N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This is just a thought but are N scale decoders compatible with HO scale locomotives?

2

Sure, as long as the load requirement of the engine doesn’t exceed the rating of the decoder … I’ve seen it done numerous times !!!

Mark.

3

Just as Mark says - yes you can. You need to know what the stall current (amps) of your loco is, then just get a decoder with an amp rating that exceeds the stall current and you will be fine. The suggested scale of the decoder doesn’t really matter.

4

From the numbers I’ve seen, most current HO locos are more than happy with most ‘n scale’ decoders, and those are quite often installed. In N scale non drop in installs you will very often find a ‘z scale’ decoder.

5

I was even wondering if there was an N scale sound decoder that fit in an Athearn SW switcher. Not much room in that thing.

6

Take your pick!

These are all at least 1 amp current rating.

Hardwire harness N and Z scale decoders

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz123.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz143.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163.php

Plug-n-Play N and Z scale Decoders

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz123ps.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz143ps.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn143ip.php

Plug-n-Play N scale Decoders
May be used with low current draw HO locomotives.

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn122k2.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163a0.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163a1.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163i0.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163i1a.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163i1b.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163i1c.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k0a.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k0b.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_m

7

I put Digitrax DN121 IP (no longer in production) and DN143 IP decoders in my Life-Like S-3s. These decoders have 8 pin plugs built into them and fit perfectly inside Life-Like Alco switchers. The only wiring I had to do was to cut off the ground lug to the frame and run a wire from the bottom of the motor to the 8 pin socket.

8

I installed N scale Digitrax decoders in 3 Kato AC4400Cw’s about 3 years ago. The hobby shop didn’t have any HO ones so he talked me into the N scale ones. I’ve ran them at shows for 7 hours straight with no problems.

9

ESU loksound mini is made for N scale. I put such a decoder into my old run Kato NW 2.

Wolfgang

10

I’ve just uploaded a video with this engine into my blog.

Wolfgang