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N Scale sound decoders

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 993 posts
N Scale sound decoders
Posted by hobo9941 on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 10:39 PM

Is there any difference between HO and N scale sound decoders besides their size? I would like to use an N scale decoder in an HO scale Alco RS-2, due to space limitations.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 10:56 PM

As long as the decoder can handle the motor draw (amps) there is no problem using a smaller sized decoder. I have done it several times.

If you are not already aware of them, another real space saver is using 'sugar cube' speakers, also called 'iphone5' speakers. Check them out here:

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/sugarcubespeakers.html

There are two sub topics on the web site which explain a lot of details:

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/sugarcubespeakernotes.html

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/wiringmultispeakers.html

JFYI, a Loksound Select Micro decoder will fit nicely in the RS-2.

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 10:57 PM

Pretty simple. Check the decoder specs and know what your locos draws for current at 12 vdc.

The SoundTraxx Econami is a little smaller than the Tsunami N scale Micro and good for one amp.

The Tsunami Micro is good for ¾ amp.

Check LokSound and TCS websites for their specs.

Do some research.

I have used the Tsunami and LokSound Micros in HO scale locos that darw around 500 ma at 12 vdc.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 993 posts
Posted by hobo9941 on Thursday, November 19, 2015 12:46 AM

Thanks. I was pretty sure the motor current was the determining factor.

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