Decoder for Bachmann Spectrum PH40 Amtrak Strobes

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

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

2

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

3

I can’t remember, I’m at work. Is the Bachmann Spectrum PH40 decoder ready or does it require hard wiring.

Thanks,
Greg

4

Some are, some are not. What does the box say?

5

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

6

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.