I’m having a hard time locating a rechargeable 9 volt battery for my Digitrax radio throttle. I bought some locally, along with the charger, but they’re a little larger than a standard 9volt battery, thus they have to be almost wedged into the battery compartment and are the devil to get out. So much so the throttle could be damaged in the process. I took them back but still need the batteries. Does anyone know of a lithium type 9v. that is actually standard 9 volt battery in size and where to buy them, online maybe?
My October MR arrived today, and in the RPO section is a letter entitled “Battery Savvy”. The recommendation in that letter (and apparently also in the August issue’s DCC column) is to use NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries instead of NiCads, because of the memory and capacity limitations of the NiCads.
The author of the letter goes on to recommend the model 9V220MAH available from Circuit Specialists at http://www.circuitspecialists.com/ or 800-528-1417. If you search the site for that part number, and click on the image, it will show a compatable charger under “Other Related Products”.
Unfortunately, neither the letter or the Web site directly addresses the size question. Maybe give them a call and see what they have to say?
Check the Digitrax group on Yahoo, this topic comes up from time to time. You have to be careful choosing batteries becase of the size issue and because many rechargeable ‘9V’ batteries are really 8.4V.
Contrary to popular belief, NiMH batteries DO have memory issues, just not as bad as NiCads. But constantly run them down only half way and recharge them, and pretty soon they will last only half as long. No one’s making Lithium Ion batteries in standard cell sizes yet so NiMH is the best choice for now.
I have Digitrax radio and use recharagable 9v batteries. I purchased a pair at Walmart (camera department). I have also purchased another pair at Walgreens. I purchased these several years ago and have no problems holding a charge.
The Digitrax Chief Manual gives the following information regarding batteries in their throttles. (This information can be downloaded for free from the Digitrax web site.)
“When you insert a battery or unplug from LocoNet, the value displayed will be the battery power. When this number is less than 6.2 V you may want to consider changing the battery. The DT400/R will still continue to operate reliably for an extended period of time depending on the type battery is in use. 9 volt alkaline batteries are nearing the end of their life at 6.8 volts, but 7.2 volt NiCad rechargeable batteries may still have lots of life remaining Experience will determine how long your DT400/R will operate with the batteries you are using.”