12V Car Battery Charger Eliminator Adaptor for Yaesu Radios - Vehicle

In this review the reviewer looks at the KENMAX 12V car battery charger eliminator adaptor for Yaesu VX-8 and FT-1 series radios and whether it solves a common problem: keeping a handheld radio powered during long drives. The bottom line is straightforward: this adaptor is for users who need reliable DC power from a vehicle instead of relying on spare batteries or frequent charging. It is especially useful for taxi, bus, truck and long-trip drivers who want continuous radio operation without swapping batteries, and the waterproof ring gives added confidence in wet conditions.

Key Features

• Direct vehicle power: Replaces the radio battery and supplies power from a car 12V source so radios run continuously during trips.
• Compatibility: Designed to fit Yaesu VX-8R, VX-8E, VX-8DR, VX-8DE, VX-8GR, FT-1DR and FT-2DR radios so users of those models get a direct fit.
• Protection circuitry: Built-in over voltage and over current protection helps guard the radio and vehicle power against abnormal conditions.
• Waterproof ring: The sealing ring around the connector helps keep the walkie-talkie usable in rain and humid environments.
• High efficiency: Reported high efficiency above 90% with low heat dissipation means the adaptor runs cooler and wastes less power.

Who It's For

This adaptor is aimed at drivers and mobile radio users who spend extended time in vehicles and need continuous power without carrying multiple spare batteries. It suits professionals such as taxi or truck drivers and hobbyists doing long field trips who use compatible Yaesu handhelds.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who rarely operate their radio in a vehicle, or owners of radios not listed in the compatibility list; this unit is specifically made to replace the stock battery on certain Yaesu models and will not be a universal substitute.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers steady DC power from a vehicle so radios can run indefinitely without battery swaps.
• Over voltage and over current protection reduces risk of damage from unstable vehicle power.
• Waterproof ring increases reliability when used in rain or humid conditions.
• Compact and lightweight at about 110g, making it easy to store and install in a vehicle.

Cons

• Works only with specified Yaesu models, so it is not a universal car power adaptor for all handheld radios.
• The product is a battery eliminator rather than a charger, so it does not recharge the original battery while in use.

Specifications

Brand	KENMAX
Input Voltage	12V-16V DC
Output Voltage	7.9V-8V DC
Protection	Over voltage and over current protection
Efficiency	Greater than 90%
Weight	110g
Color	Black

Our Verdict

The KENMAX 12V car battery eliminator adaptor is a practical, low-cost solution for users of compatible Yaesu handhelds who need continuous vehicle power. It offers built-in protection and a waterproof seal for real-world driving use, and it represents good value for drivers who want reliable radio operation during long trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this charge my radio battery?
This device is a battery eliminator that supplies DC power to the radio while in the vehicle; it does not function as a charger to charge the stock battery.

Which radios are compatible?
It is compatible with Yaesu VX-8R, VX-8E, VX-8DR, VX-8DE, VX-8GR, FT-1DR and FT-2DR models as stated by the manufacturer.

Is it safe to leave connected while driving?
Yes, the adaptor includes over voltage and over current protection and is designed for vehicle use, but standard safety practices for electrical accessories should be followed.