What is the battery life of a DJ175 Alinco 5 Watt VHF 2 Meter Handheld?

[MarcDinardo]

I'm thinking about buying my first handheld and am more than likely going to purchase this one along with a second battery. But I was wondering about the TX and RX battery life. I am also new to Amature radio. So if you have any other radio suggestions I would be happy to hear them.

[spacemissing]

Receiving consumes very little power; transmitting consumes a lot of power.

Refer to the owner's manual for theoretical use time per charge.
Most such data is idealistic, not realistic,
so don't expect anywhere near the time claimed. *


A second battery pack would be a very good idea,
especially if it can be charged without being attached to the radio.


One of the best things to get, if it is offered for a particular model,
is a battery case for AA cells.

Typically, HTs burn through alkaline cells like the Cookie Monster inhales cookies --
but at least you'd have an option that would provide some usability
in the absence of a functional rechargeable pack.



* In December 2011, I bought a Kenwood TH-K2AT and an AA case for it.
So far, at best, I've normally gotten about 2/3 of the use time claimed in the manual
with either the PB43N NiMH pack or AA cells.



If you haven't yet done so, contact a local amateur radio operator or two
(or a club) and get some advice about things.


>> It's best to learn any hobby from others' mistakes
rather than having to make all the same ones yourself!



73
KJ6QKV