Lionel 990 not keeping charge

Most rechargeable batteries have a lower voltage than alkaline batteries. That may be why you have only two bars. I use Panasonic batteries and get three bars

The recharging system has always been a problem.  Best to turn it off the charger on the bsse, then tape over the contacts in the cradle and use alkalines.

I shut the charger off on mine when I bought it years ago and have been charging my batteries in an external charger ever since. Leaving it on 24-7 just seemed like a bad idea.

Affordable battery chargers can be found on Amazon.  I use Energizer rechargeables. Some have said Tenergy is a good brand as well.

Considering Lionel will be, or has, gotten to then end of the support/ parts line for these. It's prudent now more than ever to turn the command system off when not running trains. I also unplug mine as well.

Yep that’s a simple easy fix. I think that’s what I’m gonna do. Thank you very much

@RickO posted:

I shut the charger off on mine when I bought it years ago and have been charging my batteries in an external charger ever since. Leaving it on 24-7 just seemed like a bad idea.

Affordable battery chargers can be found on Amazon.  I use Energizer rechargeables. Some have said Tenergy is a good brand as well.

Considering Lionel will be, or has, gotten to then end of the support/ parts line for these. It's prudent now more than ever to turn the command system off when not running trains. I also unplug mine as well.

Also people should know there are different rechargeable batteries. Some are 1.2v fully charged some 1.6 and then others 1.5. On my layout everything is powered by a APC with clean AC.  These are more money than others. This is to protect all the electronics on the layout. Once the batteries in the handhelds are charged I remove them then turn off the APC.

I use the Legacy charging base that came with the #993 expansion set.  It exhibits none of the issues that the #990 command base does for charging.  I use Tenergy low self-discharge NiMh batteries.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I use the Legacy charging base that came with the #993 expansion set.  It exhibits none of the issues that the #990 command base does for charging.  I use Tenergy low self-discharge NiMh batteries.

Probably a safe assumption that OP doesn't have  993 set, nor is he likely to find one for sale. So shutting it off and using alkalines or external charger is the best solution that can be offered at this time.

Yep

Thank you

I bought a charger with Re-ch batteries

Good simple fix

Thanks!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I use the Legacy charging base that came with the #993 expansion set.  It exhibits none of the issues that the #990 command base does for charging.  I use Tenergy low self-discharge NiMh batteries.

I switched mine out to the Tenergys as Gunrunnerjohn suggested when mine stopped taking a charge. It was fantastic advice and a cheap fix.