123 BATTERY CHARGING Optional battery case➥ Install 2 R6 (AA) size alka-line batteries into the op-tional BP-216 BATTERYCASE .• Be sure to observe the cor-rect polarity.A built-in step-up convertor in the BP-216 increases thevoltage to 5 V DC.Approx. 100 mW of output power is possible with the BP-216 operation. Also, no transmit output power selection isavailable.Keep battery contacts clean. It’s a good idea to clean bat-tery terminals once a week.D Battery informationThe batteries may seem to have low capacity when used inlow temperatures such as –10°C or below. Keep the batterycase or pack warm in this case.D Battery replacementWhen the batteries become exhausted, the function displaymay blink or have a lower contrast. In these cases, replaceall batteries with new, same brand, alkaline batteries. Battery informationDD Battery lifeThe transceiver operates with the BP-217 as follows.However, when operating in DV mode, operating time may beshortened by one-half hour.• VHF band : Approx. 5 hours• UHF band : Approx. 4.5 hours(Tx: Rx: Stand-by=1: 1: 8)Even when the transceiver power is OFF, a slight currentstill flows in the circuits. Remove the battery pack or casefrom the transceiver when not using it for a long time. Oth-erwise, the battery pack or installed batteries will becomeexhausted.DD Battery indicatorThe battery indicator, “ ,” appears only when the BP-217is attached to the transceiver.The battery indicator does not appear when turning powerON after the charging is completed without disconnectingthe battery charger or external DC power.Indication Battery conditionThe battery has ample capacity.The battery is nearing exhaustion. Charging is neces-sary.
