Charging older PS2.0 engines/batteries

Paul,

Do I recall correctly that any MTH engine with the "white" 8.4 volt batteries are suspect and need to be replaced regardless of whether they were used?

It's good practice to junk the 8.4 volt white batteries.

2nd question: I purchased some new MTH 8.4 volt "green" batteries. The charging times are listed on the battery: 11 mamps for 16 hours. My MTH battery charger lists 11 mamps output so this seems straitforward, 16 hours. The charging jack operating instructions state to leave the engine plugged in for 12 hours (but it doesn't specific battery type)? Is one length of time more accurate then another?

Just charge them until sounds persist after track power is removed, for 6-7 seconds. If 16 hours doesn't do it, check the integrity of the charger. If the charger is good, scrap the battery.

FWIW: since the early PS2.0 engines do not have battery charging jacks on the engine I am using a PS2.0 trolley with charging jack as my slave charger, and after charging I remove the battery and insert into the old engine that needs it.

Just charge the engine using track power set to 12-14 volts. Opening up a perfectly good engine to charge a battery for a different engine is always a bad idea.

3rd question: For PS2.0 engines that are 10-14 years old is it alright to charge the batteries, or should I just replace them like the first run of PS2.0 engines?

You'll get varying answers, however, I'd attempt to charge these 2.5 volt batteries using the MTH charger, subject to my second answer above.

4th question: For MTH engines that have the double AA and triple AAA rechargeable battery packs taped together with plug - the only method to charge them (that I can think of) is to use the MTH charger via engine jack terminal - does anyone know the amount of time to charge these battery packs?

An alternate method is always to charge batteries using track power, as in my third answer above.

Lastly, I read in the engine manuals that when engine sounds are garbled or distorted, put engine in neutral and leave on track at 12 volts for 15 minutes. If distorted sounds are reduced, battery charge can be recharged - leave on track at 12 volts for 6-7 hours. If distorted sounds are not improved at end of 15 minute test charge, replace the battery. Is this still accurate information?

Possibly. I'd just charge the battery, subject to my answers above.

Hi Barry,

How long to you charge batteries by leaving the engine on the track at 12-14 volts? Is 6-7 hours enough? And, would this be enough time for a new battery or batteries previously used?

Barry, what type of battery is the white 8.4 volt and what type is the green? Their type is not printed on them.

The white (and silver) batteries were NiCad, the green ones are NiMh.  For 3V, the blue batteries are NiCad, the green ones are NiMh.  I STRONGLY recommend tossing any white (or silver) 9V battery, do NOT risk using them.  They are almost surely totally dead, and can only do harm.

Thanks John.

If I have an engine that hasn't been used in 8+ years, I'd replace the battery, with eother a battery or a supercap.

Paul,

If you have a lot of PS/2 stuff, I recommend the MTH charger, it does both 9V and 3V batteries.  Leaving a track powered for hours with an engine on it is not something I like to do as a rule.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you have a lot of PS/2 stuff, I recommend the MTH charger, it does both 9V and 3V batteries.  Leaving a track powered for hours with an engine on it is not something I like to do as a rule.

John, have a quick question.  I thought I had seen you post about installing the MTH charging port on a older PS2 that does not have one, I can't find that post now.  I bought the the charging port, but the instructions state to attach it to the circuit board, but does not say where.  I had the shell off of my E8, 20-2237-1, replaced the battery no problem, but I can't tell exactly where it should go?  Not sure if it needs to go to there the current battery connector is plugged in, that would make sense, but wanted to ask someone with more knowledge.

Any help would be appreciated.

Well, I don't recall posting that, but the battery harness is separate, so it's not that difficult to add a charging port if you feel the need.  This is the chargine harness for a 5V locomotive, as long as you find the parts, you can drop one in.

Trace the current battery lead to the 2 pin connector on the board.  G

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, I don't recall posting that, but the battery harness is separate, so it's not that difficult to add a charging port if you feel the need.  This is the chargine harness for a 5V locomotive, as long as you find the parts, you can drop one in.

Thanks

GGG posted:

Trace the current battery lead to the 2 pin connector on the board.  G

That is what I thought, just wanted to make sure.

Thanks