able battery back as well as an BT200

When the radio and BP200 are placed in

alkaline battery tray. For most use, the

the RSC200 charger base and power is

BP200 battery pack will provide conven-

present, the LED on the front of the

ient, long life service, and will operate

charger base will be red if the power is on

your radio for approximately 12 hours on

but the radio is being charged, or green if

a charge. The length of service depends

the radio is fully charged.

largely on how much time you spend

BT200 Alkaline Battery Pack

transmitting, and what transmit power

The BT200 alkaline battery pack can be

you use.

 

Charging the BP200

used as a backup to the BP200 battery

pack when charging may not be possible

A feature of the NiMH pack is that you

or convenient. It holds 6 AA batteries.

can recharge at any time. The standard

When the alkaline batteries have dis-

charger SC200 will completely recharge

charged, dispose of them safely. They

the BP200 battery pack in approximately

cannot be recharged using the supplied

12 hours. If you need the radio prior to a

chargers.

full charge, you can remove it from the

Make sure to observe the polarity shown

charger base at any state of charge. The

on the inside of the alkaline battery tray

BP200 will not be damaged by extended

when installing the batteries.

charge time.The best way to use the bat-

Alkaline batteries have excellent shelf life

tery pack is to detach the battery pack

when kept in a cool environment, but they

after full charge

 

 

can leak under certain circumstances. If

In SC200, when the radio and BP200 are

you store your radio for extended periods,

placed in the SC200 charger base and

we recommend that you remove the alka-

power is present, the LED on the front of

line battery tray from the radio.

the charger base will be red.

22. Maintenance

The VHF200 also includes the DC200

Cigarette Lighter Cord. The DC200 can

The VHF200 is designed to provide

power the SC200 charger base from any

years of trouble free operation with

cigarette lighter socket. The DC200 plugs

virtually no maintenance. Follow

into the charger base in the same socket

these simple procedures to ensure

as the AC power supply.

that the VHF200 continues to deliver

Use of the Optional RSC200

top performance.

Rinse the VHF200 thoroughly with

Rapid Smart Charger

fresh water after exposure to salt

For faster charging of the BP200 battery

water. Otherwise the radio’s keys,

pack, the optional RSC200 Rapid Smart

switches, and controllers may

Charger can be used. It will completely

become inoperable due to salt crys-

recharge the BP200 in 90 minutes or less,

tallization.

depending on state of discharge. The

Be Careful! The VHF200 employs

RSC200 is a “smart charger” and will not

JIS 7 waterproof construction (sub-

damage the BP200 even if the radio is left

mersion to 1 m. depth for 30 min.).

in the charger base for long periods. The

However, waterproofness cannot be

best way to use the battery pack is to

guaranteed over time. Extreme shock

detach the battery pack after full charge.

(dropping, etc.) may crack the case or

The RSC200 can only be powered by AC

dislodge or damage the seals.

current.

 

 

 

18

West Marine VHF200 Owner’s Manual

Page 18
Image 18
West Marine VHF200 manual Maintenance, BT200 Alkaline Battery Pack, Charging the BP200, Use of the Optional RSC200