Charging Standard Horizon handheld radio

[Susurros]

Hi all,
I have a Standard Horizon HX300 handheld VHF radio. I have never used it (it was left on the boat by the previous owner), but to my knowledge it should be in working order. I mention this because I suppose it is possible the battery is kaput.


I do not seem to have the original wall charger for it, so I've been trying to charge it off of computer USB ports and phone chargers, but no dice. The manual says this is possible:
"If the USB port is available (such as your personal computer), You maycharge theFNB-122LIbattery pack by connecting the supplied Charge Cable between theHX300Eand USB port."


I see the parts list in the manual includes a USB charging cable, and some vendors claim to make aftermarket cables, such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/UPBRIGHT-Char.../dp/B017YFLJEY Instinctively I would assume this is a rort - any mini-USB cable ought to do, right?



My question is, is there something special about the USB cable that comes with the radio? Or would any USB cable do just as well (in which case the problem must be with the power source, or the radio itself)?

[Orion Jim]

Correct, any USB cable with the proper connector will work. They are not proprietary.

[SunnyIsleMark]

Some Horizon handhelds offer an option for either a rechargeable lithium battery pack or a standard AAA non-rechargeable alkaline battery pack. Best to check what you have.

[Jammer]

I have one of those. The only unusual thing about the USB connector is that, as you note, it is a now-obsolete "mini" USB connector, not the now-common USB-C connector nor the previously-common "micro" USB connector. At least on mine. More recent production may use a more modern connector.


I charge it all the time with a standard USB cable and the same wall wart I use for charging my phone, laptop, etc.


The HX300 is OK for what it is. The battery life is short and having to use the membrane buttons for everything is a nuisance. I like the HX380 much better and have several of them.

[Susurros]

Orion Jim - Thanks, that is what I suspected, but good to have it confirmed. I've now tried with 2 different mini-USB cables, so I can eliminate the cable as the problem.


Jammer - Good to hear it's compatible with phone chargers. Since I have tried on a phone charger already, that leaves the radio and battery as possible culprits. Off to open it up and have a look at the battery (and check it's not an alkaline battery pack as Mark pointed out!)