I am curious why MTH went from the 8.7v battery system to the 3.0 volt one in my most recent engine (Sante Fe northern). Anyone know why?

MTH went from an 8.4 volt battery to a 2.4 volt battery because the processor on the PS2 board went from a 5 volt to a 3 volt.

Barry, thanks much!

Barry, if you should read this again I have one last question. I have not been into the battery part of this new system but can you use 1.5volt "AA" or "AAA" batteries as a temp solution if the rechargable ones fail? I have found it handy to use duracell 9.0 v as a temp solution on all my other protosound engines.

The 3 Volt battery pack has a plug that goes directly to the battery pack itself unlike the 9 volt battery connection which is standard. Be careful if you use a regular 9 volt battery that you only use it for a few minutes or you can mess up the charging circuit.

quote:

I have not been into the battery part of this new system but can you use 1.5volt "AA" or "AAA" batteries as a temp solution if the rechargable ones fail? I have found it handy to use duracell 9.0 v as a temp solution on all my other protosound engines.

I see no reason to use, & would not use, an alkaline battery, either 3-volt on a 2.4-volt system or 9-volt on a 8.4 volt. The rechargeable batteries in the MTH systems are 2.4 volts & 8.4 volts. Alkalines are 3 and 9. ALkalines are not designed to have charging current impressed upon them. NiCad or NiMH 1.2 volt cells are readily available; 2 yield a 2.4 volt pack & no reason why they can't be a permanent replacement. NiCAd and NiMH batters are available in 8.4 volts, but are hard to find.

If locos are used regularly, at least once a month, expect 4-5 year NiCad battery life.