DCC Accessories

The Train Control Systems KA2 Keep-Alive® is a compact stay-alive capacitor pack that feeds backup power to your DCC decoder whenever the wheels lose contact with the rails. No more stalling on dirty track, dead frogs, or insulated turnouts. The KA2 comes in at about half the size of a KA4 and delivers roughly one-third the capacitance of a KA3/KA4, making it a great choice where space is tight in N and smaller HO locomotives. It includes Blue and Black-with-White-stripe lead wires to solder to your decoder's keep-alive pads (V+ and ground), so it works with TCS and most other-brand decoders that accept an external keep-alive. Browse more decoder add-ons in our DCC Accessories collection, shop the full Train Control Systems lineup, or pair it with a new sound decoder from our DCC Decoders collection. Features Keep-Alive® stay-alive capacitor pack eliminates stalling on dirty track, dead frogs, and insulated rail joints. Compact — about half the size of a KA4; delivers roughly one-third the capacitance of a KA3/KA4. Includes Blue and Black/White lead wires to solder to your decoder's keep-alive pads — works with TCS and most other-brand decoders. Dimensions: 0.35" x 0.35" x 0.61" (8.9 x 8.9 x 15.5 mm). Input rating 12–16V; works with any scale and any DCC system. More Information Brand Train Control Systems (TCS) Item Number 1456 (KA2) Type Keep-Alive / Stay-Alive Capacitor Pack Connection Blue + Black/White Wire Leads (solder-on) Dimensions 0.35" x 0.35" x 0.61" (8.9 x 8.9 x 15.5 mm) Input Rating 12–16V Scale Any Scale Condition New FAQ What does a Keep-Alive actually do?It stores an electrical charge and feeds it to your decoder when track power drops out, so the locomotive keeps moving and its lights and sound stay on across dirty track, frogs, and gaps. How do I connect the KA2?Solder the Blue wire to your decoder's keep-alive positive (V+) pad and the Black/White wire to the ground pad. It works with TCS decoders and most other brands that offer keep-alive connections — check your decoder's manual for the correct pads. Why choose the KA2 over a larger KA3/KA4?It's much smaller and fits where bigger packs won't — ideal for N scale and cramped HO shells. It holds less charge, so for longer run-through use a KA3 or KA4 if you have the room.

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The Train Control Systems KA4-P Keep-Alive® is a compact stay-alive capacitor pack that feeds backup power to your DCC decoder whenever the wheels lose contact with the rails. No more stalling on dirty track, dead frogs, or insulated turnouts — the KA4-P keeps a locomotive running with its lights and sound on for roughly 6 to 20 seconds during a power interruption, depending on the locomotive and motor efficiency. This is the harness-equipped version: it ships with a 2-Pin Quick Connector Harness that plugs straight into any decoder with a compatible 2-pin Keep-Alive socket, such as the TCS T4 and other current TCS decoders — no soldering to the decoder required. Electrically it works in any scale, and its tiny .52" footprint tucks easily into HO and larger locomotives. Browse more decoder add-ons in our DCC Accessories collection, shop the full Train Control Systems lineup, or pair it with a new sound decoder from our DCC Decoders collection. Features Keep-Alive® stay-alive capacitor pack eliminates stalling on dirty track, dead frogs, and insulated rail joints. Powers an HO locomotive with headlights on for approximately 6–20 seconds during a power interruption. Includes a 2-Pin Quick Connector Harness — plugs into the TCS T4 and other decoders with a compatible 2-pin socket, no decoder soldering needed. Ultra-compact: just .52" x .52" x .45" (13.22 x 13.22 x 11.55 mm) — fits HO and larger locomotives. Works with any scale and any DCC system; pairs with TCS and most other-brand decoders that accept an external keep-alive. More Information Brand Train Control Systems (TCS) Item Number 2005 (KA4-P) Type Keep-Alive / Stay-Alive Capacitor Pack Connection 2-Pin Quick Connector Harness Dimensions .52" x .52" x .45" (13.22 x 13.22 x 11.55 mm) Hold-Up Time ~6–20 sec (HO, lights on) Scale Any Scale (HO and larger recommended) Condition New UPC 879508007848 FAQ What does a Keep-Alive actually do?It stores an electrical charge and feeds it to your decoder when track power drops out, so the locomotive keeps moving and its lights and sound stay on across dirty track, frogs, and gaps. Will the KA4-P plug into my decoder?The included 2-pin harness plugs into TCS decoders with a compatible Keep-Alive socket (such as the T4) and most current TCS decoders. For decoders without a 2-pin socket, you can solder the leads to the decoder's keep-alive pads — check your decoder's manual first. What scales can use it?Electrically it works in any scale. Its small size suits HO and larger; in N scale it fits wherever there is room in the shell or tender. How long will it keep my loco running?Expect roughly 6 to 20 seconds with headlights on for a typical HO locomotive, depending on motor efficiency and current draw.

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