quietman
1937 Posts: 200 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 3:33:45 GMT Post by quietman on Dec 11, 2023 3:33:45 GMTWell, a hair over 1 year after installing a BCR for my 9V PS2 locomotive, the sound started cutting in and out while running. Even let it charge for more than 5 minutes before running. Checked, and it's only putting out 6.5 volts. Anyone else seen this? |
harborbelt70
Posts: 4,139 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 12:37:07 GMT Post by harborbelt70 on Dec 11, 2023 12:37:07 GMT
Dec 11, 2023 3:33:45 GMT quietman said: Well, a hair over 1 year after installing a BCR for my 9V PS2 locomotive, the sound started cutting in and out while running. Even let it charge for more than 5 minutes before running. Checked, and it's only putting out 6.5 volts. Anyone else seen this? Exactly what brand of BCR is this - in particular, is it one specifically made for MTH PS2 engines? Incidentally, I don't think that PS2 engines use a 9 volt battery. The MTH rechargeable battery spec is pretty odd at 8.4 volts and you are not supposed to use anything else, in particular conventional rechargeable batteries that deliver less. I'd guess that the capacitor(s) in the BCR have failed, which does happen from time to time. |
josef
Posts: 5,116 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 13:51:51 GMT4dogsinjersey likes this Post by josef on Dec 11, 2023 13:51:51 GMTIts rare. But as stated, failure of BCRs have happened. Originally designed for the PS2-5 volts with the BCRs replacing the 9 volt batteries which can cause problems especially if they corrode and one is unaware. |
bluelinec4
Posts: 254 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 14:00:53 GMT4dogsinjersey and curtis like this Post by bluelinec4 on Dec 11, 2023 14:00:53 GMTI had a number of BCR problems Marty Fitzhenry swore they shouldnt be used I have no idea why I have been using these and never had a problem |
harborbelt70
Posts: 4,139 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 16:36:31 GMT4dogsinjersey likes this Post by harborbelt70 on Dec 11, 2023 16:36:31 GMT
Dec 11, 2023 14:00:53 GMT bluelinec4 said: I had a number of BCR problems Marty Fitzhenry swore they shouldnt be used I have no idea why I have been using these and never had a problem I can't remember exactly what Marty Fitz. said about this but yes, he didn't approve of using BCRs in MTH's 5 volt PS2's. I have tried using a BCR in my one and only 5 volt engine and it functions OK but it came from a specialist MTH supplier and repair expert (Ray's Electric Trains) who based on my experience definitely knows what he is doing. Tenergy supplies a lot of batteries used in hobby applications as well as chargers, and although I have never used their products in my trains the range that they offer for RC models has always been first rate. |
Sir James
Posts: 1,338 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 18:24:10 GMTcurtis likes this Post by Sir James on Dec 11, 2023 18:24:10 GMTI don't run my MTH engines oftenenough to keep a battery charged. So BCRs have been a blessing to me. |
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josef
Posts: 5,116 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 11, 2023 20:16:44 GMTCountry Joe and 4dogsinjersey like this Post by josef on Dec 11, 2023 20:16:44 GMTJust remember that batteries can leak and corrode causing damaged to items close by and even destroy boards. One reason there are no batteries in any of my engines and use BCRs. They may fail, but they also won't cause damage. Reason also I check all my controllers each week on Sundays to make sure none have corroded. I have caught the start of some corroding. I use alcohol to clean up. |
Sir James
Posts: 1,338 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 12, 2023 2:19:43 GMT Post by Sir James on Dec 12, 2023 2:19:43 GMTBatteries will leak. I remove them from my controllerswhen I'm through running the trains.. |
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atsda
Posts: 2,560 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 13, 2023 17:47:23 GMT Post by atsda on Dec 13, 2023 17:47:23 GMTSir James, great to hear from you,. Make sure you come to the OGF Zoom Christmas event. Alfred |
el2558
Posts: 83 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 13, 2023 18:35:29 GMTharborbelt70 likes this Post by el2558 on Dec 13, 2023 18:35:29 GMTBought these super caps years ago for a few bucks each, never had a problem. |
4dogsinjersey
Posts: 1,774 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmDec 14, 2023 0:45:19 GMT Post by 4dogsinjersey on Dec 14, 2023 0:45:19 GMTYes, there are a few versions out there. I am not a great electrician, so I buy the finished versions from a fellow modeler… Tom |
quietman
1937 Posts: 200 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmJun 27, 2024 13:36:36 GMT Post by quietman on Jun 27, 2024 13:36:36 GMT
Dec 11, 2023 12:37:07 GMT harborbelt70 said:
Dec 11, 2023 3:33:45 GMT quietman said: Well, a hair over 1 year after installing a BCR for my 9V PS2 locomotive, the sound started cutting in and out while running. Even let it charge for more than 5 minutes before running. Checked, and it's only putting out 6.5 volts. Anyone else seen this? Exactly what brand of BCR is this - in particular, is it one specifically made for MTH PS2 engines? Incidentally, I don't think that PS2 engines use a 9 volt battery. The MTH rechargeable battery spec is pretty odd at 8.4 volts and you are not supposed to use anything else, in particular conventional rechargeable batteries that deliver less. I'd guess that the capacitor(s) in the BCR have failed, which does happen from time to time. The J and W Electronics ones. |
superwarp1
Posts: 261 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmJun 27, 2024 13:47:00 GMT Post by superwarp1 on Jun 27, 2024 13:47:00 GMTBCR are just capacitors. if J&W are using cheap ones I can see this being a issue. If you have a PS2 2.5 volt engines a super cap of 1 Farad will do the trick. 5 volt PS engines I would use what Ben recommends. Since the 5 volt board s prone to failure, a battery that can keep a charge is the way to go. |
4dogsinjersey
Posts: 1,774 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmJun 29, 2024 20:56:03 GMT Post by 4dogsinjersey on Jun 29, 2024 20:56:03 GMT
Dec 11, 2023 14:00:53 GMT bluelinec4 said: I had a number of BCR problems Marty Fitzhenry swore they shouldnt be used I have no idea why I have been using these and never had a problem I have this MTH GG1 that was given to me. How is this for battery leakage? it wasn’t the white battery that leaked, as far as I could tell. I believe the engine is an early QSI equipped engine…before PS1, conventional operation only, with sound… I have a number of the batteries suggested by Ben. One of those is going in after the major cleaning project… Tom |
el2558
Posts: 83 | BCR 9v didn't last, hmmmmJun 30, 2024 16:23:32 GMT Post by el2558 on Jun 30, 2024 16:23:32 GMTDiesel erratic in a lash up – Had an MTH NYC GP-40 20-2371-1, 9v unit with a 2015 overpriced JW BCR that failed on 6-29-24. Lasted 9 years! Lifetime Warranty so I emailed them yesterday. Diesel runs smooth in forward and reverse but with any other diesel attached in a lash up it operates jerky in either direction. It will start rolling normally then starts to surge fast and slow down the track. I have over 50 PS 2 & 3 engines mostly 3v from the mid 2000’s. I use 3 dollar 5V Digi-key super caps on those if needed and never had a failure. Generally, I try to avoid the poorly designed 9v Power units with some exception like this one. Attachments: |
Last Edit: Jun 30, 2024 16:25:01 GMT by el2558 |
