Would this work for a PS2 5V board? https://www.harborfreight.com/...tery-1-pk-61692.html The engine I'd put it in is 20-2273-1. Or can I use this battery until I can get a MTH Green battery?
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Looks like it would work but it's 9 volt. PS 2 is 5 volt . Get a BCR - they work great.
Jim,
PS 2 is 5 volt .
No, that's not accurate. PS2 boards are either 5 volt or 3 volt systems. However, 5 volt PS2 boards (which this engine has) use 8.4 volt rechargeable batteries.
Regardless, this battery is a poor choice as compared to others. It has a low 160 mAh rating as compared to a variety of batteries available on Amazon (600-800 mAh), and also is quite a bit more expensive.
Barry Broskowitz posted:Jim,
PS 2 is 5 volt .
No, that's not accurate. PS2 boards are either 5 volt or 3 volt systems. However, 5 volt PS2 boards (which this engine has) use 8.4 volt rechargeable batteries.
Regardless, this battery is a poor choice as compared to others. It has a low 160 mAh rating as compared to a variety of batteries available on Amazon (600-800 mAh), and also is quite a bit more expensive.
Thanks for the reply Barry. I'll look on amazon for a battery.
How's this? Any better? https://www.amazon.com/Recharg...h&th=1&psc=1
Here's the ones I've used for a few years, they've worked well and are cheaper than your choice. 
EBL 2 Pack 280mAh High Capacity 9V Rechargeable Batteries, $8 for two with free shipping on Amazon.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Here's the ones I've used for a few years, they've worked well and are cheaper than your choice.
EBL 2 Pack 280mAh High Capacity 9V Rechargeable Batteries, $8 for two with free shipping on Amazon.
Thanks John. I'll use them.
Matt,
I began using Li-Ion 8.4 volt rechargeable batteries in my 5 volt PS2 engines about a year ago with no ill effects. I use a different standalone charger than I do for the NiMH's, however, the Li-Ion's charge fine using the MTH battery charger or standing on a powered track.
Regarding NiMH rechargeables, I've found that the EBL brand that John is using to be a very good product.
https://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/9v.html
The ones John use are fine ( 8.4 volts ). But the ones that Matt looked at are only 7.4 volts and are wrong for our train use I believe. Check the chart on the above link.
Barry Broskowitz posted:Matt,
I began using Li-Ion 8.4 volt rechargeable batteries in my 5 volt PS2 engines about a year ago with no ill effects. I use a different standalone charger than I do for the NiMH's, however, the Li-Ion's charge fine using the MTH battery charger or standing on a powered track.
Regarding NiMH rechargeables, I've found that the EBL brand that John is using to be a very good product.
Sweet. You guys know your stuff a lot better than I do. Figured it would good to ask here.
Joe Allen posted:https://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/9v.html
The ones John use are fine ( 8.4 volts ). But the ones that Matt looked at are only 7.4 volts and are wrong for our train use I believe. Check the chart on the above link.
Yeah, the ones I looked at first weren't a good choice.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Here's the ones I've used for a few years, they've worked well and are cheaper than your choice.
EBL 2 Pack 280mAh High Capacity 9V Rechargeable Batteries, $8 for two with free shipping on Amazon.
@gunrunnerjohn will these batteries work for PS1 engines too?
John, I use the same brand batteries as you, but in 600 mah. I do take battery out of engine to check voltage if it sits for a year or so. The 280 doesn't hold voltage as long sitting on shelf. I use these instead of making a BCR.
Yep, I use the same batteries for PS/1.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Yep, I use the same batteries for PS/1.
Sweet.
This is a general opinion question about the 5V MTH engines.
I have a few 5 volt favorites. Once I became aware of the issues with the 5V & the white batteries I changed the white battery in every engine, 6 or more. I charged them, added power to the track, then did the shut down power, sound test, Barry has suggested. So far so good.
Now for the question. Do I run the engine until it blows or does it make sense to do an upgrade before the inevitable? Is the fix less expensive in an engine that is still functioning?
Thanks,
Joe
Run it until it fails. It might not. I don't believe that there is anything to be saved dollar wise.
That's been my plan. Thanks!
I think everyone that doesn't run their inventory of loco's or engines should annually take the shell of and check the battery. Since the early proto 1 and 5 volt PS2 boards are the boards known to have more problems than the PS2 3 volt board and PS3 not having a battery. I would be safe than sorry. Just make sure all the wires are out of the way when putting shell back on your item that you looked at. I read Mr GGG, Mr. gunrunner"john. and Mr. Barry's stuff regularly. I think these guys are the best. I think they are very knowledgeable and always willing to help out. Joe
I keep some 5V PS/2 boards to fix my stuff when they go, and when I run out of those, I'll be putting in the PS32 replacements. I also replace any suspect capacitors that I can reach on the 5V boards as one in particular seems to be prone to failing.
I'm in the "run it until it drops" camp, however I do agree that regular maintenance and battery replacements are a good idea. I write the date on the battery when I put it in a 5V locomotive so I have an idea how old they are.
