Train Control Systems Announces New Keep Alives

TCS has announced three new Keep Alive products for HO scale models. First is the KA5 shown in figure 1.

Fig. 1 The KA5 Keep Alive

This has the addition of one more super-capacitor for added electrical capacity. It is in a linear configuration and those of you who may have used the KA3 in the past will immediately realize this takes room to install. Their MSRP for this Keep Alive is $31.95.

Second, the KA5-P has an attached polarized plug which can be plugged into TCS and Soundtraxx decoders with the corresponding socket shown in figure 2.

Fig 2 The plug-in version of the KA5

As you can see the image shows a KA4. Their website has an image of the KA5-P. MSRP for this Keep-Alive is also $31.95. Notice this was designed to also plug into the Soundtraxx decoders that have a Keep-Alive plug.

Lastly, there is the WAUX-KA5 shown in figure 3. This is for the 9-pin connector designed for the WOW101 decoder.

Fig 3 The WAUX-KA5

MSRP for the WAUX-KA5 is $37.95.

The author wishes to emphasize, as was said above, these will take room to install. To quote TCS on these

“The KA5 is the perfect match for heavier locomotives, such as brass engines, or locomotives with many lighting outputs, such as modern diesel.”

Author’s Afterthought

The KA-3 (4 capacitors linear configuration) was difficult enough to fit into HO engines. The KA-4 (4 capacitors square configuration) made it a little easier. Soundtraxx’s Current-Keeper II has 5 capacitors but arranged as close as possible to a square design (see this post)

The author believes TCS may have slipped a little in this design (linear vs. square) but it all depends on what you are trying to fit it into.

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