Odd PS-2 Battery

I am no electronic expert but there must be something on the PS2 board that controls the voltage from the battery since the board is only a 3 volt board.   I would think that 9 or 10 volts would be okay.  I have had the same thoughts seeing that batteries charge to about one volt more than they are rated at.  I also found the inexpensive batteries at Harbor Freight, I think it was only $4 and is working fine in one of my engines, a Premium P5a modified with the 5 volt boards. The battery is only a 'backup' to provide very short term power over weak electrical spots in the track and during shutdown.    

Maybe Dale can fill us in with more electronic 'details' on rechargeable batteries.

Several folks here on this board have recommended replacing the MTH NiCad with a NiMH battery.  Among other things, it holds a charge longer and has no memory as to when it was last charged up.  NiCads seem to remember the last charging point and will stop delivering power when they reach that point.

It's illegal to "trash" NiMH batteries now.  Return them to the recycle bins at the store.

Well, it's New York, and it may be a state issue.  Battery boxes at Lowes, etc. as you come in the door.

I live in Pennsylvania and I have never heard of battery recycling. We just trash them.  I have never seen a recycling bin for batteries in any store. Must be a state thing.

here is a map of the battery recycling laws of each state.

if your state does not recycle all batteries shame on your state.

http://www.call2recycle.org/recycling-law-map/

The only thing PA recycles is Lead Acid batteries.  I've often wondered about that too.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law for Single Chemistry Small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb)

Lots of confusing information in this post.  First, the 8.4 batteries were used in the PS-2 5V board Dave not the 3V boards.

NIMH don't last longer, they handle more charges better, and NiCd hold their charger longer unused.  The memory effect is overstated, it takes 1000 of cycles to the exact same point, not one recharge:-)

Batteries charged will go upto voltage higher then rated when unloaded.  Using a VM is not a load.

Take one of your older white batteries and charge it.  You may get 9V unloaded.  Then put a light bulb on it or a small motor like a fan motor and then measure voltage.  A dead or weak battery that measues 9V unloaded will immediately drop much lower when loaded (2 to 6V).  If it does it is dead.

A new fully charged battery when tested underload will have the voltage drop off in tenths of volts very slowly, and won't drop below 7V in a test unless the load is too large for the battery.  

If you open the older white MTH NiCd they are actually 2 cell batteries.  2 4.2V disk. 

If you read any battery, the say they should be disposed of properly.  Don't think there is anything healthy in any battery:-)  Many stores will recycle, you may have to ask though.  G

In Pennsylvania and possibly other states, Radio Shack will accept most all battery types for re-cycle, the exceptions being alkaline and lead-acid.

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA

I drop mine in the recycle bin inside the Best Buy entrance.