Countess battery charging?

[pghewett]

Having dug my Countess out of hibernation at the first sign of fine weather, I find that the battery apparently isn't charging. The loco is equipped with the standard ex-works Futuba charger, battery and r/c module. I have, however, no means of determining whether it is (a) the charger (b) the battery (c) the on/off switch, or (d) the r/c module itself which is failing here. (It isn't the r/c transmitter, which is functioning normally, nor the cabling in the loco which seems to be all tight and in place, and the mechanical parts all function perfectly). The charger gets warm when plugged in but fails to display a red light, which is what led me to suspect the charger is the problem.

Does anyone have a - simple - means of determining which link in the chain is at fault, short of dismantling the entire electrical circuitry?

Graham H

 

[bobg]

I think you will need to check that the on/off switch hasn't got a third possition 'Charge'. If not, be sure it is in the 'off' position for charging.

Further than that, someone else will need to chip in.

 

[400Parker]

Graham, the quickest thing to do is remove the receiver battery from the loco and then plug it directly into the charger flying lead. That way you bypass the switch and wiring (although you say they are fine). Then you will be able to see if the red light comes on when you start to charge. I guess the likelihood is that you have let the battery run down too much. There are ways to kick start old and run down NiCd batteries, but it's not something I've done. There will be more knowledgeable people elsewhere on the forum who can advise you what to do if that's the case.
If you're still using the standard issue receiver battery pack I'd be tempted to replace it with an Eneloop battery pack instead, which is what I've done. These batteries hold their charge better.
Good luck!
Steve