Description
ESU 54672 PowerPack Maxi – Stay Alive / Power Bank Energy Buffer
The ESU 54672 PowerPack Maxi is a high-capacity energy storage module designed for compatible ESU LokSound and LokPilot decoders.
Often referred to by railway modellers as a Stay Alive, Power Bank or energy buffer, the PowerPack Maxi stores electrical energy while the locomotive is receiving power from the track. If electrical contact is briefly interrupted, this stored energy continues to supply the decoder, helping the locomotive travel smoothly through areas where reliable electrical pickup can be difficult.
It is particularly useful for helping prevent stalling, sound drop-outs and flickering lights when travelling over dirty track, points, crossings and longer point formations.
High-Capacity PowerPack
The PowerPack Maxi is the larger and more powerful alternative to the ESU PowerPack Mini.
It incorporates two 5 Farad / 2.7V energy storage capacitors and can buffer:
- Motor operation
- Sound
- Lighting
- Decoder functions
Depending on the locomotive's overall power consumption, the PowerPack Maxi can allow the model to continue operating for up to approximately 3 seconds following an interruption in track power.
The buffering duration can also be reduced through the decoder's CV settings where supported. This can be useful to prevent a locomotive travelling too far after reaching an electrically isolated section or signal.
Decoder Compatibility
The ESU 54672 PowerPack Maxi was developed as a powerful complement to larger ESU LokSound decoders, but can also be connected to a range of compatible ESU decoders where sufficient installation space is available.
Compatibility includes suitable versions from the:
- ESU LokSound L V4.0 family
- ESU LokSound V4.0 family
- ESU LokSound V4.0 M4 family
- ESU LokSound 5 family
- ESU LokSound 5 L family
- ESU LokPilot V4.0 family
- ESU LokPilot 5 family
- ESU LokPilot 5 L family
Always check the exact decoder and its PowerPack connection requirements before installation.
Installation
The PowerPack Maxi measures approximately 27.5 x 15.7 x 13mm, making it larger than the PowerPack Mini. Available space inside the locomotive should therefore be checked carefully before purchase and installation.
A three-wire connection harness is already soldered to the PowerPack Maxi. The other ends of these wires must be soldered to the appropriate connection points on the compatible decoder.
The PowerPack Maxi incorporates its own charging circuit, which is controlled by the decoder. Charging current is limited to help prevent excessive loading of the command station or booster when several PowerPack-equipped locomotives are being operated.
The PowerPack can remain connected while programming a compatible decoder.
Product Details
Manufacturer: ESU
Product Code: 54672
Product Type: PowerPack Maxi / Stay Alive / Power Bank / Energy Buffer
Energy Storage: 2 x 5F
Voltage: 2.7V
Approx. Dimensions: 27.5 x 15.7 x 13mm
Connection: 3-wire solder connection
Maximum Buffer Time: Up to approximately 3 seconds, depending on locomotive power consumption
Operation: Digital operation only
The ESU 54672 PowerPack Maxi is an excellent choice where a higher-capacity Stay Alive solution is required and sufficient installation space is available. It can significantly improve reliable DCC operation by helping a locomotive overcome momentary losses of electrical contact without immediately stopping or losing its sound and lighting functions.
Please note: The PowerPack does not provide buffering during conventional analogue operation.
Installation requires soldering. Always check decoder compatibility, available installation space and the appropriate ESU decoder instructions before fitting.
