Happy new year Eric, I have never owned a rechargable pack for 
the VR500, have only used either alkaline or rechargable double a 
batteries.  One flaw with the radio is that if you leave 
batteries in it, the case will develop a stress fracture in it 
over time near the battery compartment and the batteries will not 
make contact with the springs.  I have had to order two new case 
backs for the radio over the past few years.  My solution such as 
it is is just not leave the batteries in the radio when you 
aren't using it.  Of course, if you use it all the time, then 
that won't be good unless you can use it on the AC supply.  I do 
have a file I wrote up about the VR500 to help me remember how to 
do searches and store memories and such.  If that would help, I 
can send it along.  Best 73, Jim WA6EKS

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Clegg <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Tue, 1 Jan 2013 10:23:31 -0800
Subject: Re: Yaesu VR-500

Hi Jim,
I think I heard on a previous message that you own a Yaesu 
VR-500.

I also own one too.

I'm trying to help my wife KB3WBO, Cathy to install the 
rechargeable battery
pack.

I bought an extra battery pack for me for Christmas and two for 
her.

I was able to charge my new and older battery pack.

Cathy for some reason cannot charge her battery packs in the 
radio.

Cathy lives near Pittsburgh, PA and I live in Sacramento.

We presently have a cross-country relationship.

She works for the Federal government and I work for the state of 
California.

I have tried to give tech support over the phone but no matter 
which way we
put the battery packs in they do not charge.

I haven't seen her radio so don't know if the little spring like 
switch in
the battery compartment is broken.

It goes down when you put in either the rechargeable pack or 
double A
batteries.

Her radio will work from AC wwhen you plug the charger in.

Any helpful thoughts will be appreciated.

Happy new year.

Eric

KU3I