Using IKEA LADDA rechargeable batteries in Yaesu FT817

UK Amateur Radio Station MØXMX shows how to use the LADDA 2450mAh NiMH batteries from IKEA in the Yaesu FT817 radio. Also note the added fuse protection and the Green wire modification.

[softstart]

I know this video is older; however l was in the process of revamping my batteries in my ft817nd. Found many alternatives that went way to far for a little walk about. Then I found your video which fits my requirements thank you. I ordered the batteries and have the batt tray this will allow me a hour or 2 outside and I don't need a balance box because I already have the charger.

[softstart]

Well the batteries arrived and I just lifted the little tap holding the green wire on the tray and removed it so replacement would be no problem. Easy mod thanks again just waiting on the pico fuse. Have a great day.

[AGKN]

This is maybe an older post, but I just now got around to it.
Thanks and 73!

DE John - AG4KN (EM04to) in OK USA

[tav]

That was very usefull. The move with the fuses does make sense and the move with the sequence of fitting the batteries is good! thanks für sharing

[davidvaughn]

WindCamp "not a good idea?" A plug-in with a charge controller with mods already done for you seems like a good idea to me. What's not a good idea is permanently disabling a safety feature that won't be there for you when you go to use other battery geometries/configurations. Be sure to inform the buyer of this radio (if you decide to sell it) of the modification. Good job on the mod that works for you though and I'll agree that much of amateur radio is about tinkering and saving a buck and I'm sure this will work out for some folks. Thanks for the vid. K7GYB

[madcarew.]

yes better than original
charged using cyclic and ok
but for random wire on qrp from 11.2 to 9.8 very quick
anyway still better than expensive packs for 817nd
when portable
cheers 73

[alanread]

I decided to take your advice and bought the Pico fuses and a a spare battery tray in case I messed it up.
The Pico fuse is 2.4" overall can the wire part be cut shorter.

[theoldhobbit]

As a relative newcomer (M6) I enjoy nothing more than taking my 817 up a hill and running QRP. I have a different array of homebrew dipoles as I will only run resonant antennas therefore reducing the need to carry a tuner. I have today purchased the Wonder Wand MKII and intend to use this more for lightweight portable, but power has always been the battle of the minds, I run mostly on RC Lipo batteries, all on PowerPole connectors, but I have never had a lot of confidence in the supplied internal battery. This idea seems to be a no brainer and as I already have a supply of LADDA batteries I just want to clarify a couple of points:


Is it the green wire on the battery caddy I cut ?
Can I still use alkaline batteries providing I disable the battery charging function?
Can I still use the supplied battery or the wincamp update if I so wish?


Many thanks for your video and I am looking forward to another season of QRP radio.

[madcarew.]

done exactly same great batts!
are you using the 10 hr.charge cycle in 817?
cheers 73

[richard]

Hi, I have two of those AA battery holders (trays), one from my first 817nd bought some 10 years ago and another from the second 817nd bought four years ago, both of these battery trays have five wires (including a green wire), in your opinion, would it be safe to just cut the green wire from one of the battery trays therefore leaving the radio intacked? I do like the idea of adding the extra fuses for safety, good point.
Cheers, Richard.

[nkkri]

Will these batteries produce a high enough voltage for 5 watts transmit? Can any users tell me how long they get using
5 watts and how long do they get using the batteries in receive only. Thanks

[hamradiotime]

Another great video Mike! Thank you! I had FT-817ND and I was using it with 3.2Ah or 7Ah 12V SLA battery.
How long you can operate on 5W with these?

[ronangsr]

Why not just use external charger ? That way you can have lots of them charged and just take out the flat ones

[alanread]

Instead of cutting the green wire and messing about with fuses wouldn't it be simpler to charge them with an external battery charger and have spares ready charged to swop.

[lccsecretary]

Where is your eBay link to the pico fuses you used?