NCJ Number
111386
Date Published
1986
Length
35 pages
Annotation
The battery testing program to evaluate batteries for personal transceivers used by the law enforcement community was conducted by the National Institute of Justice Technology Assessment Program Information Center to determine compliance with minimum performance requirements.
Abstract
The evaluation was conducted by two independent testing laboratories. A total of 64 different rechargeable, nickel-cadmium battery models was tested. The batteries were manufactured by 13 companies, including both transceiver manufacturers and independent suppliers. The batteries selected for testing were specifically designed for use with transceivers produced by six manufacturers. The standard requires that batteries provide a minimum service life of 8 hours when discharged at ambient temperatures during continuous operation with a 10-10-80 (transmits-receive-standby) duty cycle. Service life was evaluated at -22 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A standard deviation of each set of service life measurements was used to calculate a performance factor that must be met. Integrity of internal connections also was evaluated. Overall, 12 of the batteries were in full compliance with the standard for all minimum operating parameters. None was in full compliance with labeling requirements, although 10 satisfied the intent of the standard. Additional tests of service life under increased power drain also were conducted, although not required by the standard. Detailed test results are provided. 3 notes and 3 tables.