PTB-100 Decoder Programming Booster

The PTB-100 Programming Track Booster is a handy tool for anyone who uses DCC! This device facilitates programming as well as gives some comforting feedback during the programming process. You will instantly know if your decoder has received the programming instruction (or not!) by way of indicator lights on the circuit board. So why might you want (or need) a PTB-100? Certain command stations allow you to read a CV during Service Mode programming, which is useful to verify its current setting.  Sometimes trouble reading or verifying CVs may be due to the design of the command station and the decoder itself.  All decoders communicate back to the command station using what's called an acknowledgement pulse, which is defined in NMRA RP-9.2.3 as "an increased load on the programming track of at least 60mA for at least 5ms."  Like most decoders, SoundTraxx Digital Sound Decoders generate the acknowledgment pulse by momentarily applying power to the motor.