Batboard

Is there a cheaper alternative to the MOTOROLA REX4424A official battery eliminator? The battery eliminator will be used for testing/tuning only. If you were to purchase the battery eliminator that has the cig lighter adapter could you cut the end off and connect to a dc power supply without damage to the radio? Any suggestions on specific battery eliminators for a test bench setup?

Well, the Moto eliminator is the Right Way to do things... but as you've observed, at a ridiculous price. I just happened upon on brand new at a hamfest for $25 (along with the new style test box and all the adapters for the older cables for another $25) or I wouldn't have one.

I believe Wiggly & Wobbly (W&W) makes a battery eliminator. My only caution on cutting off the cig lighter plug would be to use caution on the type of wire. If it's coiled, it's probably some type of satin wire which is nearly impossible to work with. You might be better served with a female cig lighter socket to plug the eliminator into.

I got one from the guy on ebay. He still has some new in box with free ship @$99

250899806480

Cool, thanks for the info. So for the basic battery eliminator like the one to plug into cig lighter, it is just a battery housing with a constant 7.5v direct applied dc voltage, correct? So what is the benefit, other than easier connection to a variable power supply, with the official motorola testing battery eliminator? This will be for a permanent bench style set up, but if I can get away without spending between $100 and $500, then that's awesome. Thanks again.

I'm selling one actually. Check out the FS forum

Randy Ran wrote:snip So what is the benefit, other than easier connection to a variable power supply, with the official Motorola testing battery eliminator? Thanks again.

The benefit would be to be able to do checks and alignment on the radio that require current measurement and different voltage settings from the variable power supply, AKA bench supply.

I think in your application you need the battery eliminator/adapter with the voltage/current regulator built into it.

Just a side note: the cheaper ones have poor battery contacts.