TCS 1457 KA2-C DCC Decoder Keep-Alive Device - 2-pin Mini Connector

TCS 1457 KA2-C DCC Decoder Keep-Alive Device - 2-pin Mini Connector


TCS Keep-Alive® (KA) devices are used to supply power to decoders during times of power interruption due to dirty track or problematic track work. 

Newly-redesigned at half the size of a KA4, the KA2 will power HO or N scale locomotives with approx. 30% of the capacitance of KA3/KA4 devices (depending on the locomotive and motor).

This Keep-Alive® includes a TCS 2-pin "mini" connector with Blue and a Black w/ White Stripe wire to attach it to a decoder.

Decoder Specifications:

• Dimensions: 0.35" x 0.35" x 0.61" or 8.9mm x 8.9mm x 15.5mm
• Connection: 2-pin Mini Connector
• Input Rating: 12 to 16V

Keep Alive® Decoder Compatibility

TCS Keep Alive® (KA) devices are designed to operate with all TCS (or any other Keep Alive® ready) decoders. Decoders with a “-KA” suffix include an extra Blue wire and a Black w/ White Stripe wire for hardwiring the KA to the decoder. Decoders with a “-KAC” suffix have a 2-Pin Connector for attaching the KA(x)-C. WAUX-KA(x) and KA(x)-C devices are not compatible with non-TCS decoder plug-in Keep Alive® interfaces.

Not all DCC decoders are Keep Alive® ready. TCS decoders use software to enable and disable KeepAlive, so if your decoder does not support Keep Alive®, it may not work. Keep Alive® supported code for TCS decoders was implemented fully by November 2012. If the date code in your decoder is before this date, Keep Alive® may never enable. CV's 250, 251, and 252 read as the month, day, and year of manufacturing.

If you would like to attach a Keep Alive® unit to a non-TCS decoder, you need to connect the wires across the output of the bridge rectifier on the decoder. You will need to consult your decoder manufacturer for a schematic or wiring diagram.

Installation Notes for TCS Decoders

1. ALL TCS decoders are compatible with Keep Alive® devices.
2. Connect the Keep Alive® wires to the decoder (Make sure you match the wire colors on the KA to same wire color on the decoder).
3. That’s it! Your locomotive is ready to run over the most treacherous of tracks.