Does the quality/strength of the outgoing and/or the incoming radiation from/to its internal antenna deteriorate/weaken with age? If so, why and how?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
No, it does not.
Thanx, BB. This removes another of potential 'problem causers'.
With the caveat that over time, components may become dislodged or soldered connections fail.
For example, I recently was experiencing very short range on an original issue remote. Opening it, I found that the antenna cable soldered joint on the RF board had failed. Over its life, it had on several occasions attempted to crack a concrete floor, with limited success.
Another problem I have with several remotes is that they shut down randomly; even while in use. I have them set for 60 minutes, but maybe they read this as 60 seconds!!
Sounds like loose batteries, Phil. SOme batteries are a hair shorter than others, and don't press tight enough on the springs.
phil,
Send the remote to Willygee and have him upgrade it to fully rechargeable and end your battery problems for ever, he upgraded 2 of mine and I love the way they work now.
PCRR/Dave
Dave that doesn't solve the problem of loose batteries. Whether rechargeable or not, loose is loose.
Sometime it is not the battery spring as much as the case cover. It is recommended to place a small rubber pad or foam between battery and cover to keep them pressed in. G
GGG,
I simply insert a small piece of cut foam or bubble rap and close the lid, thought everybody knew this now, so I gave him the upgrade info.
PCRR/Dave
PCRR/Dave: I'm very interested in your posted suggestion! Pleas provide more details. Thx,
phil gresho,
Willygee upgraded my 2 DCS hand held remote control units making them fully rechargeable, I simply keep one on the charger and use the other, then switch them when the rechargeable batteries need charging, his up grade can also be use with the charger plugged in for operating while charging, if you only have one DCS hand held remote control. Contact Willygee (Bill Ingram) here on the OGR, he does great work upgrading the DCS hand held remote controllers. MTH should incorporate his engineering into their DCS sales package, it works better than Lionel's Legacy base station charger from, the get go.
PCRR/Dave
I have two sets of Eveready's best rechargeable batteries. I just swap them every two or three weeks when I quit at night. Not much trouble at all.
John, that's how I do it. It is the safest and best way. The beauty of NiMH is that there is no memory effect, so you needn't wait until they're run down to recharge.
Gentlemen,
You are describing the method I used prior to the fully rechargeable upgrade.
PCRR/Dave
