review of BCR (battery component replacement)

[Anonymous]

Would anyone else like to see Classic Toy Trains, do a review of J and W Electronics' BCR (battery component replacement)?
Pat

[spankybird]

Of course you know I would.

I know OGR did one with all thumbs up for PS1. MTH questioned it on PS2, but this maybe because of loose of replacement battery sales.

I believe that CTT did a new produce blip on it months back

tom

[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]

Thank you for your review. Does anyone else have any info? I have one myself and haven't had any problems. It performs just like advertised. My concern was over the long run. I'm still hoping for a CTT review.
Pat