About this replacement
Icom IC-F70 / IC-F80 Series — 7.4V Li-ion Replacement Battery (BP-236)
This 7.4V, 3240mAh lithium-ion battery replaces the Icom BP-236, BP-235, and BP-254 packs. It fits the IC-F70, IC-F80, IC-F70D, IC-F70DS, and related models in the same platform family. Voltage and connector match the OEM spec directly.
- IC-F70 / IC-F80 platform fit: These models share the same 7.4V rail, battery bay dimensions, and BMS handshake protocol across the range. One pack covers the full group because Icom standardised the connector and contact layout across the F70 and F80 chassis.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We ran this pack in an IC-F70 charger dock and monitored BMS communication through the full charge cycle. The protection circuit responded correctly to charge termination and held voltage within spec at rest.
- First insertion on Icom dock contacts: If the dock shows a fault LED on first insertion, remove the battery, wipe the gold contact strip with a dry cloth, and reseat firmly. The Icom platform requires a clean contact cycle to accept the new BMS handshake before charging begins.
IC-F70 cuts out mid-transmission on a new BP-236
A new lithium-ion cell ships at storage voltage — typically around 3.7V per cell, not full charge. When PTT is pressed, transmit current spikes sharply. If the pack hasn't completed its first full charge cycle, that spike can pull cell voltage below the BMS overcurrent threshold and trigger a protective cutout. This is not a faulty battery. Charge the pack fully in the dock before the first use shift — the dock indicator should go green before you key up.
Bar indicator showing one fewer bar than expected after fitting a new pack
The IC-F70 uses a voltage-threshold bar indicator, not a fuel gauge chip. At storage voltage the pack reads lower than a fully charged cell, so the radio displays one or two bars even on a brand-new battery. This is a voltage reading, not a capacity fault. Put the pack through one complete charge in the dock and the indicator will show the correct bar level — typically confirmed above 8.0V resting.