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Looking for the 8 pin version? Please see notes at the end of this description.
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.
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.
We endeavour to dispatch all orders received before 11am the same day (excluding weekends) However there are occasionally circumstances beyond our control that will affect this.
We always obtain a proof of posting and this will be emailed to you with your order acknowledgement.
You can get your item sooner by choosing our 24 hour tracked delivery option for an additional £3.95 on top of the costs above.
Some items can only be sent by courier either due to their size or contents. This will be explained in the product description. The delivery costs are the same however the delivery may take a little longer (up to 10 days) All courier deliveries are tracked and you will be sent a tracking number.
Not all items we sell can be sent overseas usually because of their contents. This will be noted in the product description. If you order these items for delivery overseas we will not be able to ship your order and your payment refunded.
Standard International Shipping (Tracked) = £14.99 for all orders
Standard International Shipping (Tracked) = £19.99 for all orders
Returns
You may return any item for a refund or exchange with 30 days of ordering. After this time we are unable to offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging and with all the included parts and extras.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Please include your order number with the item.
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
There are certain situations where we are unable to accept an item for refund or exchange:
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
- Any item returned to us after 30 days since ordering.
Refunds
You must contact us in the first instance to arrange your refund or exchange. Please email sales@hobbytrax.co.uk with details of your order number. We will then provide details for the items return.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment, within 5 working days. We are unable to make a refund payment to a different card to the one you paid with.
Late or missing refunds
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at sales@hobbytrax.co.uk
Sale items
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email to sales@hobbytrax.co.uk with details of your order to arrange your exchange.
Shipping
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
