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jar
New Hire
Canada
31 Posts |
 Posted - 02/06/2005 : 2:11:51 PM
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Is it possible to use an 'N' scale decoder on a 'HO' scale layout?[:-eyebrows]
The reason I'm asking is I have a Hustler engine that I have isolated the motor from the frame but there just isn't any room for the 'HO' decoders I have.[:-headache]
Thanks in advance for your help. |
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Eddie Landreth
Fireman
USA
2714 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 3:15:42 PM
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| Hi, Jar. I've never done it, but from what I understand it is very doable. I've heard of people even using Z scale decoders in HO locomotives where there is a really tight fit. |
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Eddie Landreth
Fireman
USA
2714 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 3:15:42 PM
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| Hi, Jar. I've never done it, but from what I understand it is very doable. I've heard of people even using Z scale decoders in HO locomotives where there is a really tight fit. |
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jar
New Hire
Canada
31 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 3:33:18 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Eddie Landreth
Hi, Jar. I've never done it, but from what I understand it is very doable. I've heard of people even using Z scale decoders in HO locomotives where there is a really tight fit.
My main concern is the voltage difference between the 2 scales as from what I understand 'N' scale uses a lower voltage.
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jar
New Hire
Canada
31 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 3:33:18 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Eddie Landreth
Hi, Jar. I've never done it, but from what I understand it is very doable. I've heard of people even using Z scale decoders in HO locomotives where there is a really tight fit.
My main concern is the voltage difference between the 2 scales as from what I understand 'N' scale uses a lower voltage.
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MP Rich
Fireman
USA
1762 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 7:24:22 PM
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| Depends on a lot of variables as to the voltage. The current is usually the limiting factors when asking whether a decoder can be used in a particular engine. The voltage used is just one of the things that will affect how much current flows through the decoder. Another major item is the motor in the engine. There is really no reliable way to say yes a decoder X, Y, or Z, will work in an engine without doing some testing. This can be simple or terribly complex depending on your experience and what equipment you have. What you need is a current draw test to tell you what your particular engine needs to get it moving. A lot going into getting each engine to move and it can vary a lot engine to engine, type to type. Before I would go for the expense and trouble of mounting a decoder, I would try to work out the test and do it on your own engine. A "Z" scale can work in HO or sometimes not. Lots of guys around that can fill you in on the details of this test if you need the info. Basicly you need a track with a meter to read the current drawn. Set the engine on the track and hold it so it can not move which is when it will be drawing the maximum current. Take this reading and compare it to the maximum current for the decoder you want to use. You might want to check out loystoys.com for a site with a lot of in depth info. The section on power supplies will give you some things to think about on the voltage question. I have found the info there to be highly reliable as well as having a good backup support system. Many of the DCC dealers are great at answering any questions you have. Richard |
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MP Rich
Fireman
USA
1762 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 7:24:22 PM
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| Depends on a lot of variables as to the voltage. The current is usually the limiting factors when asking whether a decoder can be used in a particular engine. The voltage used is just one of the things that will affect how much current flows through the decoder. Another major item is the motor in the engine. There is really no reliable way to say yes a decoder X, Y, or Z, will work in an engine without doing some testing. This can be simple or terribly complex depending on your experience and what equipment you have. What you need is a current draw test to tell you what your particular engine needs to get it moving. A lot going into getting each engine to move and it can vary a lot engine to engine, type to type. Before I would go for the expense and trouble of mounting a decoder, I would try to work out the test and do it on your own engine. A "Z" scale can work in HO or sometimes not. Lots of guys around that can fill you in on the details of this test if you need the info. Basicly you need a track with a meter to read the current drawn. Set the engine on the track and hold it so it can not move which is when it will be drawing the maximum current. Take this reading and compare it to the maximum current for the decoder you want to use. You might want to check out loystoys.com for a site with a lot of in depth info. The section on power supplies will give you some things to think about on the voltage question. I have found the info there to be highly reliable as well as having a good backup support system. Many of the DCC dealers are great at answering any questions you have. Richard |
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On30fan
Crew Chief
USA
506 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 11:08:50 PM
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Hi Jar,
I use Digitrax DZ123's in my On30 stuff, but like Rich said it's really depends on the motor in the locomotive. The newer motors tend to draw less at stall (what Rich was saying about holding the loco down). The older motors can get up to 2 amps or more which will destroy an N scale decoder.
The DZ123's will handle 1 amp or 2 for a very short time. The decoder amp ratings are usually listed at the manufacturers web site. |
Cheers,
Steve
San Juan Lumber Company
Niagara Frontier Traction Company |
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On30fan
Crew Chief
USA
506 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2005 : 11:08:50 PM
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Hi Jar,
I use Digitrax DZ123's in my On30 stuff, but like Rich said it's really depends on the motor in the locomotive. The newer motors tend to draw less at stall (what Rich was saying about holding the loco down). The older motors can get up to 2 amps or more which will destroy an N scale decoder.
The DZ123's will handle 1 amp or 2 for a very short time. The decoder amp ratings are usually listed at the manufacturers web site. |
Cheers,
Steve
San Juan Lumber Company
Niagara Frontier Traction Company |
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Al Silverstein
Engine Wiper
114 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 4:24:57 PM
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The key to choosing a decoder is the matching of the feature set desired to the feature set available. In this case we are comparing the current requirement of the locomotive verses the current capabilities of the decoder. Can an N scale decoder be used in a HO scale locomotive? The answer is simple: sometimes yes and sometimes no. If the current required by the locomotive under maximum load is under the current available by the decoder then the decoder considered will work. If the maximum current required by the locomotive is over the maximum current available from the decoder then the decoder will not work. Many of the N scale decoders of today have the same current capabilities of their HO scale big brother decoders thus if you examine the N scale decoder specifications carefully you should be able to find a N or Z scaled decoder that will operate your HO locomotive. I have installed Digitrax DZ123 and DZ143 decoders in several small HO scale locomotives with limited space available.
Al Silverstein |
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Al Silverstein
Engine Wiper
114 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 4:24:57 PM
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The key to choosing a decoder is the matching of the feature set desired to the feature set available. In this case we are comparing the current requirement of the locomotive verses the current capabilities of the decoder. Can an N scale decoder be used in a HO scale locomotive? The answer is simple: sometimes yes and sometimes no. If the current required by the locomotive under maximum load is under the current available by the decoder then the decoder considered will work. If the maximum current required by the locomotive is over the maximum current available from the decoder then the decoder will not work. Many of the N scale decoders of today have the same current capabilities of their HO scale big brother decoders thus if you examine the N scale decoder specifications carefully you should be able to find a N or Z scaled decoder that will operate your HO locomotive. I have installed Digitrax DZ123 and DZ143 decoders in several small HO scale locomotives with limited space available.
Al Silverstein |
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smiller
New Hire
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2005 : 11:13:34 AM
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| looks like you have the info u need. if not, ask a specific question. my friend, vernon, was the first dcc guy in tallahassee, fla, and knows this stuff!! |
tallie seminole sam |
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smiller
New Hire
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2005 : 11:13:34 AM
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| looks like you have the info u need. if not, ask a specific question. my friend, vernon, was the first dcc guy in tallahassee, fla, and knows this stuff!! |
tallie seminole sam |
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Peterpools
Engineer
USA
12335 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2005 : 11:26:12 AM
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Shouldn't be a problem at all. Decoders designed for N or Z scale are smaller but normally have the same capabilities as their HO scale brothers. I have Digitrax N scale decoders in my HO scale Alco S-1, because they fit into a very tight space and the HO decoders didn't. The key is amp draw and voltage requirements. My normal suggestion is to call Tony Trains Exchange. You will get courteous and correct answers to all your questions. I'm just a very satisfied customer of Tony's.
[:-kitty] |
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Peterpools
Engineer
USA
12335 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2005 : 11:26:12 AM
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Shouldn't be a problem at all. Decoders designed for N or Z scale are smaller but normally have the same capabilities as their HO scale brothers. I have Digitrax N scale decoders in my HO scale Alco S-1, because they fit into a very tight space and the HO decoders didn't. The key is amp draw and voltage requirements. My normal suggestion is to call Tony Trains Exchange. You will get courteous and correct answers to all your questions. I'm just a very satisfied customer of Tony's.
[:-kitty] |
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