Genuine Motorola two-way radio batteries are made using Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li Ion) battery cell chemistry. Each type is rechargeable and features unique characteristics that, when properly matched to its working environment or application, will provide optimum power and a better performing two-way radio.
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
The NiCd battery is the oldest form of battery chemistry, when compared to the other two, and presents a number of distinct advantages.
Its hardiness makes it difficult to damage so it is good to use in rugged environments. It can withstand long periods of storage without a significantly negative effect on the battery’s overall performance, which makes this a good battery choice for jobs which involve cyclical or frequent periods of down time. NiCd batteries are also typically standout performers in colder temperatures with the ability to operate in below freezing climates where others won’t. But where there are positives, drawbacks are also present.
An important factor to note with the NiCd battery is its tendency to suffer from a ‘memory effect’. In other words, if a battery is charged and discharged to the same state, time and again, the battery can begin to show symptoms of ‘remembering’ the point in its charge cycle when re-charging began. This can affect the overall life of a battery over time and can mean shorter run times when you are on the job.
More significantly and importantly however, is the fact that NiCd batteries feature a toxic chemistry make-up. Although Motorola ensures all of its batteries are fully encased and will not release hazardous substances if they are used and disposed of correctly, it’s part of the company’s mantra to reduce the amount of hazardous substances in our products and to find environmentally sound alternatives, while maintaining performance and quality.
NiCd’s toxic make-up therefore makes this a product, albeit a cost-effective and high performer, which should be considered secondary to newer, proven battery alternatives that Motorola has subsequently developed.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
The NiMH battery, a newer technology than NiCd, is more environmentally friendly since it does not contain heavy metals, putting it higher on the list of battery choices. But it’s not just its environmental benefits that make this battery more attractive. NiMH batteries offer the operational benefit of higher energy density; translated as being roughly twice the capacity of a NiCd battery, which means longer time in the field and without actually increasing the battery’s weight.
NiMH batteries also tolerate over-charge and over-discharge conditions, which simplifies the battery’s management requirements. It boasts a wide operating temperature range as well as rapid charging – possible in just one hour.
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The batteries can be re-conditioned to thoroughly enhance the value for money that this product delivers, although users can already expect to enjoy 500 cycles without apparent performance deterioration. And furthermore, NiMH batteries are less prone to developing ‘memory effect’, which can in any case (if it occurs), be mitigated with the use of genuine Motorola IMPRES chargers or complete reconditioning in worst case scenarios.
Despite the extensive list of positive attributes, NiMH batteries are however steadily losing market share to the Li-Ion battery which has become the new standard for portable power.
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Li-Ion batteries have three standout qualities which make this the battery of choice and the one which represents the best value for money:
1) One of the best energy-to-weight ratios; producing the same energy as NiMH batteries, but up to a third lighter, to let you lift your tools all day.
2) Increased life cycles; it will keep going for a long time past NiCd or NiMH batteries, which means you buy fewer and will save you money.
3) No memory effect and no reconditioning needed; but it does tolerate micro-cycles and can be rapid charged if necessary.
Li-Ion batteries are also environmentally friendly because they don’t contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury, plus the absence of liquid electrolyte means they are immune to leaking.
And like the NiMH battery, Li-Ion batteries may also be charged in a Motorola IMPRES charger to further cement the outstanding performance of this battery chemistry. When used with an IMPRES charger, Li-Ion IMPRES batteries will ‘communicate’ with the charger via a unique IMPRES communication protocol which is designed to maximise talk-time and optimise battery cycle life - all automatically. Users are also equipped with useful information about the battery’s make-up and performance each time it charges, so each individual battery can be better managed.
Like the other two however, Li-Ion batteries should also be properly matched to their operating environment to ensure this is the right choice. As a relatively new technology, field data on this battery type’s performance is not as well understood as NiCd or NiMH batteries, but it is generally accepted that Li-Ion’s advantages far outweigh its drawbacks.
Everyday, the Motorola team seeks to boost the energy efficiency across the product range. The development from the NiCd to the NiMH to the Li-Ion batteries is testament to this. We also voluntarily publish product data sheets to help our customers handle and safely dispose of our three main types of battery to ensure there is as little impact upon the environment as possible.
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