's life is as long as it can be:

Limit the amount of current drawn from it. A low discharge rate helps keep the battery cool inside and minimizes losses due to the battery's natural internal resistance.

To maximize battery life and capacity, store them in a cool, dry place.  Refridgeration can be used, but not freezing.  Freezing may lead to ice expansion that cracks the battery.  The reason cooling works is that heat accelerates the battery chemical's tendency to self discharge so that they can no longer deliver as much charge.

Dryness is good because moisture allows charge to leak slowly between the battery's external terminals.

For handheld radios, most people use battery packs - groups of cells connected to form a single higher voltage battery, resulting in more power output from the radio.  Most battery packs use rechargeable cells.

Rechargeable battery packs for handhelds are available with several different types of internal batteries - NiCd, NiMH, and Li-ion - with Li-ion's energy capacity being the highest.  The higher the energy capacity, the longer the battery pack will last.

So rechargeable batteries are convenient and less expensive over time but they do require a charger that operates from ac power. So if you're in an emergency situation, disposables may be the easiest to use.

Just in case....