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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Battery Types
  • AA or AAA Batteries
    • Battery Chemistry & Charging
    • Why doesn't my charging indicator ever turn off?
    • Battery Capacity
    • Battery Weight
  • Battery Packs
  • Lithium-ion Batteries
• Understanding Battery Condition and Lifespan
  • Low Batteries and Reception
    • Replacing the Batteries
    • The Meaning of the “Low Battery” Indicator
  • Battery Lifespan
    • Storing the Radios and Batteries
    • When should the batteries be replaced?

Battery Types

Our Cobra Family Radio Service Two-Way Radios come with several styles of batteries, depending on which radio you've purchased.

Battery Chemistry & Charging

Most of our radios include NiMH rechargeable batteries, which this section will address. For battery packs or lithium-ion, please see below.

Our radios only support charging Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and cannot charge other battery chemistries, however you can use disposable batteries and other rechargeable chemistries so long as they are rated for the voltage stated in your manual. Higher voltage batteries will likely damage the radio and are not recommended.

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• Don't mix different battery chemistries in the radio (NiMH, NiCd, Alkaline, Lithium-ion, etc.)
• Don't mix rechargeable and disposable batteries
• Don't try to charge anything other than NiMH batteries directly in the radios as this can cause battery leaks that can damage the radio and void the warranty.

Why doesn't my charging indicator ever turn off?

Please allow at least 12 to 14 hours (or longer if your manual indicates) for the first charge out of the box. Check your manual for advice on leaving the radio charging for long periods of time. After the first charge, please consult your manual for average charge times.

NiMH batteries begin discharging immediately after charging even when not under load; the voltage may drop low enough for the charger to detect and begin charging again, which will turn the charging indicator back on. It is safe to remove the radio from the charger at this point.

If the indicator still does not turn off after a full charge cycle, remove the radio from its charging source, turn it on and try holding down the PTT button for 2-3 seconds while observing the battery level indicator. If the battery level indicator is still low, please see The Meaning of the Low-Battery Indicator below for further information.

If your radio batteries do not hold a charge after proper charging, they likely will no longer hold a charge and must be replaced.

Battery Capacity

Most of our FRS radios come with rechargeable batteries that can be swapped for higher capacity ones to make the radio last longer, however larger capacity batteries will take longer to charge in the radio and will be heavier than the included batteries. We recommend charging larger capacity batteries in their own charging infrastructure to speed up charge times.

Battery Weight

For floating (FLT) model radios, we advise you not to use heavier batteries than the ones included as they will defeat the radio's ability to float in the water.

Battery Packs

The PX650 and RX680 radios include Lithium-Ion battery packs rather than individual batteries. These packs are available for sale on our website while we still sell that model of radio. Please do not use 3rd party battery packs as they may void the warranty.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Our PX280 uses a Lithium-ion battery that is built into the radio itself. If the battery fails, the radio will need to be replaced. At this time, no other FRS radio uses a Lithium-ion battery.

Understanding Battery Condition and Lifespan

Low Batteries and Reception

When the batteries get low, a radio might have static or problems with sending and receiving signals. You might hear distorted audio, or the radio might turn off suddenly. This can happen even before the low battery warning shows up. The best solution is to recharge the batteries if possible or replace them if they're disposable.

Replacing the Batteries

• Always replace all batteries at the same time.
• Do not mix new batteries with old ones.
• For rechargeable batteries, use NiMH 1000mAh batteries or less if you plan to charge them in the radio, although any chemistry with 1.5V should work to run the radio.
• For disposable batteries, using alkaline batteries or Lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) rated at 1.5V should work.
• Do not charge NiCd, Lithium-ion, or alkaline battery chemistries directly in the radio.
• Higher-capacity NiMH batteries will take longer to charge than the included NiMH batteries. For faster charging, consider using a dedicated battery charger.
• Avoid batteries with an indented or dished negative terminal, because they might not fit properly.
• If the radio still has problems, check if any battery is inserted backwards.
• Remove and re-install the batteries, making sure they match the polarities (the + and - signs) marked in the battery compartment.
• If you have a battery tester, make sure that all batteries have the same voltage. A drop in voltage in one cell can be enough to prevent the radio from working properly.

The Meaning of the “Low Battery” Indicator

Many of our radios have a low battery indicator. Models with LCD displays show a battery icon in one of the corners, and models without LCD displays will often have an LED that indicates battery level. Consult your manual for further details.

The best way to check battery condition is by monitoring the voltage.

• If the voltage drops too low, the Low Battery indicator appears.
• The voltage of a low battery only drops under load (like when transmitting or receiving).
• A new battery's voltage drops a little under load, but a worn-out battery's voltage drops more.
• To check the battery level, you need to put load on the battery by pressing the PTT button and transmitting signal. 
• The battery level indicator will drop if battery voltage is low under load.

Battery Lifespan

Battery lifespan is a measure of the useful lifespan of a battery before it needs to be replaced. To make the battery last longer, keep your radio on standby for at least 90% of the time. This means not holding down the talk button or receiving a transmission and not using the range extender on models with that feature.

For NiMH and Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, don't let the batteries fully drain. A fully drained battery might not charge again.

Storing the Radios and Batteries

For short-term storage (under 3 months), charge the batteries to around 80% charge before storing, or as close as you can come,

For long-term storage (over 3 months), drain the batteries to about 50% power, then remove them and store them separately from the radio to prevent the risk of a battery leak damaging the radio. Top off the batteries every 3-6 months for best lifespan.

For all storage lengths

• Keep the batteries and radio in a cool, dry place.
• Do not store the batteries in the radio if you live in a humid area, as they may leak and cause damage to the radio and void the warranty.
• Do not store the batteries in a refrigerator or freezer as they may become too cold, corrode or leak, and/or lose charge or capacity.
• Never store depleted batteries as they may drain low enough not to charge again. 
• Top off the batteries very 3-6 months for best life.

When should the batteries be replaced?

Replace disposable batteries when they run out of energy. Replace rechargeable batteries when they begin losing lifespan (giving less talk time than when they were new) or won't charge. Always replace all batteries at the same time.

Although modern batteries can have long shelf lives, all batteries will eventually fail, even if not used, no matter their type (alkaline, NiMH, lithium-ion, etc.). If you're unsure about the age or condition of the batteries, discard them and use new ones. PX280 radios do not have replaceable batteries, and the radio will need to be replaced if the battery fails.