BG5EYK Yes, the battery is good; it lasted through an afternoon and into the evening. As for the JPC12, the reception was very clear. However, calling out during the day on flat ground was a bit difficult, but I could reach several people in the evening when I was uphill. The commonly used frequencies are clearly marked, making setup quite convenient. My soil is somewhat dry, so I had to put some extra effort into anchoring it. Also, the wind was very strong last night and almost blew the antenna over, but it's sturdy enough. After adding some rocks, it became much more stable.