Are you getting it now? By using industry standard and reliable Bendix King batteries, the same radios used in every fire camp from coast to coast, you have ample power available for your VX-7R by simply using the ECA295 cigarette lighter adapter available from P & W , and the CBE-80 battery eliminator or other cigarette lighter adapter for the VX-7R. We do not recommend BK Radio in Goose Creek, SC due to their extremely poor customer service.

As a side note, this may also be used to charge your cell phone battery!

The LAA 0125 is a standard NiCad and is a 1400mAh battery. It may be charged with a standard BK charger or the LAA 0340 mobile charger. The 2200mAh lithium-ion battery pack requires the BK LAA 0325 smart charger or other smart charger.

The LAA 0170 lithium-ion battery may only be charged using specific chargers. But a very light-weight 2200mAh battery is an excellent battery pack or two to toss into your go bag.

The LAA 0340 vehicle charger is a great addition for charging standard nickel cadmium BK batteries. To the right is part of my radio "go kit" and includes a Yaesu VX-7R with a standard antenna and a "bush antenna," a cigarette lighter charger / power adapter; a Bendix-King portable with a standard antenna, a "bush" antenna, a 2200mAh battery pack, and a clam shell with ECA295 cigarette lighter adapter.

About the author: Bob Ricci, AF6D of Big Bear Lake, CA, is an extra class operator. Bob is a member of the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services in Southern California. A self-professed "tinkerer," Bob enjoys building and installing antennas, and dabbling at other projects. Bob is an experienced repeater builder and technician, but is a computer programmer, web site developer, database integrator, and web site hosting provider by trade. He may be reached by email at bobricci @hamradiohosting.net or by telephone at (909) 366-8051. BK Radio may be reached at Action Communications and by telephone at (800) 214-6011.