Batteries - Charging ahead

In these days of walk-and-talk and walk-and-work, battery chargers are as much a necessity to business as a microwave oven is to the kitchen. Cell phones, laptops, notebooks, and camcorders, just to mention a few.

But how do they work? Here are some types of battery chargers explained:

• Solar battery chargers: These little gems use the sun’s energy to recharge batteries. From car, boat and motorbikes to cell phones, DVD players and computers, there is a solar battery charger to suit.

• Automotive battery chargers: Most automotive battery chargers simply attach to the vehicle’s battery terminals and plug in to mains power. However, there are now new products on the market that work to prevent the battery from going flat in the first place. To comprehend how the process works it is important to understand what causes a battery to deteriorate.

Car batteries rely on a chemical process to provide power. The car battery contains lead plates in a solution of sulphuric acid, which act together to make and store electricity. Over time a residue of lead sulphate builds up on the plates, reducing the flow of electricity. “De-sulphating” technology reverses this process by using sound waves to dissolve the residue build-up.

Of course this won’t help if you’ve left your lights on at the train station …

• Industrial Battery Chargers: These are the big guys. With names such as ferroresonant, Opportunity Charging and Silicon Controlled Rectifier charger, these are heavy-duty long haul pieces of technology. Whether cold storage units, factory or fleet applications, there is an industrial battery charger to suit. Basically though, it is important that the industrial battery charger contains a voltage regulator of some description. This will ensure that the battery is not damaged while it is being recharged.


• Cell Phone Battery Chargers: It is very important to choose a cell phone battery charger that is designed for the model and type of battery being charged. Likewise, it is prudent to make sure that the battery is, itself, the correct one for the phone.

Choosing the correct battery charger will ensure that the connection points will be compatible and the correct amount of electricity is delivered. If too little electricity is delivered, the battery will not fully charge; if too much, it may overheat. Many cell phone battery chargers today do have a built in system to prevent overcharging, however, it is still important to ensure the charger and battery are compatible.

And to make sure that business, or life in general, isn’t inconvenienced too much due to battery recharging, many cell phone battery chargers now allow the user to make phone calls during the recharging process.

So, the next time you’re out and about walking the talk, spare a thought for the hard-working companion who makes sure your equipment is up to the job. And, the most important thing of all … never mistake that cup of coffee on your desk for your cell phone battery charger carriage.

Two-way radio batteries

Many fields use two-way radios for communication. It rural or remote areas, two way radios are still essential where there are not cell phone signals. There are some 2 way radios that have a range of up to ten miles. Two way radios depend on batteries to keep running. When shopping for two-way radio batteries, they can vary greatly by brand.

There are many different brands of two way radios. Some popular brands are Motorola, Uniden, Cobra, just to name a few. Many of these manufacturers have dozens of models of two way radios. Two way radios are not just walkie talkies any more. They have many features that allow them to serve as emergency rescue devices. Equipped with things like NOAA weather stations, flash light, hands-free voice activated capabilities, the new two way radios are far more powerful than any cordless home phone.

Two way radios typically use NiMH batteries or NiCad batteries. These types of batteries are best for cordless communication devices like two way radios and cordless phones. They are long lasting and respond well to short boosts in power. Some two way radios continue to use traditional AA Alkaline batteries, though these have much less capacity that NiCad or NiMH. A newer battery on the market is the Lithium Ion battery, which has much more capacity and charges much faster.

Two way radios come with a cradle that charges the batteries when engaged. It can be a double cradle for both two way radios, or a single cradle for each that can be used when the radios are apart. Chargers are also very brand specific, so if a replacement charger is needed, it is important to select the proper make and model.

Two way radios are essential for many in any outdoor fields. Their capabilities make them an extremely powerful communication tool. Buying quality two-way radio batteries is an essential method to stay in touch. Being stuck with dead batteries 8 miles out is never a good thing. Stock up and stay connected.