{"title":"NixTrainz","description":"\u003cp\u003eNixTrainz, founded by Nick Santo, is the creator of the Decoder Buddy, a popular, NMRA-standard, 21-pin, motherboard designed to simplify Digital Command Control (DCC) installations in model locomotives. The board replaces stock motherboards to allow easy installation of 21-pin decoders from brands like ESU, SoundTraxx, and TCS, offering 4 to 12 lighting outputs and onboard resistors.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nixtrainz-decoder-buddy-v5-21-pin","title":"NTZ5 Decoder Buddy V5 (21 Pin)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDCC Decoder Buddy Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis product is versatile in terms of direction of the placement of the board and mounting in various configurations.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIt can easily replace a QSI board, a Dual Mode decoder board or be mounted directly on the electric motor or frame with Kapton tape.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIt is recommended that a piece of Kapton tape be placed on the bottom of the mother board to assure electrical isolation from the electric motor or frame.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis mother board does not include the 21 Pin Decoder. We offer sound decoders from ESU, Soundtraxx, and TCS in our eBay store.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis mother board and connector board require soldering.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThese printed circuit boards are NOT FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe on board resistors are sized for LEDs. (2.2K)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe mother board includes:\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne 21 Pin Decoder receptacle\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of track input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of motor input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of stay alive pads (U+ and GND)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of speaker pads wired in parallel\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eResistors for use with LED lighting. (on board 2.2K)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe connector board contains pads for eight pairs of lighting function connections.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eU+ or the blue wire has eight connected pads for the common power source.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe negative (-) discrete function pads are all labeled to indicate their connection to the functions available in the decoder.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIf you require incandescent lamps there are procedures that require soldering and allow for incandescent lamp use or different Decoder Buddys made specifically the application. Remember there are different incandescent lamp voltages and current draw that have to be taken into consideration also.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe lighting connector was designed so that the shell of the diesel locomotive can be easily separated from the frame without unsoldering wires.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis does require that the headlight and rear lights be mounted in the shell of the locomotive and that the diesel has a removable dynamic brake shell.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDecoder Buddy installed, speakers installed, decoder installed, and the motor is tested and ready.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDECODER BUDDY Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWidth x Length x Height\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eO.67” x 2.20” x 0.35” or 17 mm x 56 mm x 9 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHeight may vary slightly depending on decoder.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the manufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal vs V5:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust a few thoughts on the original Decoder Buddy and the V5 Decoder Buddy. I try to envision your thoughts from mine. The original Decoder Buddy does all I wanted and still does. It has 8 matched Aux outputs for lights on a detachable small connector board, pads for a stay alive and room to solder easily. I would very tempted to use it in locomotives that didn't require any more than eight lighting functions. The majority of decoders on the market at the moment have a maximum of eight lighting outputs. Having said that I have also considered uses for more than eight lighting outputs. I have also considered ground lights which would be attached to the frame of the locomotive. The V5 has 12 Aux outputs for lights. Twelve are present on the small connector board and two are paired to the motherboard and associated with the frame. The track and speaker pads stayed the same size. The pads on the small connector board got a little smaller. These pads are all separated and have holes to help hold the wires. The stay alive pads moved to the other side of the motherboard out from under the decoder and are in an easy place to solder to like the original.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNOTE: PHOTOS OF ITEM OUTSIDE OF PACKAGE ARE FROM MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484264628510,"sku":"NTZ5","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484264661278,"sku":"NTZ5x5","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/s-l1600__44447.1578525346.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777914966"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-ntz2-decoder-buddy-mini-21-pin-1k-resistors","title":"NTZ3 Decoder Buddy Mini | 21 pin | 1k axial resistors included","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Decoder Buddy Mini was developed to fit into smaller steam and diesel applications. there has also been interest in HOn3 and S-Gauge applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mother board does not include the 21 Pin Decoder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mother board requires soldering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese printed circuit board is NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mother board includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne 21 Pin Decoder receptacle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of track input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of motor input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne set of stay alive pads (U+ , GND and if necessary a third control wire )\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of speaker pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResistors for use with LED lighting. Remember there are different incandescent lamp voltage requirements and current draw that have to be taken into consideration also. A single or two separate bulbs may work but multiple bulbs can be problematic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth x Length x Height: 0.65” x 1.35” x 0.35” \/ 17 mm x 35 mm x 9 mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484256993566,"sku":"NTZ3","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484257026334,"sku":"NTZ3x5","price":47.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/s-l500__27638.1597789883.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777915991"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-decoder-buddy-1k-21-pin","title":"NTZ4 Decoder Buddy 1K | 21 pin","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-1u c1-r c1-28 c1-8m c1-1n c1-2a c1-36 c1-8n c1-2d c1-b c1-c c1-2e c1-2f c1-8o c1-2h c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"GridCell\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-x c1-1u c1-1v c1-8j c1-1x c1-1y c1-1z c1-20 c1-37 c1-b c1-c c1-22 c1-23 c1-24 c1-25 c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"Grid\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-1u c1-r c1-28 c1-8m c1-1n c1-2a c1-36 c1-2c c1-2d c1-x c1-10 c1-21 c1-b c1-c c1-8q c1-8r c1-2e c1-2f c1-2g c1-2h c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"GridCell\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv id=\"892a2069-231c-4b2e-93d5-dfa8d1c5504c\" class=\"x-el x-el-div x-el c1-1 c1-2 c1-x c1-y c1-4 c1-8v c1-21 c1-61 c1-8w c1-63 c1-b c1-c c1-8x c1-8y c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g c1-1 c1-2 c1-b c1-c c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"ContentBasic\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-p c1-1 c1-2 c1-2l c1-2m c1-4h c1-1x c1-1z c1-90 c1-91 c1-92 c1-93 c1-94 c1-95 c1-96 c1-97 c1-98 c1-99 c1-9a c1-9b c1-9c c1-9d c1-9e c1-9f c1-9g c1-9h c1-9i c1-9j c1-9k c1-9l c1-9m c1-9n c1-9o c1-9p c1-9q c1-9r c1-r c1-b c1-9s c1-c c1-3q c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g x-rt\" data-ux=\"ContentText\" data-aid=\"ABOUT_DESCRIPTION_RENDERED0\" data-typography=\"BodyAlpha\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis new board makes for super-easy 21 pin decoder installs from vendors such as Digitrax, ESU, SoundTraxx, and TCS!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow a 21-pin-friendly board replaces the standard DCC 8-pin loco motherboard and easily allows taking full advantage of all the functions and features of the latest new feature-rich decoders. The benefits of this new Decoder Buddy (DB) board include:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-1u c1-r c1-28 c1-8m c1-1n c1-2a c1-36 c1-8n c1-2d c1-b c1-c c1-2e c1-2f c1-8o c1-2h c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"GridCell\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-x c1-1u c1-1v c1-8j c1-1x c1-1y c1-1z c1-20 c1-37 c1-b c1-c c1-22 c1-23 c1-24 c1-25 c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"Grid\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-div c1-1 c1-2 c1-1u c1-r c1-28 c1-8m c1-1n c1-2a c1-36 c1-2c c1-2d c1-x c1-37 c1-21 c1-b c1-c c1-8q c1-8r c1-2e c1-2f c1-2g c1-2h c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"GridCell\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv id=\"ad788855-60d5-434c-a44b-52739696afa2\" class=\"x-el x-el-div x-el c1-1 c1-2 c1-x c1-y c1-4 c1-8v c1-21 c1-61 c1-8w c1-63 c1-b c1-c c1-8x c1-8y c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g c1-1 c1-2 c1-b c1-c c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\" data-ux=\"ContentBasic\"\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv class=\"x-el x-el-p c1-1 c1-2 c1-2l c1-2m c1-4h c1-1x c1-1z c1-90 c1-91 c1-92 c1-93 c1-94 c1-95 c1-96 c1-97 c1-98 c1-99 c1-9a c1-9b c1-9c c1-9d c1-9e c1-9f c1-9g c1-9h c1-9i c1-9j c1-9k c1-9l c1-9m c1-9n c1-9o c1-9p c1-9q c1-9r c1-r c1-b c1-9s c1-c c1-3q c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g x-rt\" data-ux=\"ContentText\" data-aid=\"ABOUT_DESCRIPTION_RENDERED1\" data-typography=\"BodyAlpha\"\u003e\u003col\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"x-el x-el-span c1-8d c1-8e c1-b c1-c c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\"\u003ePopular 21-pin decoders from TCS, SoundTraxx, ESU, Digitrax and NCE easily fit in Decoder Buddy‘s 21-pin socket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"x-el x-el-span c1-8d c1-8e c1-b c1-c c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\"\u003e10-pin {14-PIN V5} socket and plug with wire-outs for 21-pin decoder functions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"x-el x-el-span c1-8d c1-8e c1-b c1-c c1-d c1-e c1-f c1-g\"\u003e10-pin {14-PIN V5} plug fully removable for easy separation of loco shell and chassis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1.0K Resistors Preinstalled\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51813918212382,"sku":"NTZ4","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/NTZ4b.1__34420.1702853088.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777918762"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-decoder-buddy-light-test-board","title":"NTZ7 Decoder Buddy Light Test Board","description":"\u003cp\u003eInformation from manufacturer:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"With the abundance of lighting functions and wanting to see and check them before I placed the shell on the frame, I decided I needed a way to see what was happening! I went to work and prototyped a small connector board with LEDs so I could put the frame on the test track and test the motor, speaker and lighting functions before assembling the locomotive. The Light Test Board is also a good diagnostic tool to see if the decoder and motherboard are behaving properly! The Light Test Board works with the 8 output Original Decoder Buddy, and both the 12 output V5 and V5B.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51813918310686,"sku":"NTZ7","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/NTZ7c.1__47590.1702857230.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777918773"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-ntz1-decoder-buddy-v1b-8-output-2-2k-resistors","title":"NTZ1 Decoder Buddy V1B | 8 output | 2.2K resistors","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDCC Decoder Buddy from the manufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-281763cd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"281763cd\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-623f2e10\" data-id=\"623f2e10\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-67915456 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"67915456\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-13c752fc\" data-id=\"13c752fc\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e3bd139 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e3bd139\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Decoder Buddy was developed for the 8 output decoders.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis mother board does not include the 21-Pin Decoder.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis mother board requires soldering.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis printed circuit board is NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, if the decoder you are using supports DC operation it should work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Original Decoder Buddies come with standard 1K resistors onboard. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mother board includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne 21 Pin Decoder receptacle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of track input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of motor input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne set of stay alive pads, U+, GND.  (The white wire from a Power Pack can be soldered onto the Original Decoder Buddy fairly easily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of speaker pads in parallel by side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 lighting outputs on a separable “small connector board”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000; background-color: #ffff00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee photos for pin connections chart by decoder brand.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResistors for use with LED lighting. The “0” ohm resistors accommodate previously installed LEDs with resistors in line and “12-volt LEDs”.  It is IMPORTANT to realize that resistors must be used when LEDs are connected to the lighting outputs of the custom “0” Ohm boards!!!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecoder Buddy V1B Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWidth x Length x Height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.67” x 2.20” x 0.35”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 mm x 56 mm x 9 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight may vary slightly depending on decoder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum measured height is 0.35” by trimming the 21-pin connector pins flush with the top of the decoder‘s 21-pin connector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal vs V5 Discussion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4e3809a0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4e3809a0\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-122aac1d\" data-id=\"122aac1d\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-5a315ea5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5a315ea5\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-27d2dd1e\" data-id=\"27d2dd1e\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63436e17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"63436e17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJust a few thoughts on the original Decoder Buddy and the V5 Decoder Buddy.  I try to envision your thoughts from mine.  The original Decoder Buddy does all I wanted and still does.  It has 8 matched Aux outputs for lights on a detachable small connector board, pads for a stay alive and room to solder easily.  I would be very tempted to use it in locomotives that did not require any more than eight lighting functions.  Having said that I have also considered uses for more than eight lighting outputs.  I have also considered ground lights which would be attached to the frame of the locomotive.  The V5 has 12 Aux outputs for lights.  Twelve are present on the small connector board and two are paired to the motherboard and associated with the frame.  The track and speaker pads stayed the same size.  The pads on the small connector board got a little smaller.  These pads are all separated and have holes to help hold the wires.  The stay alive pads moved to the other side of the motherboard out from under the decoder and are in an easy place to solder to like the original.  From a little closer to the situation than I used to be, I might say a Steam \/ Diesel split might align with the two Decoder Buddys as well as a 1997 date split between the two due to ditch light requirements by the FRA.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManufacturer’s types of stay alives might well determine whether you want a two or three wire stay alive. The V5 has the capability of easily adding a two wire stay alive.  The U+ and the GND pads are positioned close together and work well.  The three wire stay alive or Power Pack has a third wire that could be connected to pin-1 on the base of the 21-pin connector.  Pin -1 is associated with \u003cstrong\u003eAux 10 \u003c\/strong\u003eon a Loksound 5 decoder and used to turn the Power Pack off and on.  It is used frequently but not as easy to solder to as a pad.  I have a video on my Facebook page of the procedure.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe V5B has a dedicated pad for the white control wire of the Power Pack and is labeled “W”.  Now there are six pads in the row of soldering pads on the bottom of the board just under the small light connector board in the picture on the right.  They are, right to left; W, U+, GND, A12, A11 and U+.  The other difference is that the “W” pad is connected to pin-2 of the 21-pin connector and the \u003cstrong\u003eAux 7\u003c\/strong\u003e function controls the Power Pack on this board.  It is the default function assigned to the LokSound 5 decoders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can use any 21-pin decoder in any Decoder Buddy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNOTE: PHOTOS OF ITEM OUTSIDE OF PACKAGE ARE FROM MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484242772254,"sku":"NTZ1","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484242805022,"sku":"NTZ1x5","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/V1__15351.1750696938.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939260"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-ntz6-decoder-buddy-v5b-12-output-1k-resistors","title":"NTZ6 Decoder Buddy V5B | 12 output | 1k resistors","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe V5B has 12 Aux outputs for lights.  Twelve are present on the small connector board and two are paired to the motherboard and associated with the frame.  The track and speaker pads stayed the same size.  The pads on the small connector board got a little smaller.  These pads are all separated and have holes to help hold the wires.  The stay alive pads moved to the other side of the motherboard out from under the decoder and are in an easy place to solder to like the original.  From a little closer to the situation than I used to be, I might say a Steam \/ Diesel split might align with the two Decoder Buddys as well as a 1997 date split between the two due to ditch light requirements by the FRA.  Both are exactly the same size.  You get to make the choice! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNOTE: PHOTOS OF ITEM OUTSIDE OF PACKAGE ARE FROM MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484258533662,"sku":"NTZ6","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484258566430,"sku":"NTZ6x5","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/pic-v5w__49469.1750697239.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939272"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-ntz8-decoder-buddy-mini-4-output-2-2k-resistors","title":"NTZ8 Decoder Buddy Mini | 4 output | 2.2K resistors","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Decoder Buddy Mini was developed to fit into smaller steam and diesel applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere has also been interest in HOn3 and S-Gauge applications.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484260335902,"sku":"NTZ8","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484260368670,"sku":"NTZ8x5","price":52.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/pic-mini-vert__93048.1750697411.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939280"},{"product_id":"ntz-204-power-bridge-iii-2-wire-stay-alive","title":"NTZ-204 Power Bridge III - 2 Wire Stay-Alive","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe tiniest Power Bridge, great for HO and TT gauge models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one is straightforward to use and works with practically any decoder. Just connect the red wire to the plus and the black wire to minus (GND) of the decoder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PB3 connects to practically all DCC decoders. There is no data cable and the starting charge time can not be controlled. This is not necessary, as the supercaps are charged slower than with the PB 1 \u0026amp; 2 (about 10 seconds).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse 2 capacitors as described in the directions and the picture. The long lead on the cap is positive. And, the white stripe is negative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize w\/ 2 caps: 12.7 x 6 x 2.55 mm 0.5 x 0.24 x 0.10 in\u003cbr\u003eEach Supercap: 4 x 12 mm 0.16 x 0.47 in\u003cbr\u003eTotal Capacitance as listed: 0.15 Farad\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51814886474014,"sku":"NTZ204","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/3-meas-crop-300x197__92197.1756507685.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939399"},{"product_id":"power-bridge-i-3-wire-stay-alive","title":"NTZ-201 Power Bridge I | 3-Wire Stay-Alive","description":"\u003cp class=\"p11 f45\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDescription covers both the PB 1 and PB 2. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p11 f45\"\u003eOur very affordable Smart Power Packs come with a supercapacitor, giving you several seconds of extra power to keep on running on dirty tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p11 f46\"\u003ePB1\u003cspan class=\"f45\"\u003e – Supercapacitor is fitted on top of board.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p11 f45\"\u003eThe white cable is a data cable and you can control the length of the extra power with a CV setting, as well as the charging start time. As these Powerpacks charge quite fast, it is important that you set them at a different charging start moment, if you have more locomotive on your layout with these installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p11 f45\"\u003eThe Power Bridge 1 \u0026amp; 2  connect to all Train-O-Matic decoders, ESU decoders with connection for a PowerPack, Lenz Gold with USP connection and any decoder supporting the three wire connection for an energy buffer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Power Bridge 1 \u0026amp; 11 may be used as a 2 wire stay alive by connecting the White wire and the Red wire to U+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: ca 21 x 10 x 13.5 mm   0.83 x 0.38 x 0.63 in\u003cbr\u003eSupercap: 8.2 x 12 mm         0.32 x 0.47 in\u003cbr\u003eTotal Capacitance;  1 Farad\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51814886572318,"sku":"NTZ201","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/2-meas-blue-300x220__70084.1756508146.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939410"},{"product_id":"power-bridge-ii-3-wire-stay-alive","title":"NTZ-202 Power Bridge II | 3-Wire Stay-Alive","description":"\u003cp class=\"p11 f45\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSome of this description covers both the PB 1 and PB 2. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNixTrainz very affordable Smart Power Packs come with a supercapacitor, giving you several seconds of extra power to keep on running on dirty tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePB2 – A smaller supercapacitor is fitted behind the board.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white cable is a data cable and you can control the length of the extra power with a CV setting, as well as the charging start time. As these Powerpacks charge quite fast, it is important that you set them at a different charging start moment, if you have more locomotive on your layout with these installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Power Bridge I \u0026amp; II connect to all Train-O-Matic decoders, ESU decoders with connection for a PowerPack, Lenz Gold with USP connection and any decoder supporting the three wire connection for an energy buffer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Power Bridge I \u0026amp; II may be used as a 2 wire stay alive by connecting the White wire and the Red wire to U+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize w\/ cap: 33 x 9.4 x 6.5 mm 1.3 x 0.37 x 0.26 in\u003cbr\u003eSupercap: 6.5 x 11.8 mm 0.26 x 0.46 in\u003cbr\u003eTotal Capacitance; 1 Farad\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51814886998302,"sku":"NTZ202","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/2-meas-crop-300x213__31775.1756508343.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777939421"},{"product_id":"nixtrainz-ntz501-scale-trains-conversion-kit-scale-sound-speaker-decoder-buddy-powerbridge","title":"NTZ501 Scale Trains Conversion Kit - Scale Sound Speaker, Decoder Buddy, PowerBridge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333;\"\u003eDesigned for ScaleTrains® locomotives:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD GP40\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD GP38-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD SD40-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD SD45\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eGE 39-8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eGE Dash-9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eGE ES\/ET\/GEVO\/Tier4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"\u003ePackage Includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom NixTrainz: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eOne V5b decoder Buddy with 1.0K Resistors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333;\"\u003eOne Power Bridge III with \u003c\/span\u003etwo 1.0 Farad Super Capacitors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eMounting adhesive for circuit board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003erom Scale Sound Systems:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eUniversal #1 speaker mounted in enclosure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Not include 21 pin decoder - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333;\"\u003eOrder your Soundtraxx Tsunami2 decoders in our store, part numbers listed below by model.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003eUse the \u003cspan style=\"caret-color: #333333;\"\u003esearch\u003c\/span\u003e in upper right using part number in bold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD GP40, GP38-2, SD40-2: \u003cstrong\u003e885809\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eEMD SD45: \u003cstrong\u003e885023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\"\u003eGE 39-8, Dash-9, ES\/ET\/GEVO\/Tier4: \u003cstrong\u003e885810\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51814963904798,"sku":"NTZ501","price":54.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/s-l1600__89640.1767829288.1280.1280.png?v=1777941446"},{"product_id":"ntz2-decoder-buddy-mini-21-pin-1k-resistors-copy","title":"NTZ2 Decoder Buddy Mini | 21 pin | 1k resistors","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Decoder Buddy Mini was developed to fit into smaller steam and diesel applications. there has also been interest in HOn3 and S-Gauge applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis mother board does not include the 21 Pin Decoder.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis mother board requires soldering.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThese printed circuit board is NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe mother board includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne 21 Pin Decoder receptacle\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of track input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of motor input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne set of stay alive pads (U+ , GND and if necessary a third control wire )\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of speaker pads\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eResistors for use with LED lighting. Remember there are different incandescent lamp voltage requirements and current draw that have to be taken into consideration also. A single or two separate bulbs may work but multiple bulbs can be problematic.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eManufacturer note: (Until the next batch is produced the Mini will be labeled Tiny and the picture on the package will indicate the correct headlight outputs for direction of locomotive.)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWidth x Length x Height: 0.65” x 1.35” x 0.35” \/ 17 mm x 35 mm x 9 mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":59484252078366,"sku":"NTZ2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":59484252111134,"sku":"NTZ2x5","price":47.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/s-l500__27638.1597789883.1280.1280.jpg?v=1777915991"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/collections\/screenshot_202024-07-26_20at_205.14.47_E2_80_AFpm__48649.png?v=1778714415","url":"https:\/\/mountain-subdivision-hobbies-2.myshopify.com\/collections\/nixtrainz.oembed","provider":"Mountain Subdivision Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}