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Last post 10-21-2007 11:27 AM by wedudler. 9 replies.
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10-20-2007 5:29 PM
Offline CPRail modeler
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-18-2007
Over There
Posts 466

N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

This is just a thought but are N scale decoders compatible with HO scale locomotives?
10-20-2007 6:24 PM In reply to
Offline Mark R.
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 04-25-2004
Posts 890

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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. 

 
10-20-2007 8:56 PM In reply to
Offline basementdweller
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-15-2004
Posts 100

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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.
10-20-2007 10:27 PM In reply to
Offline Vail and Southwestern RR
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 07-12-2006
Vail, AZ
Posts 1,761

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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.

 
10-20-2007 10:33 PM In reply to
Offline loathar
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on 08-05-2004
Amish country Tenn.
Posts 9,982

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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.
10-20-2007 10:53 PM In reply to
Offline jeffrey-wimberly
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on 06-21-2004
Sundown, Louisiana
Posts 12,581

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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_mobdec_dn163k0d.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k1b.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k1c.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163k2.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn163m0.php

 
10-21-2007 1:53 AM In reply to
Offline aloco
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-24-2004
Posts 627

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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. 
10-21-2007 6:43 AM In reply to
Offline TA462
Top 75 Contributor
Joined on 06-07-2004
PORT HOPE, ONTARIO
Posts 3,587

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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. 
10-21-2007 8:59 AM In reply to
Offline wedudler
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 09-16-2004
Germany
Posts 1,090

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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

Wolfgang 
10-21-2007 11:27 AM In reply to
Offline wedudler
Top 500 Contributor
Joined on 09-16-2004
Germany
Posts 1,090

Re: N scale decoder in an HO scale Locomotive

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