DC (analogue) stay-alive capacitor

A stay-alive for DC loco's? Yes it's possible!

Our stay-alive capacitors are easy to fit and come in a range of sizes to suit most loco types.

A wired version comes with flying leads and is best suited to older Hornby and Lima loco's (pre-DCC)

An 8 pin version ready to plug directly into an 8 pin socket normally used for a DCC decoder.

In addition, three sizes of capacitor are available. A small size which is 10mm wide by 16mm long. A large size which is 13mm wide by 20mm long. The SuperCap measures 18mm wide by 47mm long. We always recommend fitting the largest size possible to get the best performance.

For most older pre-DCC locos we recommend the pre-wired version.

Fitting is easy, for the wired version, simply solder the wires directly across the motor. For most Hornby and Lima ringfield and pancake motors, the contacts are easily accessible.

You'll see an instant improvement. In tests on an old Hornby ringfield motor fitted with the large stay-alive capacitor the motor would continue to run for 46% greater distance without power. With the SuperCap version it's over 200%

Please note we have specially selected the right capacitor for this application, do not attempt to solder a normal capacitor across your motor, you will likely cause damage!

In addition we have found this capacitor DOES NOT work with the Hornby R7229 analogue controller.

Please also note that generally speaking the newer the motor, the less current it will require and therefore the more effective our capacitors will be. Motors designed in the 1960's (such as the Triang X04) do require a lot of current and therefore the effect of our capacitors is minimal, even with the SuperCap version. You could overcome this by fitting several capacitors connected in parallel across the motor if you have the space.