I am looking for a place to purchase 2.4v and 8.4v NiMH batteries that will be used to replace similar dead MTH batteries.
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Did Radio Shack stop carrying their rechargeable 8.4v, NiMH batteries?
I buy the 8.4V NiMh batteries on eBay. They've worked so far.
You can get the 8.4's at Harbor Freight for about $8.00 for a 200mAH
I replaced all of my 2.4 volt batteries with two 1.5 farad supercapacitors. Basically they where the same price as batteries and I will never need to replace them again.
Originally Posted by KevinE:
I replaced all of my 2.4 volt batteries with two 1.5 farad supercapacitors. Basically they where the same price as batteries and I will never need to replace them again.
What about the "designed charging circuit" within the MTH boards, that are designed to continually charge the battery? If there is no battery to "charge", over the long haul, doesn't that affect the charging portion of the board?
Try Radio Shack. I used to get them there before I switched to BCRs. If you want BCRs which are available for both circuits, go here:
http://www.jandwelectronics.com/
.....
Dennis
Use the BCR's from J and W or trade up to MTH Proto-3
can 9 volt nimh batteries be used, or is it strictly 8.4?
There actually isn't any such thing as a true 9V NiMh battery. The "9V" models are either 7.2 or 8.4 volts. Each NiMh cell is 1.2 volts nominal output voltage, so after 8.4 would come 9.6 volts, and that's deemed too high to truly call it a 9V battery.
As I am slowly taking out my PS2.0 engines from storage, having moved 3 times in the last 4 years, I am finding most are no longer holding a charge. It's a real bummer when they crap out over switches and crossovers. I never liked the idea of batteries in toy trains. Am thinking of trying a couple of the BCRs.
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by KevinE:
I replaced all of my 2.4 volt batteries with two 1.5 farad supercapacitors. Basically they where the same price as batteries and I will never need to replace them again.
What about the "designed charging circuit" within the MTH boards, that are designed to continually charge the battery? If there is no battery to "charge", over the long haul, doesn't that affect the charging portion of the board?
That's no different than the battery being fully charged, that's not an issue.
Hot Water,
What about the "designed charging circuit" within the MTH boards, that are designed to continually charge the battery?
The PS2 charging circuit does not charge continually. Only the PS1 charging circuit did.
Paul,
I am finding most are no longer holding a charge
For how long are you charging the batteries? After being completely flat for years, they need to be charged overnight.
If you have a number of PS/2 locomotives, the MTH charger is a worthwhile investment. IMO, it's much safer to just charge the battery directly over leaving the locomotive on a powered track for long periods. It also doesn't run the usage clock.
your 8.4 battery...
I totally hated those batteries for reasons posted above. BCRs took care of that problem.
I've used these: Tenergy 200ma NiMh Battery, $10.97 for two with free shipping from a US seller.
Originally Posted by Barry Broskowitz:
Hot Water,
What about the "designed charging circuit" within the MTH boards, that are designed to continually charge the battery?
The PS2 charging circuit does not charge continually. Only the PS1 charging circuit did.
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I may start purchasing BCRs then.
Thanks for the info on the 8.4 Volt battery. Ordered some from gunrunnerjohn's supplier.
What about the 2.4volt battery. I am especially looking for the smaller size to fit in a smaller space.
I get those from MTH, I use the AAA packs for most upgrades.
