What are You Going to do When Your Battery Won’t Charge Anymore?
So, the grid goes down, but fortunately, you are prepared and have adequate solar power or a generator. You have prepared for a power outage the best you can and stored backup fuel for your generator.
But what if the battery in your BaoFeng burns up or won’t charge anymore? That battery is a proprietary model and you can’t just go down to the store and pick up a new one.
What are you going to do? Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to power your BaoFeng Two Way Radio when your battery goes kaput. Backup communication is a must in an SHTF situation and powering these devices is paramount to our survival.
2 Ways to Charge Your BaoFeng Radio in a Grid Down Situation if the Batteries are Good
- Generator – If you have a generator, you can connect directly to the 110 receptacles and use the standard charger that comes with the BaoFeng kit. Just like you would in your home, this is a great option if you have it.
- Large Solar Power System – If you have solar power such as a solar array and a battery bank you can do the same thing mentioned above regarding the generator. Moreover, a big congratulation goes with this investment, a solar array and battery bank is a big step that many preppers would love to have!
A lot of preppers have access to a generator and a few have a large solar source of backup power.
But, what if you live in an apartment or somewhere where a generator would give you away? What if you are in an area where there is just no room for a solar array?
Moreover, what if the situation is worse, you are caught away from home or had to bug out at the last minute? You are going to need a way to charge your essential small electronics and that method has to be efficient and easily carried with your other gear.
Here are a couple of options for that very situation. The options below focus around the BaoFeng Two Way Radio but it can apply to other electronics as well.
Charging Your BaoFeng Radio When You are Not at Home
- If Your Battery is Still Good – Carry a backpacking solar charger and the BaoFeng USB Power Cable. This is a great combination and can be used for other electronics as well.
- Only get the cable, you already have the base of the unit for charging when you purchased the BaoFeng kit.
- This option is a bit pricier than the second choice below but has more options for charging other electronics.
- If Your Battery is Bad – Carry an extra battery pack that uses AA batteries such as the BaoFeng BL-5 AA Battery Pack for the BF-F8HP, UV-5X3, and UV-5R Radios. The difference between this option is that is can only be used with the BaoFeng radios. It doesn’t have any dual uses as the solar charger method does.
- It takes typical AA batteries that can be found anywhere.
- AA batteries are common and can be used in other electronics.
- UPDATE: You can use 6 AA NiMh/ NiCd rechargeable cells (1.2V) OR 5 AA Alkaline cells (1.5V) and 1 dummy AA which is included in the battery pack kit.
Powering our vital electronics in a grid-down situation is always a concern for a prepper and these few affordable options can make it much easier. The great thing about this option is that it’s easily carried in BOB or GHB.
BaoFeng BF-F8HP 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio – https://amzn.to/2UASP1Q
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio – https://amzn.to/2WCJTuX
BTECH USB Programming Cable for BaoFeng Radio – https://amzn.to/2Gj6o23
BaoFeng BL-5 AA Battery Pack BF-F8HP, UV-5X3, and UV-5R Radios – https://amzn.to/2t3bBU4
BaoFeng USB Power USB Cable for Charger – https://amzn.to/2t0640e
Survival Kits, 174Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit IFAK with Molle System Essential Camping Gear Emergency Medical Supplies for Car Fishing Hunting Outdoor Adventure
25% Off
EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK EMT Molle Pouch Survival Kit Outdoor Gear Emergency Kits Trauma Bag for Camping Boat Hunting Hiking Home Car Earthquake and Adventures
20% Off
BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece For Survival Gear,2Pack
$57.99 (as of December 22, 2024 00:49 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BAOFENG UV-5R Ham Radio Long Range 8W UV5R Dual Band 3800mAh Rechargeable Extended Battery Walkie Talkies for Adults Handheld Portable 2 Two Way Radio Full Kit for Hunting Survival Gear,2Pack
$44.59 (as of December 22, 2024 00:43 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BAOFENG BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery
$62.89 (as of December 22, 2024 00:43 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
