Powering PF

[Piranha]

Well I just got 7939 Cargo Train and I am deciding on how to power it and which is the most economic, so I wondered what everyone else is doing?

Do you use TLG's official rechargeable battery box? Or how about using the AAA Battery Box w/regular AAA Batteries?

or should I be using the AAA box w/ rechargeable or lithium batteries?

How much did it cost you?

TLG: $75 (Box and charger and another $50 for each additional box)

AAA Batteries: 6 needed for motor + 3 for remote, about $5-8 depending on brand \

Rechargeable AAA Batteries: $8+ for 4, so $30 + charger price which varies I will say $15+

Lithium Batteries: $10+

[AussieJimbo]

Rechargable AAA's but I christen each new loco with a set of alkalines (or lithiums if it's lucky) for that full 9V goodness.

:classic:

Edited June 3, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[Ayato Zechs]

I kind of went crazy and bought 4 of the rechargeable battery boxes from Lego. I hate buying batteries.

[Snapshot]

I use Lego's rechargeable batteries as I don't like dismantling models to replace disposable or rechargeable AAAs and they're longer running for public shows. On one loco the battery box is part of the structure and it's a major effort to get it out so rechargeable was the only way to go.

Edited June 3, 2011 by Snapshot

[mrblue]

at first I would choose the rechargeable battery box, but the price is imho too high, also considering that after one or two years of normal use, the batteries will not be usable any more.

so my vote goes to the rechargeable batteries. in some cases it's going to be a real pain to change them, but the box will last forever. when batteries are "damaged" you buy a new set of them. also you can consider to have a spare set of batteries and a spare box, so when a train finish is "fuel" you just swap the battery box, open the empty one and charge batteries: that's all.

now, my next option will be to try a modified plug to connect a 9v battery that will allow an even faster swap.

have a nice train lego day

mrBlue

[Tearloch33]

The LiPO (LEGO PF rechargable) battery is great. It does cost a bit, but it is well worth it. RailBricks #7 (page 46) has a good discussion of the battery and charging it. I think it is worth the price, especially after my first round of replacing the batteries in the 7939 cargo train. Having to remove the entire battery box is kind of ridiculous, IMO.

The price of the charger also seems high, but the article I mentioned provides some cheaper alternatives. But if you have multiple rechargables, then the cost goes down since you only need one.

The LiPO battery itself has some incredible performance characteristics, and from my experience, the LiPO battery should last well over 300 charge cycles if not misused.

[nils]

Hello all PF fans,

I buy cheap AA battery holders. Take a PF extension wire (8886), cut this into two equal parts and solder one of them to the batteryholder. You can use both ends of the extension wire.

I use Duracell AA supreme rechargeable batteries (2450 mA). A set like this costs about 19 euro's ( in the Netherlands). That means 3 sets for the price of 1 Lego rechargeable battery box.

Nils.

[kyphur]

Hello all PF fans,

I buy cheap AA battery holders. Take a PF extension wire (8886), cut this into two equal parts and solder one of them to the batteryholder. You can use both ends of the extension wire.

I use Duracell AA supreme rechargeable batteries (2450 mA). A set like this costs about 19 euro's ( in the Netherlands). That means 3 sets for the price of 1 Lego rechargeable battery box.

Nils.

Can you post a pic?

[nils]

My link

Can you post a pic?

Hello kyphur,

Have a look on my flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nilswolgast

Regards,

Nils

[Piranha]

I have decided to go with rechargeable AAA batteries.

[kyphur]

Have a look on my flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nilswolgast

Regards,

Nils

Nils,

How wide is that Battery Box? Will it fit in a 2-wide space? It might be the solution for BNSF Battery Box needs.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Interesting question.

I always suggest rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable battery box cost to much and like a laptop battery has a limited life of few years. Battery box is only more handy but if you want to save money you have to reduce maintenace cost.

[nils]

Nils,

How wide is that Battery Box? Will it fit in a 2-wide space? It might be the solution for BNSF Battery Box needs.

Kyphur,

the batterybox needs 4 studs wide, almost 32 mm and in therefore not usefull for the Burlington.

i have not motorised my BNSF yet, but have 2 other batteryboxes sized 54,4x37,2x15,3 mm (each for 3 AAA batteries).

15,3 mm fits in 2-wide space. But I still hesitate wether I will motorise my Burlington because it's very difficult to hide the IR receiver in the small cab. I think I will put a motorised boxcar or coalwagon behind the BSNF.

Nils.

[kyphur]

I always suggest rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable battery box cost to much and like a laptop battery has a limited life of few years. Battery box is only more handy but if you want to save money you have to reduce maintenace cost.

While I do agree with the idea of using rechargeable batteries over the LEGO rechargeable battery box there is the convenience factor of being able to recharge it without removing it from the train. Some Locomotives require partial disassembly to get it out.

I wonder if anyone was opened the LEGO Rec/Box and looked at replacing the cells inside so you could use the integrated charging circuit?

[Piranha]

Kyphur,

the batterybox needs 4 studs wide, almost 32 mm and in therefore not usefull for the Burlington.

i have not motorised my BNSF yet, but have 2 other batteryboxes sized 54,4x37,2x15,3 mm (each for 3 AAA batteries).

15,3 mm fits in 2-wide space. But I still hesitate wether I will motorise my Burlington because it's very difficult to hide the IR receiver in the small cab. I think I will put a motorised boxcar or coalwagon behind the BSNF.

Nils.

the solution continues to be ongoing. I am leaning toward the battery in a container box aswell.

[hoeij]

Kyphur,

the batterybox needs 4 studs wide, almost 32 mm and in therefore not usefull for the Burlington.

i have not motorised my BNSF yet, but have 2 other batteryboxes sized 54,4x37,2x15,3 mm (each for 3 AAA batteries).

15,3 mm fits in 2-wide space. But I still hesitate wether I will motorise my Burlington because it's very difficult to hide the IR receiver in the small cab. I think I will put a motorised boxcar or coalwagon behind the BSNF.

Nils.

You can run the train with just one of these battery boxes. The PF system will work fine on 4.5 Volt (of course, the top speed will be lower).

(In my 7939 I use only 4 AAA batteries. Works fine. The reason I only use 4 instead of 6 is because this lowers the top speed, and that prevents it from accidentally derailing and falling off the table. I have not tested it with 3 batteries, but seeing how it runs with 4 I'm sure that it'll be fine with 3 too).

Edited June 7, 2011 by hoeij

[greenmtvince]

Nils,

How wide is that Battery Box? Will it fit in a 2-wide space? It might be the solution for BNSF Battery Box needs.

Kyphyr

If you're willing to consider non-lego solutions. I used a single 9V (7.4V actually) 500mAh Lithium Polymer battery to power a 6 wide Alco S4. It fits in a 2x6x3 stud space.

Powering a PF M motor and the LEDs it would last for about an hour before needing to be recharged.

If you want to get somewhat heretical, you can also fit the IR reciever in the locomotive by removing it from the lego casing. The circuit board only takes up a 3x4x2/3 space and you can mod the actual reciever and connections as needed to fit with your model.

[architrains]

I have been using regular AAAs in my 7939, but I need to find some rechargeable ones soon, since I already have an Energizer charger that charges AA and AAA batteries.

How long do the rechargeable AAAs usually last?

[gifinim]

I'm using normal AAAs as well, and they last long enough for 3 or 4 good sessions before they need changing. At about 80 pence for 4, I don't think that's too bad.

I like hoeijs idea of using 4 batteries to keep the speed down - it might stop my son crashing the train every chance he gets!

[Pingles]

I have been using regular AAAs in my 7939, but I need to find some rechargeable ones soon, since I already have an Energizer charger that charges AA and AAA batteries.

How long do the rechargeable AAAs usually last?

I have never changed my AAA rechargeables! I've had them in there for months but only get to run the trains a couple of times a week.

[kyphur]

If you're willing to consider non-lego solutions. I used a single 9V (7.4V actually) 500mAh Lithium Polymer battery to power a 6 wide Alco S4. It fits in a 2x6x3 stud space.

I have the 9v Battery to PF custom piece and found it to work fine for runs of less than an hour.

I don't think I'll be disassembling my IR Receivers anytime soon though.

[Captain Green Hair]

Maybe this shouldn't go here, but....

How many hours do rechargeable AAA batteries last when you power 2 XL motors with it?

Thanks in advance for your reply!