Abstract: A vehicular battery charger connects with a battery powered portable radio via plural electrical contacts including a so-called "universal device connector" (UDC). A battery contact interface is also provided. Battery charging current as well as auxiliary radio operating power is made available at the contact interfaces. In addition, the charger is capable of remotely controlling the modus operandi of the portable radio device so as, if desired, to convert the portable radio device to provide vehicular mobile or fixed base radio operations during the battery charging process. If such modified radio operation is desired, the battery charger detects current being drawn from the external radio power supply source (for supplying power to the radio operating circuits independently of the portable radio battery which is then being charged) and automatically reconfigures the portable radio device as needed to effect the vehicular mobile or fixed base operation.