I have a TMCC controlled engine that has a spot for a 9V. Should I have one in there to get more sounds or features? The engine seems to be working just fine without it - please advise!
The 9v battery will allow the railsounds to go through the shutdown sounds un-interrupted, even when power the track is stopped. I believe the battery is used to allow for sound through the forward- neutral-reverse sequence, and as mentioned above. Installing a battery will not hurt anything by any means, the choice is yours.
The only advantage of the battery is that it allows the shutdown sound sequence to complete even after track power is shut off. If you are running TMCC, you initiate the sutdown sequence through the CAB-1, then you can wait for it to complete before turning off the track power.
The disadvantage in installing a battery is that there is a risk it will leak, particularly if you ever store the locomotive for a long period with the battery installed. A leaking battery can do a lot of damage. I would leave it out.
Thanks for the comments!
If you are running in TMCC the battery isn’t needed. In conventional the sounds will drop out below a certain voltage, the battery will keep the sounds going for a short time until the voltage is raised.
If interested, Here is a good site for batteries;
http://thomas-distributing.com/new-products.htm#9V
In about 4yrs. I naver had one leak.
My dealer has recommended to not use the batteries. I’m running TMCC and everything works fine.
Tom