Digitrax Decoder Index

LEDs on Mobile Decoders

Some Digitrax Plug ‘n Play Decoders are factory equipped with LEDs. Check the decoder index listing for these decoders.

Prior to Series 3 decoders yellow LEDs were included on decoders. These were the most widely available and economic LEDs available at the time.

Series 3 decoders produced before July 2003 are equipped with “white” LEDs. In the continuing quest for added realism, some loco manufacturers began to use the more expensive “white” LEDs in their production locomotives. In response to customer requests, Digitrax changed all production to white LEDs beginning with the Series 3 decoders. Some customers were very happy with the change, others were somewhat unhappy because they felt that the new LEDs being used in the industry were too blue and had the appearance of halogen lights which were not prototypical. So, the search for a better LED continued.

Series 3 decoders produced from July 2003 onward are equipped with “golden white” LEDs. Again, in response to customer requests, we continued to look for a more realistic LED for the decoders. After looking at many different “white” LEDs, we felt that they were all too “blue.” Jim Hinds of Richmond Controls recommended that we look at the new “golden-white” LEDs coming from Taiwan. We agree with him that these really look much better in locomotives so we switched production to include these LEDs in July of 2003. The only catch here is that when the golden-white LEDs are not powered, they look orange. So, when you receive your decoder, it looks like it has ORANGE LEDs but, when you power them up, they look white!

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This page, and all contents, are Copyright (C) 2003 by Digitrax, Inc., Norcross, GA, USA.

Updated 07-28-03.