NIK Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Dear All,Does anyone know what the connectors are that allow a PCB to connect to a Next 18 DCC mobile (loco) decoder and also can they be bought in the UK?.The background is that I bought a couple of Zimo MX600R decoders for evaluation and I found an extra function for smoke generation might be used to control the intensity of third rail sparks during standstill/deceleration, coasting and acceleration.Bachmann are now selling a decoder (with a Next 18 connector) that is believed to be made by Zimo. This 36-567 (RRP £21.95,discount >=£18.65) has 4 function outputs and four logic level outputs. The logic level output would allow more specialised functions and hopefully allow easier interfacing to custom circuitry. I hope that Bachmann having tried Soundtraxx after ESU might later produce a 21 pin Zimo version for their larger locos/multiple units but for the meantime I'm looking for the matching connector for the 36-567.RegardsNick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauliebanger Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Dear All, Does anyone know what the connectors are that allow a PCB to connect to a Next 18 DCC mobile (loco) decoder and also can they be bought in the UK?. The background is that I bought a couple of Zimo MX600R decoders for evaluation and I found an extra function for smoke generation might be used to control the intensity of third rail sparks during standstill/deceleration, coasting and acceleration. Bachmann are now selling a decoder (with a Next 18 connector) that is believed to be made by Zimo. This 36-567 (RRP £21.95 ,discount >=£18.65) has 4 function outputs and four logic level outputs. The logic level output would allow more specialised functions and hopefully allow easier interfacing to custom circuitry. I hope that Bachmann having tried Soundtraxx after ESU might later produce a 21 pin Zimo version for their larger locos/multiple units but for the meantime I'm looking for the matching connector for the 36-567. Regards Nick Nick, The 36-567 Next18 decoder is definitely made by ZIMO. It's a straight re-brand of the ZIMO MX618N18. Top draw decoder for a bargain price. I hope to goodness that if Bachmann do use ZIMO 21 pin decoders that they move away from the obsolete 21MTC connector and adopt the much more function-friendly PluX22 format. Anyway, to your request. I've not seen any Next18 adapters in the UK yet, but here's a link to what you should be looking at: (the large, gross, size has all function outputs available - Anschlussadapter Next18 (groß)) http://doehler-haass.de/cms/pages/produkte/soundsystem/anschlussadapter.php Kind regards, Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted August 27, 2016 Author Share Posted August 27, 2016 Nick, The 36-567 Next18 decoder is definitely made by ZIMO. It's a straight re-brand of the ZIMO MX618N18. Top draw decoder for a bargain price. I hope to goodness that if Bachmann do use ZIMO 21 pin decoders that they move away from the obsolete 21MTC connector and adopt the much more function-friendly PluX22 format. Anyway, to your request. I've not seen any Next18 adapters in the UK yet, but here's a link to what you should be looking at: (the large, gross, size has all function outputs available - Anschlussadapter Next18 (groß)) http://doehler-haass.de/cms/pages/produkte/soundsystem/anschlussadapter.php Kind regards, Paul I'm afraid there's very little known about these connectors. The Next18 interface is a development of "RailCommunity", a group of (independent) DCC manufacturers. Their standard for Next 18 is here. (note: in German!) The source for the actual connectors is, according to said standard, a company "Coratec" (also in Germany). Sadly, the website for this outlet is "incomplete" to say the least As a matter of fact, I've been looking in to these connectors too, earlier this year. I came to the conclusion that the pins are inadequate for any real use (for instance the track power is connected to 2 pins each!) so if I come across this interface I'd hard-wire a decoder to the loco instead. Use a very fine tip on the soldering iron, properly light the work space and employ magnifiers if you need them (and also when you don't ) Thanks to your help I've found a stockist albeit in Germany - Conrad.de. The Conrad description is Coratec Next18-Schnittstellenbuchse SMD NEXT18-Buchse Degson 1 St. The Morop description is Coratech CT0519S. Conradelectronics.co.uk only have the plug (as fitted to the decoder). I have thought subsequently about hard wiring the decoder but for exhibition use it would be handy to be able to swap a decoder over for a Bachmann straight out of the box (maybe even just bought in an emergency from a show trader (although I haven't had to do this so far). The 0.5 Amp limit quoted for the connector seems to contradict the continuous motor current rating of some Next18 decoders. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butler Henderson Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 (edited) I came to the conclusion that the pins are inadequate for any real use (for instance the track power is connected to 2 pins each!) - Why? Instead of having 2 pins unused and using them for track power does not necessary imply the pins are inadequate. Could quite easily be a case that by having duplicated power inputs makes the circuity inside the decoder simpler / achievable. Connections between the decoder and the socket are Track right 1 18 Track Right Motor+ 2 17 F0 r AUX1 3 16 AUX5 AUX3 4 15 U+ GND 5 14 GND U+ 6 13 AUX4 AUX6 7 12 AUX2 F0 f 8 11 Motor- Track Left 9 10 Track Left Edited August 27, 2016 by Butler Henderson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 22, 2017 Author Share Posted October 22, 2017 Hi, Good news - conrad-electronic.co.uk now appear to have the matching socket for Next 18 DCC decoders. Its a surface mount socket but the pins stick out horizontally rather than having contacts only on the underside so carefully soldering using DIY surface mount techniques may work. Description: Total number of pins 18 Degson CT0519S-10-2x09P Contact spacing: 0.50 mm 1 pc(s) Anyway they are £1.19 incl vat but the postage is £6.99 for orders under £199. I've ordered 19 for evaluation. I like the Zimo DCC decoders including their function output features and would like to use their less expensive >4 function decoders in modified RTR and in kit built multiple units. I've been thinking about using one of the Chinese small quantity PCB facilities and I've been wondering what design of PCB to send them - maybe a Next 18 to PCB pad design is a good test design. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 It is puzzling as to why Zimo want to promote Next-18 over PluX by selling the Next-18 decoders cheaper than comparable PluX decoders with a similar sized connector like the MX630p16 for example. Perhaps we will see another price drop. A board with a PluX-16 socket might be more useful long term since it can be used with MX600p12 for 4-functions or MX630p16 with 6-functions (+2 logic functions). The Next-18 sits half way between with 4 functions + 2 logic functions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 22, 2017 Author Share Posted October 22, 2017 It is puzzling as to why Zimo want to promote Next-18 over PluX by selling the Next-18 decoders cheaper than comparable PluX decoders with a similar sized connector like the MX630p16 for example. Perhaps we will see another price drop. A board with a PluX-16 socket might be more useful long term since it can be used with MX600p12 for 4-functions or MX630p16 with 6-functions (+2 logic functions). The Next-18 sits half way between with 4 functions + 2 logic functions. Hi, I didn't know about the MX600P12 and its low price. Does any one know where a UK based amateur can get the mating PCB connectors for the PluX-12?. Having heard about the MX600P12 I will be thinking if I can squeeze all my lighting, 3rd rail sparks effects and DCC uncoupler requirements down to four ON/OFF function outputs. When I mentioned Zimo previously I forgot to mention the Bachmann 36-567 Next-18 Loco decoder believed to be made by Zimo: 0.7A Motor, Four functions + 4 Logic functions. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 I think this is the PluX-12 socket:- http://uk.farnell.com/samtec/clp-106-02-f-d/connector-rcpt-12pos-2row-1-27mm/dp/2779401 And this one I think is the Plux-16 (which a 12-pin can plug in to as well):- http://uk.farnell.com/samtec/clp-108-02-l-d/connector-rcpt-16pos-2row-1-27mm/dp/2779403 I am sure there must be a cheaper version if you search. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 I think this is the PluX-12 socket:- http://uk.farnell.com/samtec/clp-106-02-f-d/connector-rcpt-12pos-2row-1-27mm/dp/2779401 And this one I think is the Plux-16 (which a 12-pin can plug in to as well):- http://uk.farnell.com/samtec/clp-108-02-l-d/connector-rcpt-16pos-2row-1-27mm/dp/2779403 I am sure there must be a cheaper version if you search. Hi, Thanks for the info - the 16 pin connector seems very expensive - about the same price as a Raspberry Pi Zero computer. I may be looking on the Aliexpress website or similar for a cheaper version. Do you know if anyone in the UK stocks the MX600P12 - DCC Train Automation seem to have sold out and the usual suspects don't seem to list it. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hi, Thanks for the info - the 16 pin connector seems very expensive - about the same price as a Raspberry Pi Zero computer. I may be looking on the Aliexpress website or similar for a cheaper version. Do you know if anyone in the UK stocks the MX600P12 - DCC Train Automation seem to have sold out and the usual suspects don't seem to list it. Regards Nick Coastal appear to be showing stock:- http://www.coastaldcc.co.uk/products/zimo/all/ Those connectors should cost pennies, and I am sure they do when buying a reel of 5000, It is just a case of searching for what are industry standard 1.27mm pitch double row receptacles. I think that aliexpress should come up trumps if you don't mind waiting for them to come. They are available in either full height, or low profile so that the pins protrude through the back of the connector and through suitable holes in the PCB. You can buy longer ones and cut them up - that sometimes works to make things cheaper but not always. The big problem with surface mount components is that they are generally used in vast quantities and no one wants to stock just the odd few loose items. A really cheap source might be from old MTC-21 blanking plugs which use the same connector! The connectors can be unsoldered and used as is for a full PluX-22, or cut down to make PluX-16 or PluX-12. Suzie x Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 (edited) Dear All, Does anyone know what the connectors are that allow a PCB to connect to a Next 18 DCC mobile (loco) decoder and also can they be bought in the UK?. The background is that I bought a couple of Zimo MX600R decoders for evaluation and I found an extra function for smoke generation might be used to control the intensity of third rail sparks during standstill/deceleration, coasting and acceleration. Bachmann are now selling a decoder (with a Next 18 connector) that is believed to be made by Zimo. This 36-567 (RRP £21.95 ,discount >=£18.65) has 4 function outputs and four logic level outputs. The logic level output would allow more specialised functions and hopefully allow easier interfacing to custom circuitry. I hope that Bachmann having tried Soundtraxx after ESU might later produce a 21 pin Zimo version for their larger locos/multiple units but for the meantime I'm looking for the matching connector for the 36-567. Regards Nick Even lower price on the Bachmann Next 18 decoder from a retailer on the Isle of Man £17.15 Edited October 23, 2017 by Stevelewis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Even lower price on the Bachmann Next 18 decoder from a retailer on the Isle of Man £17.15 Hi, Is that Trackshack?. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hi, Two Bachmann 36-567 Next18 DCC decoders arrived from Rails of Sheffield. The decoders are impressively small and consequently the connector is frighteningly small. I'm glad I've ordered lots of mating connectors to practise soldering. I've got the kit for making single sided PCBs at home but this will be my first time making and soldering to 0.25mm wide pads. Fortunately the socket suppliers provide a link to the connector datasheet so I can draw the artwork for the PCB design library of my choice if necessary. I'm going to order some thinner solder (I use 0.7mm for fine through hole PCBs). I've got an Optivisor with light and a circularly lit magnifier as backup. I will use my 1mm soldering iron tip and have the solder wick handy. I've ordered the ESU decoder tester that has a Next18 connector so I should be able to evaluate most or all of the 36-567 decoders functions. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John ks Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 On 28/08/2016 at 00:07, Butler Henderson said: Why? Instead of having 2 pins unused and using them for track power does not necessary imply the pins are inadequate. Could quite easily be a case that by having duplicated power inputs makes the circuity inside the decoder simpler / achievable. Connections between the decoder and the socket are Track right 1 18 Track Right Motor+ 2 17 F0 r AUX1 3 16 AUX5 AUX3 4 15 U+ GND 5 14 GND U+ 6 13 AUX4 AUX6 7 12 AUX2 F0 f 8 11 Motor- Track Left 9 10 Track Left I suspect that these sockets are arranged like this so that if the plug is inserted the wrong way around then the decoder wont be damaged John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 If that were the case only U+ and GND would need to be duplicated and not the track left and track right. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted March 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 5, 2020 (edited) On 22/10/2017 at 13:45, NIK said: I've been thinking about using one of the Chinese small quantity PCB facilities and I've been wondering what design of PCB to send them - maybe a Next 18 to PCB pad design is a good test design. I can recommend jlcpcb.com, just got 5 first off prototype PCBs from them, good quality, very cheap, online progress tracking of production etc etc. They accept Gerber files zipped up. I used DesignSpark from RS components to do the design 🙂 Edited July 12, 2022 by RedgateModels Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauliebanger Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Since this thread has been revived, it may be of interest to some that Next18 adapters of their own design are available from Digitrains. These have relatively large solder pads are on the underside of the adapter for convenience and are the same width as ZIMO MX658N18 and MX659N18 decoders so will fit in any space that these decoders could occupy. (That's a tiny 9.5mm). There is a solder pad for every pin, too, including SUSI and Stay Alive cap connections. Will fit the Heljan 'L&B' 009 locos allowing stay alive and sound to be fitted, so will be useful for many other 'small space' models. Best regards, Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted March 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 5, 2020 12 minutes ago, pauliebanger said: Since this thread has been revived, it may be of interest to some that Next18 adapters of their own design are available from Digitrains. These have relatively large solder pads are on the underside of the adapter for convenience and are the same width as ZIMO MX658N18 and MX659N18 decoders so will fit in any space that these decoders could occupy. (That's a tiny 9.5mm). There is a solder pad for every pin, too, including SUSI and Stay Alive cap connections. Will fit the Heljan 'L&B' 009 locos allowing stay alive and sound to be fitted, so will be useful for many other 'small space' models. Best regards, Paul Good news Paul, although I can't find them on their website? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 21 minutes ago, pauliebanger said: Since this thread has been revived, it may be of interest to some that Next18 adapters of their own design are available from Digitrains. These have relatively large solder pads are on the underside of the adapter for convenience and are the same width as ZIMO MX658N18 and MX659N18 decoders so will fit in any space that these decoders could occupy. (That's a tiny 9.5mm). There is a solder pad for every pin, too, including SUSI and Stay Alive cap connections. Will fit the Heljan 'L&B' 009 locos allowing stay alive and sound to be fitted, so will be useful for many other 'small space' models. Best regards, Paul Hi, Very useful information. Any idea where on Digitrains website they are located - I can't find them. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokebox Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 https://www.digitrains.co.uk/next-18-adaptor-board.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 2 minutes ago, smokebox said: https://www.digitrains.co.uk/next-18-adaptor-board.html Hi, Many thanks, a diddy board indeed. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIK Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 Hi, It looks like its made by Liasdcc. Regards Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium JimFin Posted March 5, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 5, 2020 1 hour ago, NIK said: It looks like its made by Liasdcc. It is - https://cm3models.co.uk/laisdcc-next-18-nem662-to-18-wire-adaptor-board-part-no860031-1849-p.asp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauliebanger Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 (edited) NIK Yes that's correct. I specified it, (for the Heljan 009) Digitrains commissioned it and Lais have produced it. Exclusive to Digitrains for now. Best regards Paul Edited March 5, 2020 by pauliebanger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauliebanger Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 (edited) JimFin No, that's different. That one is LaisDCC's own flawed design. It extends beyond the footprint of the decoder, wasting the advantage of ZIMO's tiny decoder, and some pins don't have solder pads. That's why I designed the version I mentioned. I'll find the correct link and post later. Paul Edited March 5, 2020 by pauliebanger Clarification of obsolete version Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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