RailPro User Group

RailPro => RailPro Specific Help & Discussion => Topic started by: zr1rob on February 02, 2026, 10:12:27 AM

Title: How often do you change the batteries in your HC?
Post by: zr1rob on February 02, 2026, 10:12:27 AM

BTW: can the nicads in the HC be swapped with LI-types?

Title: Re: How often do you change the batteries in your HC?
Post by: JRad on February 02, 2026, 10:38:15 AM

No. The charging circuit is designed for NiMh batteries. It would not properly charge LiIon and may cause other problems when charging.

Title: Re: How often do you change the batteries in your HC?
Post by: gregeusa on February 02, 2026, 02:27:49 PM

I understand the batteries in the HC are two AAA? that would be about 1.2v x 2 in normal state, or 2.4v

an individual li-ion rechargeable is about 3.6 volts... as stated, a completely different charging circuit, and voltage, etc.

Also I believe the batteries are Nickel Metal Hydride, not Nickel Cadmium... (but voltages are same)

Title: Re: How often do you change the batteries in your HC?
Post by: faithie999 on February 02, 2026, 05:52:14 PM

there are 3 AA batteries in my HC-2b.

while I usually believe all brands of AA batteries (of the same type) are created equal, I have had better success in other application with the Energizer brand rechargeables (but not Li, as noted by others).

Ken

Title: Re: How often do you change the batteries in your HC?
Post by: gregeusa on February 02, 2026, 06:27:59 PM

right now the frontrunner are the panasonic eneloop batteries, and now there are actually 4 "grades" of them to make it more confusing.

They stand out from other NiMH batteries by having a significantly lower level of self discharge

be sure you investigate all 4 flavors (you might only find 3, but there are 4) if you are really picky...

be sure to note the mah capacity