Trying to revive Yaesu FT-530

[AE4HL]

I'm trying to revive my old FT-530 that has not been used for years.  All I have is the body, bnc-uhf adapter and a dead FNB-26 (7.2v?)nicad pack.  I'm attempting to charge the pack now.

Questions:

Are battery packs still sold for this radio?  If so, where is the best place to buy them from?

What antenna is recommeded for dual band use (radio mounted).

Speaker-mics still available?

Any other suggestions or tips?

Thanks!

Jim AE4HL

[KE4DRN]

hi jim,

http://batteriesamerica.com/

you can buy new pack or inserts
they also advertise in qst

I'll let others make sp/mic and antenna
comments, I don't own the 530.

73 james

[KE4SKY]

If the original pack is structurally sound, it can be rebuilt.

http://www.nicdladyonline.com/rebuilding/yaesu-vertex.html

Grace does a great job, and I've been very satisfied with the service.

You should be able to get a replacement Yaesu BNC dual-band antenna direct from Yaesu.  If not, go for the Larsen replacement.

[N7USR]

I have a FT-530 and have used it since '92.

I used to use Grace (NiCad Lady) for rebuilding my packs, and have always been satisfied with the prices and work. However, since I became disabled I had to cut back. I now buy a box of 2300 MaH AA batteries every two years and replace the ones in the battery pack. Works GREAT! I got my last box at Fry's but they are available online too.

Not sure if any of the other accessory parts are available.

73's  Greg

[KD7YHF]

Your local battery store could rebuild it possibly to a higher capacity for about $24.00 to $36.00 dollars.
They might be able to convert it to take AA batteries too. The AA battery pack has many advantages over the old ni-cad packs I beleive.

[AE4HL]

James,

Thanks for the tip on batteriesamerica.  I found out they are EH Yost which is who made the battery pack that went dead.  I bought a fnb-25x nimh pack and it arrived today.

I found the original yha-29 antenna after I ordered a Smiley dual-band extendable whip.  The Smiley isn't here yet but will help hit repeaters which are all a distance away.

Even in 2006, years after the FT-530 was introduced, it's still a heck of a radio.

Jim AE4HL

[KA1OS]

The best dual-band antenna I've found for that rig was the one that originally shipped with the radio.

Remember also to change the little coin memory backup battery...