Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge the batteries, set AL- KALINE JACK NI-CDto NI-CD, install the nickel-cadmium batteries in the scanner, and connect an external AC or DC adapter to the scan- ner’s POWER jack (see “Using Standard AC Power” on Page 11 or “Us- ing Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 12).
Warning: Do not connect either adapter to the scanner if you have non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries) installed in the scanner and ALKALINE JACK NI-CDis set to NI-CD, or you are un- sure of the switch’s position. Non-rechargeable batteries will get hot and can even explode if you try to recharge them.
Before you use nickel-cadmium batteries for the first time, charge them at least 24 hours to bring them to a full charge.
Discharged batteries take about 10 to 18 hours to fully recharge. It takes longer to fully charge them if you operate the scanner while you recharge them.
Notes:
•Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if you occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner until it begins beeping every 15 seconds and BATT.Lo flashes.
•To prevent damaging nickel-cadmium batteries, never charge them in an area where the temperature is above 113°F or below 40°F.
Important: At the end of a rechargeable battery’s useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous waste management authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs in your area. Some options that might be avail- able are: municipal curb-side collection, drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack store, recycling collection centers, and mail- back programs.