Don't solder! First it is very hard to get the chromed battery terminals to
wet out and second the heat can ruin the battery. Battery packs are welded
using discharge type spot welders. You could make a welder based on a stack
of electrolytic caps but it would cost more than just taking your pack to
Batteries Plus.

As Larry said, NiMh batteries have amazing capacity and no memory. They
also maintain a more constant voltage until close to discharged BUT they
also have a much higher self discharge rate. Up to 10% in the first 24 hours
and 1 or 2% per day after that vs. a fairly level .4% for NiCads. If you
plan to use your handheld VHF frequently and at 5W get NiMh and just put it
in the charger stand every night. If it will be stored for a couple of
weeks between uses get Ni-Cads.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
nk.net...
I have a couple of older VHFs that I'd like to keep as backups and was
wondering
if anyone has replaced the batteries in the packs themselves.

I have disassembled the packs but see that the batteries require soldering
small
metallic strips in a certain configuration to provide proper voltage, etc.

My question: HOW to properly solder the new batteries, hopefully easily
:-)

Appreciatively,

Courtney