Hi All,
My first post, so go easy on me....
I would like to run my Aristo SD-45 off battery power, but I'm pretty clueless about it. I was hoping to get Aristo's LiOn batteries for the simplicity of being able to just plug them into the plug provided on the loco. The problem is that everyone seems to be out of these batteries. Is there another type of battery out there that will run an SD-45. The manual says the batteries should be a minimum of 18V and 3A. Long run times aren't too much of a concern, but I would like to be able to go longer than an hour or two if I somehow found the time. My train lengths and grades aren't anything out of the normal. Also, is there a way I could still use the plugs provided on the loco so I don't have to do any re-wiring. That kind of stuff still makes me nervous.
Thanks in advance.... Jeff
jandrews5That kind of stuff still makes me nervous.
Well with that said there are several people who do battery and one I am thinking of right now could maybe help you out on the battery and such. You would have to ask him to make sure.
http://dnkgoods.home.mindspring.com/index.html
Call Dave and ask him.
Toad
Jeff,
I been running with a 18 volt drill battery for three years. Most of the guys in this area use the same, with no problems. They are very easy to get.
I remember reading about someone else doing that. How would you wire that up?
14 or 18 volt drill batt work. take a volt meter and find out which side is (+) the meter will go up when the red wire hits it. If it goes down its backwards.
I use an Aristo Train Engineer (track side unit) 5470 I think. the two screws that normally feed the track also is where you wire it to the plug of the engine. The power input of the TE (red/black wire) goes to the batt. red to (+). I go to auto store with batt in hand and ask them to find me a clip that will slide over the prong. then I clap it to the input wires.
Send me your e-mail address and I can send some photos which is better
cozy6z@yahoo.com
Is it REAL? or Just 1:29 scale?
Long live Outdoor Model Railroading.
The only advice I can give on this subject is DO NOT recharge your battery untill it's DEAD. Having used battery powered tool's for years I have learned my lesson well. My current battery has lasted two years now because I DON'T leave it on the charger when not in use.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
Hi Marty,
I have an onboard TE. The SD45 has those female battery sockets with 2 wires that come out either end of the loco just above the couplers. Both wires are black. I don't see any indication of + or - on those wires. Does that mean it doesn't matter with side of the battery is attached to which wire? As I mentioned above, I am a true beginner at this, so I appreciate everyone's help....
Jeff
If you run short trains and you don't mind the weight good old fashoned lead acid gell cell batteries work great.
In your case I am not sure. I have no TE on boards , only 10 amp TE in trailing cars. My onboard unit in my GP 9 is RCS.
If I remember right, the onboard did not matter, the track side 5470 does. The red input wire is + from battery.
always mark your batteries any way.
not sure if I helped.
Short trains I don't worry about weight of batt car because I don't have any "girly-man locos".
Marty Cozad Short trains I don't worry about weight of batt car because I don't have any "girly-man locos".
Byron C.
Girly-man loco would probably be pink or something ;b
underworld
I guess it really means a loco than will not haul 80+ coal hoppers or similar.
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
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