UV5r alternative power sources.

[Lightspeed]

Continuing with the UV5r theme, one of the radio’s possible weaknesses in a grid down environment is the ability to keep it charged.

There are several possible solutions to this:

1. 12v power adaptor Approx £8.00 on e-bay including shipping from China / HK.

These adaptors fit in place of the battery and have a lead terminating in a cigarette lighter plug. They allow the UV5r to be direct powered from a 12v car power circuit, or from any other 12v source Solar powered battery bank for example.

2. AAA and AA Battery packs

Approx £ 5.00 on ebay including shipping from China/ HK ( price does not include the rechargeable cells)

These Battery packs are holders for AAA or AA rechargeable cells and install in place of the original battery pack.

The AAA / AA rechargeable cells can be charged from:-
Battery chargers that are 12v capable ( and hooked up to Car or Solar charger 12v supplies),
Dedicated Solar AAA / AA battery charger
Simply by dropping the dry cells in solar garden lights ( with the LED disabled) and allowed to recharge slowly over time. Very slowly in winter months!

IMPORTANT: THESE SOLUTIONS ARE ONLY VIABLE CURRENTLY FOR FIRST GENERATION UV5R TRANSCEIVERS UP TO THE 5R+ Plus MODEL. This is because the low cost accessories described, currently only fit the form factor ( shape ) of the first generation radios. The casing on later models has been changed and the battery pack is a different shape and will not accept these accessories.
It is assumed that accessories for the later models will become available over time. Pay particular attention to compatibility if you order any of these.