Batteries for Legacy Controller

Sounds to me that the controller isn't turning off correctly. You may want to contact Lionel. Some folks had success by loosening the screws on the back of the unit just a bit. The power button could  be sticking.

thats probably why the batteries died in the first place.

I have had the same problem with mine.

Wanted to update this forum with my recent experience specific to batteries.  My original legacy batteries went 'dead' and would not charge while in the remote and connected to the base.  I purchased replacement rechargable NIMH's and they are working very well.  Then this happened - I decided to see if my original legacy remote batteries would recharge in the recharge plug base in that came with the new batteries.  At first they did not - but after 2 days of putting them in and out of the recharge base -  guess what happened - they came back fully charged.  They now are fully charged and working as good as new!  go figure!

I don’t bother with the base charging the batteries. I turned that off and use an external battery charger. Works so much better.

I too do not use the base to charge my batteries. I thought I read, or heard, some time back that one should not use the base to charge batteries. I use Costco or Duracell batteries and have never had any issues.

Also, earlier this year, my Cab2 controller had a bad key pad. I called Lionel service and was given a service ticket which included free shipping to Lionel. They repaired and even upgraded the software to both the remote and base at no cost to me.  It took about 10 days to get it back.

Lionel did an outstanding job and I greatly appreciated their continued support. Nice to know that there are somethings that Lionel really cares about.

RAY

I use the #993 charging base to charge my remotes, it removes all the issues with charging it in the #990 command base.

Where do we buy replacement batteries for a Legacy controller?

@Bill Park posted:

Where do we buy replacement batteries for a Legacy controller?

They are normal AA NiMh rechargeable batteries. There are dozens of good well liked brands.

Edit:  I like watching Project Farm Videos and reviews of products. I may not always agree with testing methods or nitpicking, but he is independent, not sponsored, and just genuinely tests these things that people suggest. This one just happens to be AA Rechargeable common battery brands of various sources. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jXQNY6rve8

I personally had been using Amazon - yes, they have their own "brand" and EBL. In my own mix of rechargeables, I also have some Duracell brand rechargeables from the local Bj's club. They all have been cycled through the remote (CAB2) and other uses on my layout in a continuous cycle now for at least 2-3 years.

I don't use my 990 set for charging, but I do have a 993 recharging base- it's just I'm bad about not parking the remote on it, so again, the batteries are often circulated in my recharging "pool" of batteries and so I can say that I have used several brands without issues.

I alternate between using rechargeables with a dedicated external charger, and ordinary alkaline batteries. What I DON'T do, is leave any batteries in the remote when I'm not using it.

I have been lucky with batteries from the chain store, Batteries Plus, there best double AA rechargeables. I use both the 993 and the 990 bases for recharging. So far it all works for us. Happy Railroading Everyone

Another issue I see with Phone apps is we are always 1 Android or Iphone update away from breaking the app, and neither MTH or Lionel has shown the desire or ability to provide timely updates.  Having to wait months or years for an update isn't a viable option as I see it.

Jim