The Decoder Buddy V8 was developed to address the migration of LEDs from the shell to the frame of the locomotive, to provide a stay alive that works with all DCC decoders and give people the ability to use all decoders to their maximum potential. The ease of upgrade and the reliability of soldered joints along with the departure from the rigidity of plug in lighting connectors makes this a very good candidate for upgrades and conversions.
- This motherboard does not include the 21-Pin Decoder.
- This motherboard does include a Power Bridge III with 0.5f effective capacitance.
- This motherboard and small connector board requires soldering.
- This printed circuit board is NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM. However, if the decoder you are using supports DC operation it should work. A 21-pin output DC adapter board is available.
- The V8 comes with up to 12 lighting outputs. This is consistent with 21 pin decoders.
- The V8 comes with 1K resistors onboard which will protect LEDs and provide long life.
Three versions are available; onboard, remote, and no capacitor.
The onboard version features twin 0.5uF caps attached underneath to drop-in on select Scale Trains locomotives and for use in other possible applications. This board works for the following Scale Trains models:
EMD SD38-2
EMD SD40-2
EMD SD40T-2 Tunnel Motor
EMD SD45
GE C39-8
GE Dash-9
GE ES/ET/GEVo/Tier 4
The remote version has twin 0.5uF caps attached vie wires for remote mounting. The wires may be shortened or extended is required. This board can be used in many brands of locomotives. This board works for the following Scale Trains diesels:
GP30
GP40
SD7/9
SDL39
- One 21 Pin Decoder receptacle
- Two pairs of track input pads
- One pair of motor input pads
- Two sets of speaker pads (speakers can be wired in series or parallel on the motherboard)
- All 12 lighting outputs are protected by 1K resistors onboard
- 8 lighting outputs are duplicated on a separable “small connector board” (included)
- Aux outputs are replicated on the motherboard and the small connector board with respect to the position of LEDs on the locomotive
