BCR (battery component replacement)

[Anonymous]

Has anyone tried the BCR( battery component replacement) mentioned in product news, this month? Could this be the answer to all our battery problems?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I saw this one too, and it looked interesting. What I don't understand is how long it's charge is supposed to last. From what I thought I read, not long, like maybe a second or two, but for what it is ment to do, that may be enough. My understanding of this device is that it is intended to provide power for sound during that brief period when you are cycling the e unit.

[Anonymous]

From what I heard, the charge last 3-4 hours. If that's the case, that's more than enough time for what needs to be done.

[mpzpw3]

This item was reviewed in one of the magazines, can't remember which one. This is basiclly a capacitor in a 9-volt battery case. It should work well in eliminating the need to change batteries. I have heard that there is a waiting list on this product of about 6 weeks. Hopefully I am wrong.

[Anonymous]

I called and ordered one, it's about 4 weeks for delivery. Seems like a hot item in demand. It will eliminate battery problems and scambled chips. If you don't always run your engines, takes just one minute to charge. Looks like our answer for MTH engines. They have a web site: www.jandwelectronics.com tells you all about it.

[waltrapp]

Don't know if this is considered as swearing here on the CTT forum, but OGR magazine had a review article on this device. Plus, it was heavily discussed on their forum and nobody had negative comments to my recollection. Of course, since I only own MTH stuff I only paid attention to the comments about its usage in MTH equipment.

If mentioning that 'other' guy is frowned upon here on the CTT forum I will refrain from ever doing it again![:I]

- walt

[Anonymous]

Walt,
Would you consider trying the BCR?
Pat

[spankybird]

Hi All,

I have watch this with great interest, as I have 18 MTH engines (and 10 Lionel plus others, didn’t what to leave them out). From the posting that Walt has mentioned, and MTH response, this is OK for PS1. Some have also used this on PS2 without a problem. PS2 does do downloading during shutdown to the remote (this is why MTH does not recommend it). I just replace 4 or 5 batteries end of last year. Next time I will try one of these.

tom

[waltrapp]

Pat,

I did buy one - I only have one older PS1 engine. My PS2s are still on the newer side and aren't ready for battery replacement yet. But when they are I will be buying BCRs for them too.

- Walt

[Anonymous]

Walt,
How is the BCR working out for you? Does it do like they say?
I'd like to hear from you or someone who has tried it already.
Pat

[eZAK]

I do not know about the BCR but this is what I use http://thomas-distributing.com/ap-200-1.htm
[2c]

[spankybird]

I eZAK,

Thanks for this great find. I have also been replacing my with MiMH. I have been using Rayvac, as one of the magazines preferred this brand over other because it had a higher out put rating. The one you found is even better and at a great price. [:D]

tom

[waltrapp]

Pat,

I only have a Christmas layout and only got the BCR towards the end of the season. I only used it for a couple days but I was OK with it for those couple days. Sorry I don't have better info.

I can say for sure that I've read at least 30 people's comments - all positive. Those comments were why I got one.

- walt

[Anonymous]

eZAK,
The BCR is a permanent replacement for the battery in MTH engines. You can find more info on the web site www.jandwelectronics.com The price is $22.95. Compared to paying for a battery and then not knowing if it will scamble or damage your engine, it seems well worth it. Alot of people say it works great. It only takes one minute to charge.
Pat

[spankybird]

Hi Pat,

Have you tried these yet? I have also read that they work great in PS1 engines. Someone said not to use it on PS2 as it does not have enough energy to download info during shutdown. Maybe it was someone from MTH, as I have also read of people using it in PS2 without any problems. MTH also disagreed with us NiMh batteries.

tom

[Anonymous]

Tom,
Members of our train club have used them in both PS1 and PS2 engines and even with the charging circuit for Lionel, in conventional mode and DCS. They say they work as advertised.
Some members do not have layouts. They bring their engines to the club(we meet once a month), turn the power on to the track for one minute and the engine is ready to run.
I have one on order. With the review in the other train magazine, there has been a great response. It will take about 4-6 weeks. Did you consider buying one?
Pat

[spankybird]

Hi Pat,
when the time comes I will. I have 3 extra NiMh now. I have about 15 MTH engines so I keep some on the shelf. I replaced about 4 batteries around the end of the year, just as these were coming out. The next time I need one, I will try it.

I guess MTH is again afraid of loosing replacement sales.

tom

[Anonymous]

Just got my BCR in the mail. It works great!!! It brought my Proto Sounds back to life. No more battery worries, and no need to go into the engine again. I will buying somemore at York. J and W Electronics will be in the purple hall.
Pat

[Anonymous]

I installed a BCR and charging circuit (a simple AC to DC converter) in my Lionel Virginian Rectifier. The biggest problem I had was finding a spot for the charging circuit. I run all my engines in conventional mode, which takes about 10VAC to get this locomotive moving at a good clip on my layout. When changing direction the BCR had more than enough stored charge, after a minute of running, to keep sounds active during the power interruption. However, again running in Conventional Mode, when cutting power to initiate the power down sound sequence the BCR can power the engine sounds for 10 to 15 seconds before it fully discharges. If it runs low during power down the sounds start to drop out towards the end of the sequence. So, depending on the voltage the engine was running at prior to cutting power the BCR may not have enough charge to keep the sounds power down sound sequence running the full 15 seconds. I suspect the BCR charges to the maximum rectified track power in my case 10 to 11VAC and started to discharge as track power is reduced. In Command Mode, something I do not use, I suspect the BCR charges to the full rectifed 18VAC and during a Command Mode power down sequence has a greater overall charge/longer discharge time. Still I am happy with the BCR since I no longer have to remove the battery if I am not going to run this engine for a while.

[Anonymous]

George,
Thanks for you comments on the BCR. I have one installed in a PS1, and it works as advertised. It's nice to know that I will never have to deal with replacing the battery again. I suspect that in your case the charging circuit can only charge the BCR when the track voltage is above 9 volts, otherwise the circuit would have to be a buck-boost circiuit, where it can put out a voltage higher than the input. I still would like to see CCT do a long term review.
Pat

[ChiefEagles]

My "train lady" has a basket full of "permanent batteries" for $22.00 I did not pick them up to read the name but they were red [pinkish maybe] and white in color. She used the words "permanent battery" for MTH [as she knew I had an MTH]. Probably drift by there tomorrow [take her the usual week's supply of squash and cucumbers [;)]]. Then I'll get the real story. Waltrapp, don't think that is swearing over here. Not like CTT is to some [not all, some great folks over there too] over there.