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eHam Forums => VHF / UHF => Topic started by: SOFAR on January 16, 2023, 02:23:36 PM

Title: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: SOFAR on January 16, 2023, 02:23:36 PM
Icom recommends retiring Li-ion battery packs at 5 years. Yet there's no actual date printed on battery.

I have a BP-265, came with a radio purchased new around 2019. Also plan on buying replacement batteries, so deciphering date of manufacture before buying would be helpful.

Current battery pack has "WCE" printed on it, likely the date code.

Any info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: WA2ONH on January 16, 2023, 04:01:23 PM
My Google search returned this site ...

Battery Date Code Combinations - American Communications Systems - Icom Batteries

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEeCKV4sVjbRcAEAsPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1673941782/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ameradio.com%2fdoc%2fIcom-battery-date-code-definitions.pdf/RK=2/RS=xwQhrMW_1ecc6JNSckyFuPaorB0-

Returns 10-page PDF file approx 644kb size. 
Title: Re: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: WA3SKN on January 18, 2023, 04:00:08 PM
Ask Icom.
However, Icom has plans to sell you a new radio every five years.

-Mike.

Title: Re: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: SOFAR on January 20, 2023, 05:17:43 PM
My Google search returned this site ...

Battery Date Code Combinations - American Communications Systems - Icom -Batteries

Thanks. Looks like the W stands for 2018.
Title: Re: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: SOFAR on January 20, 2023, 05:25:01 PM
Ask Icom.
However, Icom has plans to sell you a new radio every five years.

-Mike.

BP-265 is supplied with two Icom business/ commercial radios, a VHF and UHF, and powers 3 different Icom amateur HTs. So maybe the battery will be around in aftermarket form for awhile.

I also have two Icom 6 AA battery trays. The analog transceivers will live on..
Title: Re: Icom HT battery date codes
Post by: K5LXP on January 24, 2023, 10:25:38 AM
This sure sounds like CYA, or marketing.  I've had some equipment long enough to actually wear out the packs and it's usually more than 5 years, but less than 10 before they give up.  Not sure what the specific issue is after 5 years but if it holds a charge and runs the gear, then I have no need to replace it.  I've had some lithium packs swell, maybe this is the issue they're heading off but I don't need a calendar for that, just my eyes.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM