How often do you change the batteries in your HC?

[zr1rob]

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

[JRad]

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

[gregeusa]

I understand the batteries in the HC are 3 AA? that would be about 1.2v x 3 in normal state, or 3.6v

an individual li-ion rechargeable is about 3.6 volts... but completely different charging circuit is normally used.

You would need to at the least study the charging circuit's operation, but most likely it would not be appropriate.

You could purchase a charge control board that would go between the battery pack and the HC that would shut off overcharging, but this would take some experimentation. It's in the realm of do-ability for a person with electronics knowledge and measuring tools.

[faithie999]

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

[gregeusa]

right now the frontrunner in NiMH rechargables 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

[TJMac]

Wait, we can change the batteries in the HC without sending back to Ring? That's awesome if true

[faithie999]

I don't know about the HC-3, but I assume it has basically the same construction as the HC-2b I have.

the only tricky thing in changing the batteries that I have encountered is during reassembly.  there are 4 metal stand-offs inside that need to be properly placed, and not jarred when putting the top on.  it might take you a couple of tries to keep them standing up while putting the top back on.  I've done this a few times with no issues.

Ken

[JRad]

Before you disassemble, put masking tape over the button(s) to hold them in place. Makes reassembly much easier.

Be sure to only use NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. AA size.

[zr1rob]

i run my layout a couple times a week, maybe one train is run and takes an hour. so that comes out to a little over a hundred times a year, with recharging after every run. I changed the batteries a year ago, and they last the whole session, with the battery gauge icon in the top corner showing about half. I've let it go after a run and not recharge, but run again and the battery icon will be down to 1/8 at the end, with full control even then.

Looks to me the HC is very efficient and the batteries should last at least a couple of years with light-moderate use.

what say you?