Are the function outputs of the Digitrax SD164D 12v? I have allot of 12 LEDs to install on my locomotives for headlights and taillights. I have the lover voltage LEDs i.e 1.5v but I will need to connect resistors to those ones.
I don't know, but I'd sent emails to techsupport@digitrax.com and they answer very fast and all our questions, maybe you can ask them!
Hope that helps!
Ones that have current limiting built in generally say so. The SDH164D does not say the function outputs are current limited, so I would say they are not.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Normally decoders are all just under track voltage by a volt or 1.5 volts. Unless they have added resistors and this one doesn't have resistors as far as I can recall. So, the voltage could be around 14 to 15 volts.
If you want to be certain, please understand that Digitrax cannot answer your question as they don't KNOW how much voltage you have set your booster to output (they can give you a likely number). For example, I have turned my booster up to about 16 volts. If you want to be certain you have to measure the output with a voltmeter which will take into account the track voltage and voltage drop across the chip.
Richard
Which booster do you have and how did you turn the voltage? Can I do the same for my Digitrax DB150?
yes ,on the front of the db150 theres a switch that says ho-n-o each one has its own voltage , look in the book for values n=is lowest o= highest
found it :ho=15 volts n=12 volts o/g20 volts... page 36...you can also custimize it but not recomended.
but you still need to check with a meter whats coming out of your decoder @ said voltage
In your directions there will be a portion on changing the voltage with a pot(or similar). You have to take the case off. I did this to get more speed out of certain passenger locos to get to the appropriate SMPH. Changing this also requires a voltmeter so that you don't go too high. Checking this voltage is sort of like checking AC, so use that setting on your meter--it'll be close enough. Your DCC function outputs will be DC.
You really shouldn;t mess around with the track voltage setting just to use certin LEDs. Ordinary white LEDs plus a 1K resistor work fine on full voltage function decoders with the booster set on any of the voltage settings (slightly bright on the O setting, but still within specs). And the only reason you should change the potentiometer under the hood of the Digitrax boosters is if you have multiple boosters and one runs at a higher or lower voltage than the others. You want less than a half volt difference between power districts so the trains don't visibly speed up or slow down when crossing from one to another.