Another Battery Question.

I would say relax.  PS2 boards are not damaged by battery failures and the 7 second shutdown is perfect.

At the risk of starting an uproar, I would say there is a tiny and unpredictable risk of any battery, new or old, leaking.

I have a number of PS 2.0 engines in my stable and unless you run them for long periods each run session,  the batteries will build up memory (nicad or nickel metal hydride,  all do it,  Nicad is much worse but they all do it) and not take a charge.

Simplest fix is a one time switch over to a BCR (battery replacement that eliminates the need for any charging or battery concerns moving forward).  Peace of mind is great,  I have not had any issues since, going back about 5 years now since changing each engine over,  as time / budget allowed.  

Mark

Here is a link to the manufacturer of this product:  http://www.jandwelectronics.com/

One of the feature upgrades in MTH moving to PS3.0 was a built in capacitor just like this BCR,  so clearly,  it works as MTH has adopted it in there new releases moving forward....

The blue 2.4 volt batteries are remarkably stable and hold a charge a lot longer than do any of the older 8.4 volt batteries.

My advice is just leave it alone and you'll be fine for the next 6-7 years before you need to consider changing it out.

I agree with Barry.  I first got locos with 2.4-volt batteries about 2005, when they first came out, and to date have never had to replace any.  I now have about 20 of those locos.

kgsouth,

   As usual I recommend when the battery finally goes bad, to install a BCR and quit messing with the batteries.

PCRR/Dave

I had NiCad 2.4V AA in an older cordless phone, they worked for over 12years.  No long phone calls:-)  The whole memory issue while true is really for larger batteries and industrial style use.  These batteries only have to hold 2.2V or more for 6-8 seconds.  That is not an issue at all for 2.4V AA batteries.

I have not seen a AA leak yet.  Some of the 8.4V batteries might gas out and corrode a connector, but they are sealed in plastic and don't seem to leak either.  G

Since I perform maintenance on all of the engines for the members of my club, I have the members change the initial batteries over to BCR's. Less headaches/heartaches down the road and peace of mind that goes with it.

Are they at York?

The seller has been at York, last 2 meets.

Personally. getting 10 years on a $5 battery convinces me not to spend $500 to convert my fleet.

I have never before heard NiMH batteries accused of having memory issues.  I've always heard just the opposite:  that recharging before they are drained does not affect their capacity.

Just added to my York spread sheet wish list

Thanks for the input everybody, Trains are running. All is well.

kgsouth,

    You bet, the trains are running I have a belly full of food and nobody is shooting at me.  Life is good!

PCRR/Dave