digitrax n121 and n141 inherited - use in HO loco??

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Help- I inherited a couple digitrax decoders for n scale locos. Can these be used in an HO loco. Seems they shiould be useable, but when I plugged them in they would only generate intermittent humming and minor power to the locos (Proto 1000 F-3s) but wouldn’t move them down the track. Digitrax website seems to be down, so turning here for help.

Thanks.

2

They should work, as long as you don’t exceed the amperage rating on them. IIRC, the Proto 1K F3 has low current draw, so you should be ok.

Did you reset the decoders? How did you install them? I think there are two different versions of the Proto F3, one where you have to solder a decoder and the newer where it just plugs in.

3

first, I admit to being a novice with DCC. I have succesfully installed several decoders, but don’t claim to be a 'spert! But, the P1000 F-3s are the newer version with the 8 pin plug. As I said I can hear it hum, and the drivehsafts TRY to turn but just can’t put power to the wheels.

Could it be any of the CV values that do need to be reset? I had that suspicion but wasn’t sure. Becuase of time I did not have to explore the correct CV settings.

Could it be the start and terminal voltage? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

4

Did the locos run ok on DC? If so, recheck the install, and reset the decoders. I think if you program a value of 008 into CV08 it resets Digitrax decoders.

I didn’t realize the DN121 and DN141 had an 8-pin plug on them. I’ll have to look and see if I have any documentation on them. For what it’s worth, I’ve used the DZ123 in HO applications and it’s worked fine.

5

The decoders should work fine. They probably need to be reset. I’ve installed 4 Z Scale decoders (DZ125’s) in HO locos and they all work OK.

6

Those decoders might buzz. I bought an Atlas engine with a DN146 decoder in it and it was not silent. I replaced it with a newer Digitrax decoder and now its runs pretty good, I just couldn’t stand the constant buzz.

Gary

7

I didn’t even think about the buzz coming from an older decoder. I’ve gotten spoiled on the ‘Silent Running’ decoders. I have only two or three of the older ‘buzzing’ units left.