@gunrunnerjohn posted:I like the Tenergy Centura Low Self Discharge NiMH batteries, they stay charged for many months in storage. That way I can keep a stock of fully charged batteries on the shelf.
John;
Could you tell me what is the “rating” on the batteries you use??? The originals I have show:
NIMH 2400 mAh 1.2v
The rechargeables I find locally seem to show lower than 2400. Can I use rechargeables with other than 2400???
Thanks.
@Apples55 posted:John;
Could you tell me what is the “rating” on the batteries you use??? The originals I have show:
NIMH 2400 mAh 1.2v
The rechargeables I find locally seem to show lower than 2400. Can I use rechargeables with other than 2400???
Thanks.
Of course that is just capacity. How long the battery lasts for one charge cycle in usage.
@Apples55 posted:The rechargeables I find locally seem to show lower than 2400. Can I use rechargeables with other than 2400???
Sure, that's just how long they'll last in a given application.
Thanks Vernon and John, from a true techno-peasant 
Just tacking on here…
The absolute best NiMH batteries I’ve ever bought are the Panasonic low discharge Eneloop batteries. I bought a Tenergy replacement pack for my Roomba and that thing runs better than the brand new with the original battery, and the Roomba is almost 10 years old.
The absolute best NiCd and NiMH battery charger I’ve ever used/bought is the LaCrosse BC1000 https://www.lacrossetechnology.com/products/bc1000
It’s since been discontinued (like all of the best stuff) but there are several other brands that make a similar charger that are available on Amazon.
I also own the Opus BT-C2400 and the Tenergy TN456. These are very similar and both do a pretty good job.
Features I look for from chargers… adjustable charging rates, discharge/charge refresh modes, and a readout to see how much capacity the battery still has. This helps to weed out the bad apples.
Yesterday, I ran a "common" wire from my common terminal strip to the shelf where my (eventual) Base3 will reside, as well as a PDI cable from my SER2 to the same shelf.
While it will likely be several months, all I will need to do will be to plug in power, attach the common wire, and start running my layout with the Base3!
How's that for positive thinking!
That's "Little Stevie" under the soon to be Base3 shelf BTW, LOL!
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Yep, when and if I get a BASE3, I will be holding on to a Legacy system.
John (GRJ), I just looked on Fleabay and was astounded with the asking price of pre-owned Legacy Command sets! At close to a Grand, do you want to think twice about holding on to a set? 😂
@Loose-Caboose posted:John (GRJ), I just looked on Fleabay and was astounded with the asking price of pre-owned Legacy Command sets! At close to a Grand, do you want to think twice about holding on to a set? 😂
Well, I don't want to get rid of the CAB2, as I'm really not interested in running from a phone. However, the command base can go...
IF WE ALL think and pray hard enough the Base 3 will miraculously appear.
Otherwise, we'll just have to wait.
Now the important question is: When is the new Base 3 coming?
I'm planning on buying the Base 3 for my new layout that I'm planning. Of course I will continue using my Legacy Remote.
I’m as excited as anyone is to use the Base 3 along with the new app. However, I am prepared to wait as long as it takes because I would rather Lionel gets the Base 3 and the new app right before they are released.
Peter
It is easier for those already with a 990 to be patient waiting for the Base 3 vs those of us that are new that don't want to spend $1k now for full Legacy support... though I am very tempted.
For those who are patient, I think waiting a year or two and seeing if the release of the Base 3 leads to someone making a new hardware remote is a reasonable strategy rather than purchasing a very expensive, used cab 2 (993), or Legacy base and cab2 (990). In the mean time, you could also purchase a cab-1L for $150 or so and that will work with the Base 3, as another transition approach. Finally, if you only have LionChief, LionChief + or LionChief + 2.0 or Bluetooth equipped Legacy locos, the Universal Remote for $50 is another temporizing measure. The LionChief app will also work if you don't mind using a smart device for recent Lionel locos.
For reference, I bought a 993 and 990 a year or so ago, but the prices were more like $200-400, not $1,000. Would not have spent $1,000 if that were the option, personally. I have had TMCC for 27 years and a Universal Remote for several years and they are quite sufficient for me now and for the future even without the Base 3.
Just a FYI, the Base 3 testing was performed at the Chicagoland RR Club (reported on Facebook) and the comment was added that it was pretty much ready to go and would be in people's hands this calendar year.
@Landsteiner posted:Just a FYI, the Base 3 testing was performed at the Chicagoland RR Club (reported on Facebook) and the comment was added that it was pretty much ready to go and would be in people's hands this calendar year.
Charles Ro updated their availability to December 10th, 2023, so you might be right.
Hi Guys. Found the one I need but when I pull up the specs. for the ROWXS charger it appears as a 240vac input. Don't believe this is correct. What about yours?? Tommy
@thebeeman posted:Hi Guys. Found the one I need but when I pull up the specs. for the ROWXS charger it appears as a 240vac input. Don't believe this is correct. What about yours?? Tommy
Living in the USA, you'd probably want a battery charger that works on the standard 120 VAC line voltage.
Hi Steve, Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah, I have way too many 240vac outlets running on my 5 acre weed patch. Both in house, in yard, pond level controls, plants, and lawn irrigation uses. What I was alluding to were the posts by Gunner and Vernon using the POWXS for recharging. (dated 3/29/23 @ 4:10 pm above). I pulled up the specs. for the charger that was listed by both gentlemen and I was concerned about the 240vac input. I know, you know, I ain't gonna put a small handheld device on 240 vac. Before I order I would be comfortable to see a 120vac input.
I think they're just listing the max input voltage as 240. Like many devices designed for international markets, this one will work on 120 or 240VAC; 50 or 60 Hz. See the specifications in second image below. In the first image, it shows a regular 120 line cord.
This is what you see when scrolling down to the bottom of the listing page.
@SteveH posted:I think they're just listing the max input voltage as 240. Like many devices designed for international markets, this one will work on 120 or 240VAC; 50 or 60 Hz. See the specifications in second image below. In the first image, it shows a regular 120 line cord.
This is what you see when scrolling down to the bottom of the listing page.
I have that exact charger, and it works fine on 120 US power.
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