Constant Voltage Source

[Super_G]

Is there a constant voltage source that is not tied to a function, i.e. AUX 1, 2, 3, etc. on the Loksound/Lokpilot decoders that could be used for LED's? It would be nice if there was since the lighted number boards and some other lighting does not need to be tied to a function.

[peteski]

Yes, the "blue" wire output is a positive voltage on DCC decoder. Same as what is used as the positive side for AUX functions. Usually it is 12V, but on some ESU decoders it might be 5V.  So you only need to locate the common negative "ground" of the decoder to be able to use the "blue" voltage.

If you use one of the ESU plug-n-play decoder, you you will find this thread handy for identifying the positive voltage and "ground".
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=44324.0

If you use other decoders, the decoder manual often shows where the "ground" is.   Positive is the blue wire.

[tehachapifan]

FWIW, on my N scale, Loksound-equipped SP SW1200, I do have the numberboards hooked to a function output but I have the output programmed to come on with F8 (prime mover start)....