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I have used some good NiMH rechargeable from Duracell (just about any brand will work well). But in the last few years I've been using the app mostly and my remote has only been switched on a few times. Because of this I switch it to Energizer Lithium for extremely long life, a lighter remote, and to safe guard against leaky batteries.

Last edited by H1000

I am just starting to think about switching to DCS and I already have the AIU. Can I get some ideas on REMOTE or CELL Phone pros and cons ?

Thanks in advance. 

NOTE: I am mostly planning on the DCS method for my new layout pretty soon.

I run all conventional right now on my Lazy L with 2 MTH 1000 systems.

Thanks in advance.

 

This post was forked into a new topic here: New to DCS

I would recommend NiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable batteries over NiCad (nickel cadmium) rechargeable batteries.  Both of which types should be commonly available.

NiCad batteries self-discharge at a fairly good rate, even when not using them.  They can lose around 10% of their charge per week!   NiMH batteries will self-discharge too, but at a much, much slower rate.  They may not even be 10% down in charge after 6 months! of non-use. 

Both batteries are available with various milliamp ratings.  Get the biggest milliamp rating you can find.  They will last longer between chargings.  Naturally, they cost a little more.  And it usually pays to get a good brand name, too.  Hopefully less chance of the main enemy to electronics, battery leakage. 

A good charger is every bit as important as a good set of rechargeable batteries.  Make sure not to over-charge the batteries, or it will shorten their life span.  Some more expensive chargers will switch to trickle-charge after the batteries are fully charged.  Nice to have, but like I say, more expensive.

Hope this helps. 

may I add one additional fact about the distinction between the 2.  This was  big point of discussion here on the forum a few years back.  If I recall correctly it was such a hot topic that Jim Barrett had a column in the print version of the magazine back then too.

NiCads are known to have a 'memory'.  I will try to word things the best that i can but am sure that someone with a deeper understanding can word it better.

When one recharges a NiCad, unless it has been fully consumed, it 'remembers' how much of a recharge was needed.  It then sets that as the bar for further recharges, thus never again giving you the full charge.

NiMNs do not have that memory.  You can recharge them at any time with no negative effect.

Gosh, I hope someone comes in this thread and words my thoughts better!!!!!

walt

A bit more information on the so-called "memory effect" experienced with both NiCad and NiMh cells.

http://www.greenbatteries.com/nimh-battery-faq/

Go halfway down the page and look for this heading...

Do NiCd batteries really have a memory effect?

Read on to the next section as well.

Do NiMH batteries have memory effect?

I prefer NiMh as I have better luck with them and as they point out on that page, cadmium is nasty stuff for the environment.

Last edited by gunrunnerjohn

HEY Walt  and John,    

These are very good facts about the NiCds not being a good choice.  I'm glad to see all of this on the forum .   The issues of the memory and cadmium toxicity  being a problem is very important in wanting to avoid the use of the NiCds. 😵

Many years ago I was heavily involved with SLR photography and I was very disappointed in the NiCds , probably with my inability to satisfy the charging procedures when I needed rapid firing of several rolls of film.📸

In doing acrylic paintings I did learn about the dangers of cadmium in some of the pigments.

 Good replies..............Thanks guys .

I am a big fan of NiMH batteries.  I have used them for digital cameras for years.  The best for tough uses like cameras and flashes are Panasonic eneloop pros and are preferred most camera users.  Do a search of photo or camera sites and read about all the raves.  Enleloop pros cost more of coarse but I find them worth it.  I never have had a NiMH battery leak in over 12 years running some.  I have given up using any alkaline batteries as they often leak .  I have no need for cameras with special built in re-chargable batteries as they are more expensive and not available if you need a battery change on the go.  I probably would not spend the extra money for eneloop pros for train controllers but would definitely use NiMH batteries if their low voltage would work.  I use cheaper NiMH batteries in several portable am and fm radios, both AA and AAA.

I would love to use NiMH batteries in my Cox cable TV controllers but they are only 1.2 volts when fully charged.  The Cox controllers have to have 1.4 to 1.5 volts or they quit. 

Charlie

Last edited by Choo Choo Charlie

I will never buy Duracells again in any format!  I've had far too many of them leak and wreck equipment!  Costco sells Duracells and their own Kirkland brand, which I'm almost sure is made for them by Duracell.  Both of these battery types will frequently leak far before their expiration date, and even when they have not been depleted.

I have not tried the Duracell rechargeable batteries, but based on my experience with their primary alkaline batteries, I never will.

I just replaced two sets of Duracell Alkaline that were not depleted or out of date in a couple non train related remotes. Both sets had burst but luckily I caught them before they made a mess. I also had a not out of date 9v Duracell burst on one corner a few months ago. I am using Energizers now and with the seldom used or seldom in mind devices, I put the Lithium ones in.

Walt, but once burned by a brand, one avoids it.  I have not had any problems with Duracell 9-volts yet, and use them in smoke detectors.  I have Duracell alkaline AAs & AAAs leak even when not yet dead.  Never tried Duracell rechargeables.  I have 6 sets of Ray-O-Vac & Eveready NiMHs for my 4 remotes.  I get well over 10 years on these.  Duracell customer service, when I called for warranty replacement of some device, did suggest using white vinegar on a Q-tip swab, which does do a good job of getting rid of that white stuff that leaks.

@RJR posted:

Duracell customer service, when I called for warranty replacement of some device, did suggest using white vinegar on a Q-tip swab, which does do a good job of getting rid of that white stuff that leaks.

Not a surprise, they're are Alkaline batteries after all.   While the vinegar will remove the excess oxide mess, if the metal is already etched or the tin coating gone, it's gone for good.

I'm with Walt on the Duracell rechargeables, I've been using them (and other brands) in lots of things for about 5 years without any problems. I have some experience with Duracell alkaline batteries and just like every other brand out there, they leaked. If someone can find me a brand of alkaline that don't leak, please let me know. 

The energizer lithium batteries I have in my remote now are about 3 years old, still have good charge, and won't leak when they do finally die. When the lithium batteries from energizer first came out, I gave them a run in my remote and they lasted about as long as a fully charged set of NiMH... and both types lasted significant;y longer than any alkaline I've ever used in them previous.

When it comes to expensive electronics, I really wouldn't run the risk ruining them with an alkaline battery made by (insert your favorite brand here).

 

Last edited by H1000

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