I have no idea what this Next 18 decoder is.  Is it an 18 pin decoder?  This is what I found on the Hattons' website: 
https://www.hattons.co.uk/182323/Bachmann_Branchline_36_567_Next18_Pin_DCC_decoder/StockDetail.aspx

and I'm none the wiser apart from it appearing to be an OO scale decoder.

I only need analog control for home but need DCC for my club's layout.  I guess I will buy a DC one and then buy a chip to swap into it for running with the club.  I know you can run some chipped locos on DC, but I haven't been impressed when I've seen that done.

Matt

That decoder is similar in size and spec to the Bachmann NEM 651 6-pin decoder fitted in Farish locos so yes it's fine for N gauge. NEXT18 uses an easy to fit micro-socket which you'll appreciate if you are swapping decoder and blanking plug regularly.

The Next18 connector includes an additional four outputs, two speaker outputs and pins allowing a keep-alive capacitor to be connected.

Two of the additional outputs allow for independent control of tail lamps (so no more red lights on the ends of locos when they're pulling a train). The other additional outputs can be used for cab lighting or other functions such as DCC controlled uncouplers.

The speaker outputs allow for easier installation of DCC sound.

A keep-alive capacitor acts like a small rechargeable battery allowing the loco to continue running for a second or two if track power gets broken - such as through insul-frog point work.


Steven B.

Dapol said on their digest that the sound chips will be available seperately for the 50..

Cheers
Mark

Aside from deciding a year down the line you wonder why you'd bother, it's never going to be a financially worthwhile exercise.

It is only the same as Farish are going to do with the 40 chip.

Cheers
Mark

Quote from: Steven B on October 06, 2017, 09:25:52 AM
The Next18 connector includes an additional four outputs, two speaker outputs and pins allowing a keep-alive capacitor to be connected.

Two of the additional outputs allow for independent control of tail lamps (so no more red lights on the ends of locos when they're pulling a train). The other additional outputs can be used for cab lighting or other functions such as DCC controlled uncouplers.

The speaker outputs allow for easier installation of DCC sound.

A keep-alive capacitor acts like a small rechargeable battery allowing the loco to continue running for a second or two if track power gets broken - such as through insul-frog point work.


Steven B.

The chip socket seems more robust & reliable that the 6 pin sockets - and the chips do not need 6 little bits of wire soldered on!


Next 18 chip in situ


The black square is the dummy/DC plug