Cab-2 draining batteries quickly ?

I have this same issue.

I use rechargeable batteries and also remove after each use.

I did send this same Cab2 back to Lionel for repair for a different issue, which they repaired.

And yes, the battery draining is an inconvenience.

Ed,

I have heard others state that the batteries don't last long on a CAB 2, I think there are other treads on this as well.

However, I have been using a CAB 2 for more than 10 years now and I have yet to see an issue with the batteries running low. I don't operate daily, but often enough to use it frequently. I even take it  when running on my club layout. Sometimes the CAB 2 may not be used for a week or 2, but when I fire up my layout, the CAB 2 works fine. I'm guessing that I replace batteries at about 3 or 4 months or so.

I don't use rechargeable batteries. I get my batteries from Costco (Kirkland brand). 

RAY

@Ray of sunshine posted:

I don't use rechargeable batteries. I get my batteries from Costco (Kirkland brand).

Keep an eye on those batteries!  Kirkland batteries are made by Duracell, the leak-o-matic champs of alkaline batteries!  I've had Duracells and Kirkland batteries wreck so many devices that I've lost count!   I've banished both brands from my house, I actually finally tossed a bunch of "brand new" Kirkland batteries a few years ago so I wouldn't put them in something and regret it!  I'm using Energizer batteries or various brands of NiMh rechargeables.

John,

I was not aware of that. I have been using Duracell and Kirkland for as long as I can remember and have yet to have any leak even in my flash lights.

Maybe it's the "AIR" in California!

RAY

I had Ray-o-vac AA batteries leak in my Cab-2 handheld remote last year.  Sent it back to Lionel and they repaired it -- only gone about 2 weeks, didn't cost anything but shipping.

I switched to Duracell AA's -- so far no leaks and held up well -- coming up on a year.

Tried rechargable batteries -- expensive, didn't last long, too long to recharge.

Prefer the Cab-2 over the phone app... hope I can keep her in service.

I've had the same issue with battery draining as well in my cab2. I just remove the batteries when not in use.

I've stopped using AA and AAA alkaline batteries, because at some point I've had every major brand leak.

This picture was taken in 2021. These were unused.

Now, I only use NIMH rechargeable or Lithium.  I keep spare rechargeable batteries on a charger so that they're ready to go when needed.

Funny the topic of leaky batteries came up.

These weren't more than a year or two old.

I’m hearing that Lionel no longer works on the base, but still repairs the handheld Cab 2. I use Batteries Plus best rechargeable batteries. My 990 charging base works and my 993 base works well. Good luck, you might want to buy a charger.
On another note, maybe there folks out there that can repair the bases. You could reach out to Mike Reagan, good luck.

Try Panasonic eneloop rechargeable batteries.  Last a while and recharge fast. Must use their charger tho.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Going to contact Lionel and see if they still do work on the Cab-2.  Hoping to keep the cab-2 working for as long as I can or until a dedicated cab-3 remote is available.