I been wondering where, online, is a good place to buy rechargable 9v batteries. My Digitrax radio throttle goes through batteries like I do homemade banana pudding. I’ve purchased one or two locally, only to find that they’re a wee bit too long to fit properly in the throttle without jamming them in so tight you risk damaging the unit. Anyone know of a good online store with fair prices and one that would carry the proper size? I’ve used Thomas Distributing in the past and they have good merchandise, but they’re a bit on the steep side pricewise.
Try an online company called Gottbatteries. I have bought some pretty obscure and out of production aftermarket batteries from them with great success.
A couple months later I found a better price for another brand from another supplier and the batteries where lousy. They would not even hold a charge for more than a month or so without being used. I tossed all of them so I cannot tell you the brand.
Be advised, rechargeable batteries generally do not last as long as an alkaline. I find I have to replace and recharge quite often. Yes, I know it still is a saving. A rechargeable has a voltage of about 8.4 volts new where a new alkaline has a voltage of 9.6 volts. I keep my charged batteries in the fridge in a plastic container until I need them. This is a known method of keeping a better charge as the temp is lower. I use to do that with film until the digital camera came along. A couple of tricks I learned as a NASA contractor many years ago.
A couple of years ago I did some searching on the 'Net for rechargeable batteries and found out there is a rechargeable 9.6 volt battery but they where expensive. Try a Google search.
You can also help increase battery life by not beeing a knob twiddler (you, over there, get your mind out of the gutter! This is a family forum! [:D] ). The DT400 only transmits if you turn the throttle knob or push a button, so constantly adjusting the train speed will use up the battery faster. Also, when finished, either remove the battery or flip it over (+ for -). The throttle has a diode on the input so if you put the battery in backwards it won’t hurt the throttle and no current will be drawn. DO NOT flip it top for bottom, the bottom is a big spring which will be a dead short across the battery terminals and will cause the battery to overheat, possibly damaging the throttle or, worst case, melting or settign somethign on fire.
There have been several discussions on batteries for DT400 throttles on the Digitrax Yahoo group. Some brands are physically too large to fit and many put out 8.4 instead of 9.6 volts. The throttle will be much happier with the 9.6 volt versions.
Good idea. It works well. Two things to remember, though, if I may add to your advice, Rich. 1) Let the batteries come up to room temperature before using them. 2) NEVER put them in the freezer. That will ruin them. The chemicals inside can expand and crack the case. Only put them in the fridge.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions on the batteries and how to store them. Back when I did a lot of photography I often kept batteries in the fridge, never the freezer, and it does indeed prolong their life.
I just called an electronics supply company in Phoenix and inquired about rechargeable 9V batteries; the proprietor informed me that he has 9647 in stock at this time. I told him that there seemed to be an issue of length and he informed me that he has thirteen different lengths. I told him that when you heard the good news you would be on the freeway within the hour and would be there when he opened his doors for business on Monday morning. He said that you had better be here very early unless you wish to stand in line because these go very fast and he is likely to exhaust his stock by the Tuesday after Christmas, 2011.
You stated:
I had a father-in-law who once drove 22 miles to save 30¢ on a speedometer cable which he broke trying to install. Gasoline was only 35¢ a gallon in those heady days but I still wonder if he really saved anything!