N gauge decoder in a HO Locomotive

[hoorawphoto]

I was just curious if a N gauge decoder (MRC AD332) would work installed in an HO Locomotive (IHC 4-6-2)? The paper work says "designed for N scale", but not limited to N scale, so I thought I would just ask here.

[Eastern Roads]

I definitely remember seeing articles in MRR regarding this very thing, they were used when there wasn't any space under the body. The only thing to consider would be to watch how much power is used, and input. But I'm pretty sure N Scale uses the same power as HO. Help me if I'm wrong on that...

[thogan3]

I wouldn't do it....my HO Atlas/Intermountain/Athearn locos have NCE/TCS/Ect decoders in them....each has a current rating of 1-1.5 amp....with a peak of 2.0 amps. my NCE PowerCab shows amps in use....anywhere from .28~.58 under normal operating....these are diesels...I think (but I don't own any) steamers might draw slightly more amps. MRC's web site says the limit is .75 amps for those decoders.

[domiluk]

That .75 amps is what the decoders draws you can put n scale into ho with no trouble I have n decoders in some of my engines in fact Broadway limited blue line recommends using n scale in there blue line engines.I use n scale in my switchers because of space .

[thogan3]

ah....I see....but what happens if it draws more than .75 amps? Does the decoder get smoked? How much will it draw if it shorts at a turnout?
Maybe we all need a better explanattion what the #'s really mean?

[domiluk]

thogan3 most decoders are 1.5 amps thats pull that means they well pull up to that amount before they short out that way you see what the stall is for each engine most system are 12 volt 3.5 or 5 or 8 amps if you have a zephyer it put out 3.5 amps if you have a chief system it could have a 5or 8 amp power supply now if you are running a g scale that a differant story .the the amps in a decoder is the max that you can put to it before you get that bad smell and that smoke . if you contect it right you should never see smoke .I now people that have put z scale decoders in ho scale engine steam and desiel.I don't trying to give you a hard time I'm just tell you what I know and have seen.
PS I have a broadway limited blue line ho scale with a NCE N141p in it right now it one of those sound engine that are ment for dc and there is no way you could put a ho scale decoder in it no room.

[umtrr-author]

I don't do DCC but I was listening to a conversation between two HO Scale modelers over the weekend about this very topic.

Apparently it's OK as long as the decoder can handle the current draw, as discussed above.

One of the modelers mentioned that he's done several HO locos with N Scale decoders and it was in order to get something that fits.

[cajon]

Some of the DCC decoder manufacturers recommend using their N scale decoders for some HO scale applications. NCE recommends these for some Atlas, BLI, P2K & Stewart locos.

[ThoroughBreed]

My Kato SD90MAC came with a Digicrap DZ123 decoder installed and it works good. But then again, if the Kato loco doesn't pull much amperage, then any decoder should work. I thnik it all comes down to whatever decoder can be installed and if it will handle the amperage of the loco motor, then it shouldn't matter. I had considered buying some G-scale sound decoders from MRC, as they had them on sale for $10 because of closeout, and as long as I could install the unit inot a couple of locos, one dummy, then it would work fine.

[thogan3]

well...thanks for clearing this up, somewhat, thats what we're all here for!