So... I just noticed that my HBK2 TX has a 12V DC jack on its side. I'm guessing this is either to run it directly from DC (maybe even using the AC adapter that I charge my batteries with?) or to charge rechargeable batteries right in the TX. Am I on the right track? Either would be a big help, both would be awesome.

I am waiting for my HB as I post this. To answer your question. The two radio's I have, I made up my own charger and yes, it plugs right into the radio and charges a rechargable battery pack which can be soldered or the rechargables that use the battery holder. It's really a very handy setup that I find.

Thank you for the response.

So, I can buy some AA rechargeable batteries, put them in like my regular batteries, and I'm good to go? That would be great. If so, anything to know about the rechargeables? Can I just head to Radio Shack and pick some up or are there certain things I should be looking for? How about leaving the TX charging overnight, is it smart enough to not burn my house down once the batteries are fully charged?

Thanks again for the help.

What I have done in the past is usually charge the batteries for an hour, then maybe two hours, this of course depends on the charger you use so it will have to be trial and error. I do not reccommend leaving them on overnight unless you have a specific charger that's designed to fall back the voltage and discontinues the chatge once the charge is up. Maybe someone will clarify this a bit more as there may be sofisticated chargers on the market for the radio's. Make sure if you use NiMh batteries you use a NiMh charger, Nicads a nicad charger etc.