Batteries & BCR - yet again!

The advantage of a BCR, or GRJ's YLB for Lionel/ERR RailSounds, is that you don't have to worry about replacing the battery, and more importantly, potential damage from a leaky battery. Once it is installed, you don't have to worry about it ever again. For me the piece of mind and elimination of future hassle is worth the $40 price of the YLB.

Ultimately, though, only you can decide if the price is worth it.

Matt_GNo27 posted:

The advantage of a BCR, or GRJ's YLB for Lionel/ERR RailSounds, is that you don't have to worry about replacing the battery, and more importantly, potential damage from a leaky battery. Once it is installed, you don't have to worry about it ever again. For me the piece of mind and elimination of future hassle is worth the $40 price of the YLB.

Ultimately, though, only you can decide if the price is worth it.

Looks like the YLB will not work with MTH equipment.

Ponz

Ponz posted:

Matt_GNo27 posted:

The advantage of a BCR, or GRJ's YLB for Lionel/ERR RailSounds, is that you don't have to worry about replacing the battery, and more importantly, potential damage from a leaky battery. Once it is installed, you don't have to worry about it ever again. For me the piece of mind and elimination of future hassle is worth the $40 price of the YLB.

Ultimately, though, only you can decide if the price is worth it.

Looks like the YLB will not work with MTH equipment.

Ponz

Because the MTH loco has a built in charging circuit already. We placed BCR's in MTH and YLB's in the new Lionel.

Ponz posted:

Looks like the YLB will not work with MTH equipment.

Ponz

Correct, the YLB was purpose built specifically to power Lionel RailSounds sound boards that are designed for an alkaline non-rechargeable battery.  It is in no way compatible with MTH products, they only require a simple supercap replacement battery substitute.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Ponz posted:

Looks like the YLB will not work with MTH equipment.

Ponz

Correct, the YLB was purpose built specifically to power Lionel RailSounds sound boards that are designed for an alkaline non-rechargeable battery.  It is in no way compatible with MTH products, they only require a simple supercap replacement battery substitute.

Hi John,

I'm assuming since my K4s is running properly the battery in it is correct.  When the GG1 arrives that is allegedly PS2, we'll take it from there.  I've read that PS2 boards are typically 3v.  Is that necessarily true?

Ponz

No, PS/2 from 200 through around 2003 are 5V boards.  In 2003-2005, there was a mix as they transitioned to the 3V board, then they are 3V boards up to around 2011 when PS/3 came along.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

No, PS/2 from 200 through around 2003 are 5V boards.  In 2003-2005, there was a mix as they transitioned to the 3V board, then they are 3V boards up to around 2011 when PS/3 came along.

OK - I'll post a pic of the board when it arrives.  The seller isn't sure of the exact date of production.

Ponz posted:

1) Can a $24 MTH battery really be better than a $6 Energizer?

Thanks in advance - Ponz 

I've used Energizer and Rayovac 9v NiMH batteries to replace worn out MTH batteries. They work just as good. The ones I buy usually are rated for 8.4 volts and 200 or 220 mA.

When it comes to the newer PS2 3v boards, I just build my own supercaps for them.

Just a little philosophy here; remember folks, nothing lasts forever, including BCRs and YLBs.  They may very well last past the lifetime of the current user, but who really knows how long they will last after that.

Chuck

PRR1950 posted:

Just a little philosophy here; remember folks, nothing lasts forever, including BCRs and YLBs.  They may very well last past the lifetime of the current user, but who really knows how long they will last after that.

Chuck

Certainly true, eventually something will fail, typically the capacitors go first.  For the YLB, it just has to last past the lifetime of the manufacturer.

Another option for 3v PS2.

MTH batteries are $12.  G

GGG posted:

MTH batteries are $12.  G

MTH,

You have a link?

Ponz

Man buy the BCR then your battery  problems are over. Money well spent.

There website and parts link.  Or a LHS.  G