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In the market for an external battery
3 July 2014 | by 
8 Responses to “In the market for an external battery”
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Mike, I had exactly the same problem last week with the same type of battery. When I took it apart one of the cells was showing 0V. Apparently, the cells are recycled.
LiPo batteries are better but still need careful handling. LiFe batteries offer the same benefits as LiPo but are very much less likely to catch fire, although they are a little heavier for the same capacity.
I plan to get a LiFe battery as weight is not my most important criteria but these (and LiPo) do also need the correct type of charger.
Like you I am looking for advice before I commit to a purchase.
Simon, G0FCU.
Good morning Simon, very interesting to hear that you found the cells to be recycled and that makes sense with the limited life time of the battery. I am going to do some looking into the LiFe batteries as well. Do email me when you find something that suits you.
Mike
Hi Simon.
See my blog post from some time ago. http://www.m0tgn.com/2014/02/light-weight-power-for-qrp.html I can tell you that using this battery pack has provided faultless power on the many ‘Walk abouts” i have had. it is a handy form factor and is reliable. over a recent 48 hour outage it never failed and was only half charged once finished.
The down side is its expensive, but on reflection its good value knowing how reliable it truly is. I have a few videos on my YouTube Channel where you can see the pack in action – if you have any questions i am happy to help.
73 Dan
I went through Deal Xtreme. Don’t expect anything pretty but my 9Ah pack has been working well for 3 years now
Its a bit like this one….. http://goo.gl/A6CfP9
Check out:
http://www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries
These packs have built in overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, and balancing function. Pretty foolproof. They also come with a charger. I think they are reasonably priced and good value for dollar. 2 year warranty.
73,
Steve WI2W
Good evening Dan, I have purchased the Tracer battery online and it should be here next week. I went online and there were many reviews all very positive. Thanks for the link and the info.
Mike
Good evening Alex, great to see you have found something that has out lasted mine by a mile. Not sure what went wrong but a fellow ham and blogger has the same event happen to his as well. I also was informed that this company puts refurbished batteries in the unit….no wonder it only lasts just past the warranty.
Mike
Top of the evening to you Steve, thanks for the link and it sure is a nice product! I settled on the Tracer product and seems very similar to this one you sent me the link of. It would seem you have to spend close to 100.00 to get the product that will last and do the job.
Mike