Description
ESU 54671 PowerPack Mini – Stay Alive / Power Bank Energy Buffer
The ESU 54671 PowerPack Mini is a compact energy storage module for compatible ESU LokSound and LokPilot decoders.
Often referred to by railway modellers as a Stay Alive, Power Bank or energy buffer, the PowerPack Mini stores electrical energy while the locomotive is receiving power from the track. If electrical contact is briefly interrupted, the stored energy can continue to supply the decoder, helping the locomotive run smoothly through problem areas.
This can be particularly useful when running over dirty track, points, crossings and other areas where wheel-to-rail contact may momentarily be lost.
Unlike a basic capacitor-based Stay Alive, the ESU PowerPack Mini incorporates its own charging circuitry and is controlled by the compatible ESU decoder.
Keeps More Than Just the Motor Running
The PowerPack Mini can buffer the locomotive's:
- Motor
- Sound
- Lighting and decoder functions
Depending on the locomotive and its power consumption, ESU states that the PowerPack Mini can provide up to approximately 3 seconds of continued operation during a loss of track power.
The buffer duration can also be reduced through the decoder's CV settings. This is particularly useful where you don't want the locomotive travelling too far after encountering a section of track intended to stop it.
Compatibility
The ESU 54671 PowerPack Mini is suitable for compatible fourth and fifth generation ESU decoders, including:
- ESU LokPilot V4.0 family
- ESU LokSound V4.0 family
- ESU LokPilot 5 family
- ESU LokSound 5 family
Please check the exact decoder version and connection requirements before installation.
Installation
The PowerPack Mini is supplied with a three-wire connection harness already attached to the PowerPack. These wires must be soldered to the appropriate connection points on the decoder.
Approximate dimensions are 15.7 x 9.7 x 13mm, so available space inside the locomotive should be checked before installation.
The PowerPack has an integrated charging circuit with limited charging current and can remain connected while programming a compatible decoder.
Please note: Power buffering is not available during conventional analogue operation.
Product Details
Manufacturer: ESU
Product Code: 54671
Product Type: PowerPack Mini / Stay Alive / Power Bank / Energy Buffer
Capacity: 1 Farad
Voltage: 2.7V
Approx. Dimensions: 15.7 x 9.7 x 13mm
Connection: 3-wire, solder connection
Maximum Buffer Time: Up to approximately 3 seconds, dependent on locomotive power consumption
Suitable For: Compatible ESU LokPilot and LokSound V4.0 and 5 decoder families
The ESU 54671 PowerPack Mini is an excellent upgrade for improving the reliability of DCC locomotives, particularly models which suffer from occasional stalling, sound drop-outs or flickering lights due to momentary interruptions in track power.
Installation requires soldering. Always check decoder compatibility, available installation space and the ESU decoder instructions before fitting.
