rechargeable batteries for DCS remotes

20 minutes continuous use with the backlight on can run down batteries in a hurry. I rarely, if ever, use the backlight so cannot give you any real information in that regard.

I've been using Energizer NiMH AAA's with good luck for years. The only issue is that I use an Energizer quick charger (15 minutes or so) and after a dozen or so charges, some of the batteries (but not all) refuse to charge (the charger's red LED comes on). The "reject" batteries charge fine in a conventional charger over several hours.

I've just started using two different brands of rechargeable NiMH AAA's that were recommended by a local store, TNR Batteries. However, it's way too soon to tell if these are better than the Energizers.

I am thinking maybe an after market battery pack with a cord to attach to the remote, that can be clipped to the belt would be a nice option..still mobile and power to burn..My Digitrax DCC remotes run on 9 volt and last with the lights on..maybe 6 volts is insufficient or mike has stock in battery manufacturing..just a thought

What you want to do is very easy. a piece of wood with contacts to connect inside the

the remote at the battery contacts. This in turn is wired to an external battery pack--

suggest 4 D" cells or 5 cells if NiCad or NiMh.

Al W.

I regularly use the backlight on my 3 remotes.  I use NiMH rechargeable batteries.  I have 2 sets of ancient Ray-o-vac 15-minute rechargeables (no longer available).  Also have 3 sets of regular NiMH rechargeables.  Beauty of NiMH is that there is no memory effect, so you can pop in a new set when you feel they near going dead (or do go dead), and keep running trains.

I recommend this approach:  an extra set  of NiMH, regular or quick charge

I have also used Energizer quick rechargeables in other applications, with good results.