Hello Friends of the Backshop,

I want to wish you a safe and Happy July 4!

I hope your are able to share the joy of model railroading with friends and family as we gather to celebrate the signing of our Declaration of Independence and the founding of this great Nation.

I will have limited availability from July 1 through July 9, 2023. The cutoff date for shippable orders is June 29, 2023. The web store will remain open and you may continue to place orders. I will resume regular shipping on or about July 10, 2023. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

This edition of The Backshop Limited features the latest new product announcements ZIMO that are in stock now!

You will want to celebrate with a fireworks show of your own when you get a Chief Backshop Installer Steven Fields decoder installation back on the rails. Shoot us an email to request a quote to turn that sparkler into a roman candle!

As a reminder, the SBS4DCC website features Real-Time Stock Status. Please remember that orders for out-of-stock products will be delayed and restock information will be limited. The shipping status notice applies to in-stock product only. As a reminder, you can place a SBS4DCC No-Obligation Backorder to reserve stock and avoid the need to search constantly hoping to catch one on the shelf.

Be sure to check out the Tutorials, Tips and Tricks section of the website. I continue to add volumes of information about different subjects I think you might find valuable.

I am frequently asked for help and information about the manufacturers warranty when a project doesn't work out the way we expected. CLICK HERE to access the Consolidated DCC Manufacturers Warranty Information page. Of course this information is subject to change and the manufacturers information is always the primary resource.

And finally... Model Railroad Operations are a blast and are a great way to get engaged in this great hobby. Operating sessions are surely limited these days so you can use this time to enjoy the OpSIG Publications - A Compendium Of Model Railroad Operations - From Design To Implementation and get to work developing your own operating sessions. You can find out more by visiting the OpSIG webite or by contacting your local NMRA chapter as well.

Stop Running Trains. Start Model Railroading!

Bryan Vianco

Owner, SBS4DCC

Introducing the ZIMO KOSL LED Controller - Constant Current Source

For constantly bright LEDs when using an energy store on the decoder.

To be used instead of a series resistor. Up to 3 LEDs can be connected in series.

Two different current levels to choose from by bridging solder pads (see connection diagram).

Each flexible board is 6.2 x 3.6 x 1.1 mm (20 pcs total - 2 bars of 10).

The KOSL LED Controller is available in three models:

ZIMO KOSL1 LED Controller - 0.2-1mA Constant Current Source

ZIMO KOSL2 LED Controller - 0.5-4mA Constant Current Source

ZIMO KOSL3 LED Controller - 2-8mA Constant Current Source

Introducing the ZIMO STACO3A Super Cap Stay-Alive Controller w/ 2x Micro 0.3F Gold Caps.

STACO3A is a ZIMO Stay-Alive controller for charging and controlled unloading of 2 mini gold caps, 10 x 7.3 x 2 mm, 2 soldered wires (squid harness...) for hardwire connection.

For reference, the complete assembly is about the size of the 4087 Double Deep 8x12 SBS4DCC Sugar Cube speaker.

I received a surprise sample of this product in a recent shipment. The STACO3A is recommended for use with ZIMO MX or MS decoders of "category 1 " (i.e. without provisions for energy storage connection) or "restricted category 2" only but you know I just had to try it... In testing here and in the install lab on a ZIMO MS500 and other brand decoders we were able to get a solid 2 seconds, maybe even 3 out of this micro package.

I call that a true N-Scale Stay-Alive Device. I do not have a date of availability yet but a No-Obligation Backorder would be helpful to gage interest in this product.

More new STACO-series products from ZIMO include...

ZIMO STACO2A Adapter Board - NEM662 Next18 Integral Connector to Hardwire w/ STACO Super Cap Stay-Alive Controller w/ 2x Micro 0.3F Gold Caps

ZIMO STACO2B Adapter Board - NEM662 Next18 Integral Connector to Hardwire w/ STACO Super Cap Stay-Alive Controller w/ 2x Mini 1F Gold Caps

ZIMO STACO3B Super Cap Stay-Alive Controller w/ 2x Mini 1F Gold Caps

Additional new Micro-series Stay-Alives from ZIMO include...

ZIMO Gold Capacitor - MGOBLOCK Electrolytic Super Cap Micro Block Module - 5x Modules

ZIMO Gold Capacitor - MGOGURT Micro Electrolytic Super Cap Collection - 20x 0.3F/2.7V

ZIMO Gold Capacitor - MGOLANG Electrolytic Super Cap Micro Straight Module - 5x Modules

Also available from ZIMO...

ZIMO Gold Capacitor - GOLMLANG Electrolytic Super Cap Mini Straight Module

ZIMO Gold Capacitor - GOLMRUND Electrolytic Super Cap Mini Round Module