However, there are situations where stall and running current
are still important, such as larger scale locomotives and older-
vintage locomotives. If you are working on a situation like this,
you can read about stall current on my web site
.
11. You can only use a N-scale decoder
in a N-scale loco
Similar to the discussion in section 10, technology has
impacted this myth.
Early on, manufacturers struggled to make decoders small
enough for the smaller scale locos. To do so, compromises
were made, including low power transistors and power
“Thus, if you go to your local hobby shop
and purchase a new vintage HO or smaller
loco and a DCC decoder, you can use them
together without a lot of testing or danger.”
supplies. This created a group of small decoders that were less
capable than their big brothers. Today’s N (and even Z) decod-
ers typically have operating current ratings of an amp or more.
Small decoders are usually a bit more expensive than their
larger brothers. They also tend to have fewer lighting func-
tions. But they are easily capable of running most HO and
smaller locos.
One significant exception is the SoundTraxx Micro Tsunami
(TSU-750). It packs a lot into a small package, so is limited to
¾ amp total current (motor and lights). It has an internal fuse
that requires factory replacement if it blows. Also, it is sensitive
10: Current vintage loco and decoder – N-scale (DN163)
decoder is just fine running an HO-scale locomotive. This
is the same design Atlas C-424 as was shown in figure 5.
DCC Impulses Column -10
10
“I select decoders based on what I need to
fit in the available space, not what “size”
the manufacturer hangs on the package.”
MRH-Mar 2014
