Looking for the 8 pin version? Please see notes at the end of this description.

Update May 2024: We will not be manufacturing the smaller version any longer but instead introducing a HUGE SuperCap version very soon!

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, two sizes of capacitor are available. The large size which is 13mm wide by 20mm long. The SuperCap measures 18mm wide by 40mm long.

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.

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.

Notes of availability of 8 pin version

We know these are very popular however we sometimes have difficulty supplying the little 8 pin boards. We don't manufacture them but salvage them from scrap decoders or spare DC plugs when doing a DCC conversion.

If you are wanting the 8 pin stay-alive version have any spare 8 pin boards (either cut off a decoder or a DC blanking plug) then you can send them to us at Hobby Trax, Ford, Lochgilphead PA31 8RJ. We will solder a capacitor to it and return it to you for the same price as a wired one.