Standard Horizon HX870 radio won't charge

I just bought a brand new icom radio.  2d time charging the light wouldn't go on.  WTF?  I used the simple light bulb DC probe on the charger contacts.  Probe lit up fine.  then I found a tiny piece of plastic kernel in the charger well that was preventing proper seating and  contact.  DOH!  Works fine.

My point is get one of those test probes.  Handy in all sorts of applications.  And, CHEAP!!!

I use a spray can of electric contact cleaner.  You can get a giant can for around $4.00 at the hardware store.  Probly same effective as isopropyl alcohol and qtips, but easier.  I spray my radio, fishfinder contacts, my plugs on the boat every time I came home from fishing. Even before I clean my rods. Every 3d or 4thtime I give a micro-spritz with Corrosion X onto those contacts.  (Not the XD, which is too gooey.)

Note- diaelectric actually means it does NOT transmit electric current. But the layer is so thin it doesn't matter.  Main thing is getting that layer on there to prevent corrosion.

Hope this helps you and others.  We all have the same challenge protecting and maintaining our equipment for lasting use.

Bushy

Bouché wrote:

<snipped> Note- diaelectric actually means it does NOT transmit electric current. But the layer is so thin it doesn't matter.  Main thing is getting that layer on there to prevent corrosion

That is true - but it works! It is reputed that it is by preventing corrosion which totally blocks conductivity and like you said the thin layer still will allow the intended contact areas to transmit.

What I learned a while back doing some automotive work is that the viscosity  of the dielectric  grease is such that there is effectively no layer at the actual points of contact - it gets pushed aside and the insulating properties of the grease pushed aside help prevent arcing and protect the connection from water infiltration etc.

By now I've already scraped at it with a knife a bunch of times, so I don't what sanding would do that the knife didn't. If there was a layer of metal that was required for conductivity, then it's probably gone. So, what about a way to externally charge this battery? Most cameras and flashlights require you to remove the batteries and place them in a charger. Maybe there's something like that for this situation?

The point is that the radio works great. It just needs power.

My 870 came with a AAA battery tray that could be used in place of the rechargeable one.  Never tried to see how long it lasts, but I guess it could be worth a shot.  I know you mentioned you scraped it with the knife a ton if times, but it doesn't hurt to try to hit it one more time with sand paper.  I never realized how finicky those contacts are.

FWIW I'd get a cheap multi meter and check the charger, less than $20 a really useful item, everybody should have one. They can get expensive but for your use a cheap one will do.

Normally using the adapter with reg batteries will only allow you to transmit at low power.

Didn't it come with a 12v car charger ?

https://www.starmarinedepot.com/standard-horizon-dc-cable-w%2Fcigarette-lighter-plug-f%2Fall-hand-helds-except-hx400.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpsLovrja4wIVkvhkCh3UngpkEAQYBSABEgKYr_D_BwE

FWIW I'd get a cheap multi meter and check the charger, less than $20 a really useful item, everybody should have one. They can get expensive but for your use a cheap one will do.

Yeah, and then you have one to use forever...

Another finicky area of the charger, on mine at least, is underneath the charging cradle where the cord plugs in. On mine the AC adapter had issues with coming loose, but I've never had a problem with the 12 volt cord doing that.

Well right now it's charging so I'm gonna let it go and not touch it or even look at it! I'll get a multi-meter.
Thanks!
Andrew

Good luck, I hope it works for you!

Well now everything is working. Either the contacts are clean now or else it was so depleted that for some reason it couldn't charge.
Either way, no need for a replacement.

How old is that radio?  I have one of the first HX 870's and there are no lights on the charger.  Not lights that don't work, no lights whatsoever.