Decoder Buddy N18 & N18+

The Decoder Buddy N18  & N18+ are my response to a need for a Decoder Buddy that fits in a small height restricted space and comes with or without a stay alive onboard. 

Next 18 decoders are not as powerful as the 21-pin decoders.  So be mindful of the stall current of the locomotive’s motor.

The Decoder Buddy N18 and the Decoder Buddy N18+ are also very applicable to those applications requiring headlights and a few other lighting functions.

This motherboard does not include a Next 18 Decoder.

These motherboards require soldering.

The N18 printed circuit boards are NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM.  However, if the decoder you are using supports DC operation it should work.

The N18 comes with one set of standard resistors onboard, they are 1K Ohm. The Decoder’s PWM function can be used to dim the LEDs to the level of a 2.2K resistor and increase the protection of the LED if you feel it is necessary.

I can substitute / supply custom specified resistors for function outputs.
These may be requested by the email link.

The motherboard includes:

  • One Next 18 Decoder receptacle
  • Two pairs of track input pads
  • One pair of motor output pads
  • The N18 has one set of stay alive pads for 2 wire applications
  • ALL manufacturer’s decoders including ESU can use NixTrainz 2-wire Power Bridge III stay alives
  • Three-wire stay alives may also be soldered directly to an ESU decoder
  • The stay alive electronics present onboard the N18+ are compatible with ALL manufacturers’ decoders, including ESU, ESU decoders have been proven to work with the NixTrainz 2-wire Power Bridge III stay alives used in the N18+ without disconnection
  • 6 lighting outputs with onboard resistors
  • The correct headlight orientation is shown on the N18 & N18+
  • One pair of speaker pads

 

Onboard resistors are for use with LED lighting only. I offer custom built N18s with “0” ohm resistors that accommodate previously installed LEDs with resistors in line and “12-volt LEDs”.

It is IMPORTANT to realize that resistors must be used when LEDs are connected to the lighting outputs of the “0” Ohm boards!!! Resistors may be soldered in line when purchased or the included resistors may be soldered inline upon installation.

I neither condone or recommend incandescent bulbs.  Decoder Buddys can be set up for incandescent bulbs by an installer or an individual if absolutely necessary.

N18 vs N18+ Discussion

The Decoder Buddy N18 is my response to a need for a Decoder Buddy that fits in a small height restricted space and comes either without a stay alive onboard. It works well in HO, HOn3 and some wide-bodied N-Scale locomotives.

Next 18 decoders are not as powerful as the 21-pin decoders, so the stall current of the locomotive’s motor is an important consideration when choosing a Next 18 or any other decoder.

The Next 18 decoders from the producing manufacturers have 6 lighting outputs, sound outputs, and a general need for a stay alive in short wheel-based locomotives.

Power loss when crossing dead frogs with close wheelbase locomotives can be problematic. One solution is to use a stay alive. Stay alives have been large in the past. The Decoder Buddy N18 provides soldering pads to connect an external stay alive. The capacitors and the user-friendly Power Bridge III motherboard are made to fit into a switcher or other tight spaces. The N18+ incorporates the Power Bridge III stay alive electronics onboard with remote mounted super capacitors. The Power Bridge has been tested and works well with all manufacturers decoders.

The Decoder Buddy N18+ is my response to a need for a Decoder Buddy that fits in a small height restricted space and comes with a stay alive onboard. It is slightly longer than the N18 and still works well in HO, HOn3 and some wide-bodied N-Scale locomotives.

The N18+ has remote mounted super capacitors. Both must be used to meet the voltage specs.  Your choice of either a 0.15F or a 0.5F capacitance version is available.  If supplying your own super capacitors they must equal 5.4 volts.  You can use a single 5.4 volt super capacitor or two 2.7 volt super capacitors as in the instructions.  If you use two capacitors they MUST be the same capacitance.

All six outputs on the Next 18 decoder are made to be lighting outputs with a N18 or N18+ Decoder Buddy.

When using resistors with incandescent bulb lighting. Remember there are different incandescent lamp voltage requirements and current draw that must be taken into consideration.  A single or two separate bulbs may work but multiple bulbs can be problematic.  The “0” ohm resistors on the N18 should provide the voltage and current necessary for incandescent bulbs.  A ½ watt resistor at the very least, 1 watt recommended, should be used to reduce the voltage to the bulb and heat is a major consideration in this installation.  I strongly recommend LEDs.

Decoder Buddy N18 & N18+ Size

N18 Length x Width x Height
1.412”  x  0.525”   x   0.018”
35.86 mm x 13.335 mm x 4.572 mm

N18+ Length x Width x Height
1.611”  x  0.525”   x   0.018”
40.92 mm x 13.335 mm x 4.572 mm

Height may vary slightly depending on decoder.

Measured height is is with a decoder mounted on the board

The capacitors on the N18+ are remotely mounted