Kirk R posted:You reminded me to open mine up and likely replace the battery. What kind of BCR did you install?
BCRs come in two flavors. The BCR (1) is for the earlier PS1 & PS2 5V boards. It looks like a 9V Battery and replaces the 9V battery that comes with the engine. The BCR-2 is for the later 3V PS2 boards and plugs in where the PS2 battery plugs in. Both are simple one for one replacements and can be bought at J& W Electronics. https://www.jandwelectronics.com/
Being as I'm new to the hobby I'm unfamiliar with what to watch out for vis-à-vis batteries. Do all PS2, and Protosound (PS1) engines need either an 8.4 V rechargeable battery or a BCR?
All PS1 and PS2 engines need batteries. PS1 and early PS2 need 9V (8.4V) batteries and later PS2 needs 3V Batteries or BCRs (or equivalent). If you try to run a PS1 engine with a bad battery you can blow the PC Board. Weak or dead batteries in PS2 engines will cause problems. In the 5V boards a weak or dead battery can mess up the board so make sure the batteries are good and kept charged. That is why I replaced all my batteries in my PS 1&2 engines with BCRs. If any engine has the old white battery replace it immediately for a newer green battery.
Do they all charge from the track or charging port or do you need to remove the battery physically
They all charge from the track or charging port. The charging port is preferred. (No charging necessary with BCR)
(latter one I had to add but I guess not). Not mentioning other product lines as it's not appropriate but intend to find out.
Kirk
Hope this helps.
