[Dr_C2]

Hi downtheante,

Your question has perfect timing as Scalextric have just released a new version of the C7005 decoder which uses an updated microcontoller (16F1503), replaces the big cylindrical capacitor with six tiny multilayer ceramic capacitors and which, importantly, includes lighting driver circuits (dual npn transistors) and space for fitting a JST lighting socket. 

Very likely this lighting socket when fitted will provide power for the front lights and rear lights, including functioning brake lights. This needs to be checked by someone who owns one of the new decoders - as the decoder uses the 16F1503 microcontroller, i.e. the same as the C8515 rev H, very likely it will use the same firmware. This firmware includes functioning brake lights.

So something for our digital gurus to check please.

Meanwhile, the older C7005 decoders (i.e. the ones with the big cylindrical capacitor) would require alternative third-party firmware to get the brake lights to function correctly and also the soldering required to access these signals would be quite intricate too. Best avoided IMO.

I hope this is useful - certainly the new C7005 retrofit decoder looks very interesting from many angles -including the space for the lighting socket.

c