Large Scale Central

Using 2 batteries in parallel and trainline cable on AristoCraft

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

I’m converting an SD-45 over to onboard battery power with QSI decoder/sound board and G-Wire.

I plan to use two (2) Crest 21 volt LITHIUM-ION batteries with the Crest Y cable to run the batteries in parallel to obtain higher amp hours.

SHOULD I HAVE DIODES IN THE Y CONNECTOR TO PREVENT BACK FLOW OF ELECTRICITY IF ONE OF THE BATTERIES SHOULD GO BAD? The batteries will always be removed for charging and will not be charged in the locomotive.

I also wanted to put in a slide switch that would allow me to select to receive power from the onboard batteries or pull power from the trainline cable to a battery car towed by the locomotive. SHOULD I PUT IN A SLIDE SWITCH TO SELECT THE POWER SOURCE OR SHOULD I WIRE THE TRAINLINE CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL WITH THE ONBOARD BATTERIES AND NOT HAVE A SWITCH?

SHOULD I PUT A FUSE BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND LOCOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS?

Thanks,
Russ

#2

Yes.

#3

Please use diodes. If ANYTHING happens to 1 battery and you have another connected without diodes, the only thing that will prevent a disaster is the current limiter in the battery. If that fails, you might need a new engine or possibly worse than that.

These rechargeable batteries carry a lot of power and can melt things.

#4
Bill Swindell said:
Please use diodes. If ANYTHING happens to 1 battery and you have another connected without diodes, the only thing that will prevent a disaster is the current limiter in the battery. If that fails, you might need a new engine or possibly worse than that.

These rechargeable batteries carry a lot of power and can melt things.


Hi Bill,
What size diodes would I use and do I put them on both the negative and positive sides?
Thanks,
Russ

#5

I recommend & use the following:

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/MBR10H100CT/DUAL-SCHOTTKY-RECTIFIER-10A-100V/1.html

Use a DPDT power switch. Hook a + lead to each center terminal on the switch. Hook the 2 on terminals to the 2 outside leads on the device shown above. Hook the center lead to your receiver.

#6

Russ,

Why do you want to put two Aristo 21.5V 2000mah lithium-ion battery-packs in parellel, why not just purchased one 22.2V 5200mah Lithium-ion battery-pack and save about $52.00? More voltage, saves you $$$ and longer the runtime…

Rick Isard
Cordless Renovations, llc