Rapido and N scale

[peteski]

I have to wonder why no one's come out with a system to keep the batteries charged from track power. You'd still get the non-flickering, but not have to worry about the batteries dieing.

I have, in the early 1990.  I had a small NiCad battery charged from the tracks powering 1.5V bulbs which illuminated interior of an observation car. That was back in the dark ages (DC powered models).    I'm sure others have also come up with a similar circuit. Nowadays (DCC), all one needs is a keep-alive capacitor.  Unlike rechargeable batteries (which have limited life and often leak), keep-alive capacitors can be recharged almost unlimited time and they will remain sealed for decades (no leaks).  Richmond Controls makes and sells such a circuit.  I have also designed a similar circuit (using cheaper smaller value tantalum or electrolytic caps). One of TRW members is currently using it.

[central.vermont]

I have also designed a similar circuit (using cheaper smaller value tantalum or electrolytic caps). One of TRW members is currently using it.

Pete,
How about a do it yourself tutorial here on this. Not really here but in the DCC/ Electronics section. I would like to make something like this for my cars as well. I've seen the others offered out there and it could get quite costly so this sounds like a winning solution too me!!

Jon

[peteski]

Pete,
How about a do it yourself tutorial here on this. Not really here but in the DCC/ Electronics section. I would like to make something like this for my cars as well. I've seen the others offered out there and it could get quite costly so this sounds like a winning solution too me!!

Jon

I could Jon, but for a reason I haven't, see https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=30638.msg341718#msg341718

[central.vermont]

I could Jon, but for a reason I haven't, see https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=30638.msg341718#msg341718

I see said the blind man.
Lets get writing because I'm getting older by the minute and might have to change scales if I wait too long. 

Jon

[peteski]

I see said the blind man.
Lets get writing because I'm getting older by the minute and might have to change scales if I wait too long. 

Jon

You and me both... 

[robert3985]

I see said the blind man.
Lets get writing because I'm getting older by the minute and might have to change scales if I wait too long. 

Jon

Me three.  When I get so blind my Optivisors don't cut it any more, I'll just sell off everything and write stuff here.