Yaesu FT-817 , OM1CI Jozef
The basic principle when modifying the FT-817 is that all types of power supply, flashlights or accumulators and of course the external power cable must be disconnected!!! Modification of the FBA-28 flashlight case for the use of rechargeable batteries:
Yaesu supplies the FT-817 with an FBA-28 battery case for 8 AA alkaline batteries, which should last for approximately 5.5 hours. It is not recommended to use the case to fill with batteries, as they would also be charged in this case, and it is recommended to purchase the FNB-85, NiMh 9.6V/1400mAh, or FNB-72, NiCd 9.6V/1000mAh.
With a simple modification, we will ensure that the FT-817 does not automatically detect the presence of a flashlight case and then we can put it in the flashlight case rechargeable batteries and also charge them directly in TCVR FT-817, as if the original was based there anyway.
Take out the flashlight case, peel off the black tape under which the wires are. There are 2 red, 2 black and a green. Cut and insulate the green wire. Insert NiCd or NiMh rechargeable batteries into the battery case and set the charging time in the FT-817 menu according to the capacity of the batteries. The manufacturer recommends 8 hours for a 1400mAh battery, and 6 hours for a 1000mAh battery.
In menu No. 11, it is possible to set 6, 8, 10 hours. The charging current is approximately 170 mA, and after the end of the charging time set in the menu, a maintenance current of approximately 15 mA flows into the battery. If you fit the case with 2000mAh batteries, which are already common today, then full charging will have to be done for two cycles of 6 + 6 hours, or 6 + 7 hours. In no case, do not try to fit alkaline batteries into the case modified in this way, as if you were also recharging them!!!
This way you save on the purchase of expensive alkaline disposable batteries, which are recommended for use in the TCVR FT-817 battery case. You can return the described adjustment to its original state at any time and then use alkaline flashlights. The translation of the descriptions of other modifications of the FT-817 is also available at my page
Joseph, OM1CI