Decoder Guide

A helpful guide for deciding which decoder may be right for your N or HO scale locomotives. Also scroll down for a guide and comparison of the speakers I have available.

Comparison of available Zimo MX non-sound decoders

For the majority of installations the Zimo MX616 is the most suitable decoder, being quite small in size and featuring all that you would expect from a quality micro sized decoder. By default it features 2 function output wires, however an additional 4 can be connected where you may be wanting to add some more lighting to your model. It can also easily be connected to keep alive devices.

Decoder:Features:
Zimo MX616 – Hardwire or 6 pin
8 x 8 x 2.4mm – square shape
0.7A total current, can peak to 1.5A for ~20s
2 function outputs (lights etc.)
Easy to connect 4 extra outputs + blue wire + ground wire for keep alive capacitors
Zimo MX617F – 6 pin on wires
13 x 9 x 2.5mm – rectangular shape
0.8A total current, can peak to 1.5A for ~20s
2 function outputs (lights etc.)
Easy to connect 4 extra outputs + blue wire + ground wire for keep alive capacitors
Zimo MX618N18
15 x 9.5 x 2.8mm – rectangular shape
Connection for Next18 equipped locomotives
0.8 total current, can peak to 1.5A for ~20s
4 function outputs (lights etc.)
4 logic level function outputs (need amplification)
DCX65 – hardwire
(currently unavailable)
6 x 5 x 1.8 mm – square shape
Suitable for 3-8V motors
0.25A total current
0.4A motor peak current (3s)
2 function outputs for lights
Logic output, blue wire & ground connection pad as well as 2 extra outputs

What decoder is suitable for my N scale locomotive?

This guide is intended to be a helpful quick reference in order to determine the best decoder for your locomotive, you’re always welcome to get in contact if you’re unsure with your particular locomotive

Locomotive:Decoder:
Gopher Models 44 Class, S, B, 42, GMZimo MX616 – Hardwire
Gopher Models 48 ClassZimo MX616 – Hardwire
Australian steam/diesel locomotiveZimo MX616 – Hardwire
US/UK/EU/JPN steam locomotiveZimo MX616 – Hardwire
US Diesel Locomotive (large, late 1990’s onwards, features a removable PCB board on top)TCS/Digitrax/NCE drop in decoder*
US Diesel Locomotive (small, shunter, won’t accept drop in decoder)Zimo MX616 – Hardwire
UK/EU locomotive with 6 pin plug (MX622N recommended for locomotives that may be larger and/or draw

UK/EU/US locomotive with Next18 plug
Zimo MX616N – 6 pin or Zimo MX617F – 6 pin on wires or MX622N – 6 pin


Zimo MX618N18
Older locomotive (20/30+ years old, motor draws in excess of 600mA continuously)Zimo MX630 – Hardwire

*Unfortunately at this point in time I do not stock any of these drop in decoders, however am able to guide you which decoder and where best to purchase from

What decoder is suitable for my HO scale locomotive?

Locomotive:Decoder:
AUS/US/UK/EU/JPN Steam/Diesel/Electric loco (less than 10 years old, low current draw)Zimo MX616 – Hardwire
AUS/US/UK/EU/JPN Steam/Diesel/Electric loco
(locomotives with larger motors, current draw in excess of 600mA continuously)
Zimo MX630 – Hardwire
Locomotive with 21MTC plug

Locomotive with 8 pin plug

Locomotive with Next18 plug

Locomotive with 6 pin plug
Zimo MX638D – 21MTC

Zimo MX600R – 8 pin

Zimo MX618N18

Zimo MX616N – 6 pin or Zimo MX617F – 6 pin on wires or Zimo MX622N

What speaker is suitable for my locomotive and sound decoder?

Speaker:Application:
Sugar Cube 15 x 11 x 8mm – (including 5mm high enclosure)– N/HO diesel loco with ample space between shell and mech
– N/HO steam loco with ample space within tender/bunker
– Used in:
– Gopher Models S, B, GM, 42 with custom enclosure
– BadgerBits 36 class steam loco
– BadgerBits 38 class steam loco
– All sound installs featured in videos on this website
Micro Speaker 15 x 8 x 2.6mm – (not including enclosure)N diesel/steam loco with limited space, particularly width
(this is the second smallest speaker on the market at this time)
Micro Speaker 12 x 8 x 2.73mm – (not including enclosure)N diesel/steam loco with very limited space
(this is the smallest speaker on the market at this time)