Page 12 MS - SOUND decoders MS440 to MS990 and MN - NON-SOUND decoders MN170 to MN340
MS500, MS500R, MS500F Top side with wires
MS500N NEM651
Energy storage solution with STACO1 or ELKO on the MS500
External capacitors directly on
miniature decoders MS480, MS490, MS500
Elkos with 1000 µF can be connected to "ELKO Plus" WITHOUT additional
components according to the circuit diagrams on this page. They do NOT have to
be able to handle full running voltage; 15 V is enough. However, the capacity must
not exceed 1000 µF, which only provides little protection against motor juddering
and sound disturbances.
Bigger capacitors can be connected instead or additionally (practically without
limitation) to “common positive” and GROUND, although, WITH additional compo-
nents and a dielectric strength suitable for the running voltage (usually 25 V):
The resistor prevents an inrush current too high, the diodes enable Service mode
programming, software updates and sound loading by dropping the voltage in spite
of higher capacities.
External capacitors on miniature decoders over
- controller
STACO1/STACO3
STACO1 10 x 7.3 x 2 mm STACO1 (centre) connected to miniature sound decoder
(CAD enlarged) MS490N and 3 miniature Goldcaps in series (scale 1:1)
The StayAlive controller is connected via wires to the solder pads
“common positive” and "GROUND" of the decoder (two-pole!).
The STACO1 comes with 3 mini Goldcaps (STACO3: 2 mini Goldcaps) as the ac-
tual energy storage, which, connected in series, represent a capacity of 100,000 µF
(STACO3A: 150,000 µF, STACO3B: 500,000 µF). Of course, all 3 should preferably
be connected, but it also works with 2 (with about 50 % runtime) if there is a lack of
space. The STACO1/STACO3 board contains a step-up voltage converter that
sucks the Goldcaps from their fully charged state (8 V if 3 of them; 5.2 V if 2) to
their almost fully discharged state (2 V) and delivers a constant voltage of 10 V.
This is enough to drive and to supply the sound amplifier (which runs on 5 V) without
interruption and without loss of volume.
To avoid overheating, decoders with STACO1 or STACO3 connected may only be
operated with a maximum rail voltage of 18 V. The wire connections between the
controller board and the mini Goldcaps make their local separation possible, and
thus in many cases the accommodation of the StayAlive technology.
NO bridge for three Goldcaps!
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