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The big issue with using the Base 2 to charge the Cab 2 is that the Base generates significant heat.  This heat shortens the life of the Cab2 batteries and isn't great for the Cab 2 remote's electronics either.  Since the Cab 2 is on borrowed time and won't be repaired forever by Lionel, I use a 993 charger (cradle) or a AA battery charger for the NiMh batteries in the Cab2.  Lionel has also stopped servicing the Base 2.

If you really want to charge your Cab 2 with the Base 2, IMO best practice would be to unplug it when you're not charging the Cab 2.

@Bogs posted:

So, if my Base 2 charging works ok, then I should keep using it. Just retain power to it and it should not interfere with Base 3 operations?

As long as you disconnect the wire from the Base 2 to your track or common,  there will be no problem.  And yes either remove the cab from the base after charging or shut it off. Just leaving it there will cook the batteries and potentially the Cab2

@cbojanower posted:

As long as you disconnect the wire from the Base 2 to your track or common,  there will be no problem.  And yes either remove the cab from the base after charging or shut it off. Just leaving it there will cook the batteries and potentially the Cab2

I just flip my Cab2 over.  Stays in the cradle and keeps dust from getting in and on it.

Personally I think I'd get an external AA battery charger and put the Base away.  The signal can be rather robust and could interfere with the Base3.

Last edited by MartyE
@cbojanower posted:

As long as you disconnect the wire from the Base 2 to your track or common,  there will be no problem.  And yes either remove the cab from the base after charging or shut it off. Just leaving it there will cook the batteries and potentially the Cab2

Actually, even with the track wire disconnected the 990 Base still sends out a signal.

I swapped mine over to a charging only, 993 base. 

And it charges just fine. 

Actually, even with the track wire disconnected the 990 Base still sends out a signal.

I swapped mine over to a charging only, 993 base.

And it charges just fine.

I heard of that being a possibility, just never heard anyone having a problem with it. Also heard about signal hopping layouts at shows.

I always preferred the 993 Base for charging.  Years ago I did some testing and sure enough the Cab 2 on 990 Base is quite a bit hotter than when on the 993. JonZ said it has to do with the wifi equipment.

But once again I really like my 12 cell charger

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