December 3, 2003 - The introduction of a replacement for the self-recharging 9 volt battery used in M.T.H. Proto-Sound equipped engines from J&W Electronics provides a unique solution for those who no longer wish to change their batteries every few years. The product, known as the BCR, utilizes a series of capacitors to store current that can continue to energize the Proto-Sound electronics when power from the track has been interrupted or shut down.
M.T.H. has not formally tested the BCR but our initial review indicates the product should work fine without harming the original Proto-Sound system, commonly referred to as Ps1 when used properly. It has been determined that the BCR does not provide adequate power for Proto-Sound 2.0 equipped models and should not be used in place of the factory installed self-recharging NiCad battery.
When using the BCR in Ps1 locomotives, users are cautioned that improper operation of the locomotive can still scramble the Ps1 software if the operator fails to wait long enough for the BCR to fully charge before operating the engine. The capacitors in the BCR take approximately 1 minute to fully charge (when 12 volts or more power is supplied to the track). If track power is interrupted before the BCR is fully charged the Ps1 locomotive may not leave neutral or worse, a software conflict or De-Select may result. When the BCR is not yet fully charged, it's performance is no different from a battery with a low charge. Therefore, the operator must allow time for the BCR to fully charge each time track power is first applied to their PS1 Locomotive to prevent battery related problems from occurring.
In reviewing Ps2 equipped locomotives, our initial tests show the BCR MTH failed to retain adequate power to properly save operating data or any changes entered via the DCS system during command mode operation. In addition, M.T.H. RailKing One Gauge locomotives and some O Gauge locomotives use the latest Ps2 AC/DC system which is backed up by a self-recharging 2.4 volt battery pack. Since the BCR is designed to replace the self-recharging 8.4 volt battery, it is NOT a suitable replacement for the 2.4 volt battery pack. Because of these two discrepancies and to avoid any marketplace confusion, M.T.H. will NOT recommend the BCR for use in any Ps2 equipped models.
While M.T.H.'s informal tests appear to validate the BCR's ability to act as a substitute for the self-recharging battery in Ps1 locomotives, customers are still advised to proceed at their own risk when installing the BCR. Any liability associated with using the BCR will fall squarely on the shoulders of J&W Electronics as it is solely their product. Furthermore, because M.T.H. has not yet fully tested the BCR for any long-term adverse effects, it cannot be sanctioned at this time as a completely safe and effective alternative to batteries in Ps1 engines.