Hi Tom,

one place I like to get my batteries from is batteries america,
http://www.batteriesamerica.com

Fred Olver, n9bso


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 8:30 PM
Subject: "heads up to all THF6A users


> Hello all.
>
> Well, I finally talked to a Customer Support Rep from Kenwood today about
my
> problem with the lythium ion battery pack for my THF6A, and he gave me the
> answer that some of us suspected.
>
> Specifically, you may recall that I tend to use the THF6A as a base unit,
> most of the time.  I run it with a 2-amp regulated power supply.  In line
> with my earlier experience with other HT's, I simply did this with the
> battery pack still on the radio, thinking that no harm should be done,
since
> when I turn the power supply off with the rig connected, the rig shuts off
> as well.
>
> The Kenwood rep said that, although in many other cases like this, I'd be
ok
> with this strategy, the THF6A is the first Kenwood HT that has been
designed
> to charge the battery while it is connected to an external DC power
source,
> such as a car battery or DC power supply.
>
> So, in short, I guess I basically cooked the battery pack while running
the
> unit as a base station on a long-term basis via the external power supply.
>
> So, now that I apparently am looking at replacing my lythium ion battery
> pack, my next question is where can I get one at a reasonable price.  I
know
> that Kenwood sells one for $79, but I have seen Maha packs for as low as
> $49.95, I think.
>
> Any help here would be appreciated.
>
> In the meantime, I'm now running the THF6A as a base unit by putting the
> empty extra battery case for double A. batteries on the unit.  This is
what
> the guy from Kenwood suggested.
>
> Let's all learn from my experience--I hope it will help some folks not
make
> the same mistake I did.
>
> Best 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ