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Decoder for Bachmann Spectrum PH40 Amtrak Strobes

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  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Thursday, October 16, 2003 9:25 PM
Nearly all newer decoders support strobe lights with no additional wiring if the locomotive is "DCC ready" by having the NMRA 8-pin plug, 9-pin header, or a circuit board that has a drop-in replacement decoder. Check the locomotive's documentation and, if necessary, remove the shell to see if it has a DCC receptacle in it, or has a circuit board that can be replaced with a decoder. Then go to a good DCC supplier's Web site, such as Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.ttx-dcc.com) or Loy's Toys (http://www.loystoys.com) to find the decoder you need.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 12:20 PM
I just got mine a few months ago and it was decoder ready. Unplug the 8 pin from the circuit board, remove the circuit board, and plug in the decoder. Done.
jb
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 9:52 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Gregbva

I can't remember, I'm at work. Is the Bachmann Spectrum PH40 decoder ready ?


Some are, some are not. What does the box say?
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 9:35 AM
I can't remember, I'm at work. Is the Bachmann Spectrum PH40 decoder ready or does it require hard wiring.

Thanks,
Greg
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 8:48 AM
My suggestion would be the DH163IP from Digitrax. Thats what I used in my F40PH and it works great. But any decoder with an 8 pin plug will work just fine.

John
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Decoder for Bachmann Spectrum PH40 Amtrak Strobes
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 8:26 AM
What would be the best decoder for a Bachmann Spectrum PH40 Amtrak with Strobes lights on top? I'm new at decoder installation, please give installation tips if you have any?

Thanks,
Greg

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