For Pilots that are using their ICOM A6 or A24 transceivers as backup radios we reccomend the alkaline battery pack. We know most backup radios just sit in the flight bag until they are needed. And when they are needed it is usually for an emergency situation. The NiMH battery that comes on the A6 and A24 is a great workhorse rechargeable, good for hundreds of charge/discharge cycles. But they have an unfortunate weakness that makes them unsuitable as backup radio batteries: they 'leak' appoximately 5 percent of their stored charge per week. After a few weeks, you end up with a half-dead battery. After a few months, you might be lucky to get a few minutes worth of transmission out of it. The NiMH batteries are made for frequent use. Not long storage. The optional Lithium Ion battery pack doesn't 'leak' as much charge from just sitting there, but it is more sensitive to temperature swings and will have an overall shelf life lasting one-half to one-third as long as alkaline batteries. A fresh set of alkaline batteries can last three to five years with full to near-full voltage at the end of that time period. For even more power capacity and longer shelf life, you can use new AA lithium cell batteries, commonly labled as photo cells or for digital cameras, though now being marketed as longer-life batteries. They have a slightly longer shelf life than alkalines and roughly twice the energy capacity.

This case uses 6 AA alkaline batteries that are not included. We reccomend only using fresh AA alkaline or lithuim batteries. For best performance do not mix battery types or old batteries with new batteries. Check your batteries and their expiration dates at least once per year for added safety.