Concept:
ONE is NONE... and TWO is One.

The most common operator error working public service events is failure to carry enough batteries to last all day.

TWO... and a BACK-UP
Always carry two fully charged battery packs AND an extra AA/AAA battery case (with fresh batteries).
This way you will be able continue operating in the event that you can't recharge your HT batteries, or Mister Murphy pays a visit and declares that one of your battery packs is ready for the scrap heap.

Alternate (or primary) Power Source
Use 12-volt, 2 Ahr (or higher), Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) or Gel Cell batteries.
- They fit in a coat pocket, run an HT all day or power a 2 meter mini-amp for 3 hours at a typical duty cycle.

Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) or Gel Cell batteries have many advantages.
They will allow you to:

· Operate when other forms of power are not available

· Operate longer than with your radio's battery pack or Alkaline batteries
Note: 1 Ahr –3 Ahr batteries are still small enough to be hand carried.

· Operate mobile, portable or fixed at a higher output power

· Operate at a lower cost
Gel Cells and SLA’s are less expensive than your radio's battery pack or alkalines.

· Operate with fully charged batteries at all times
It’s possible to keep these batteries on a "smart" charger continuously.

Which Battery is THAT?
LABEL each battery with a number (e.g. #1, #2, etc.) to keep track of the rotation/use of your batteries.
Then, as you use your HT in daily life, alternate with the next battery (in sequence) as you charge the "dead" battery you have been using.
- Repeat the cycle and all will be well.

Cold Weather Operations
In cold weather it is important to keep your HT battery packs warm by keeping them in an inside coat pocket and not exposed on your belt.

Infrequent HT User?
Cycle and recharge your battery packs every two months at a minimum.
Write the recharge date on a strip of tape on each pack.

Adapted and updated from "Getting the Most from Your Hand-Held Transceiver" by C. Edward Harris, KE4SKY, AEC Fairfax ARES (1998)
www.qsl.net/kc4jgc/ht.htm