{"product_id":"ntz15-decoder-buddy-n18-no-capacitors-1k-resistors-new-copy","title":"NTZ16 Decoder Buddy N18+ | NO Capacitors - 1K Resistors | New!","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlso available in our store: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNTZ13 - N18 \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNTZ14 - N18+ with 0.15F caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNTZ15 - N18+ with 0.5F caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDecoder Buddy N18 \u0026amp; N18+ information from NixTrainz: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eInformation below applies to all four versions, the title is what version you are buying.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Decoder Buddy N18  \u0026amp; 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext 18 decoders are not as powerful as the 21-pin decoders.  So be mindful of the stall current of the locomotive’s motor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Decoder Buddy N18 and the Decoder Buddy N18+ are also very applicable to those applications requiring headlights and a few other lighting functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis motherboard does not include a Next 18 Decoder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese motherboards require soldering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe N18 printed circuit boards are NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A DC SYSTEM.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe motherboard includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne Next 18 Decoder receptacle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo pairs of track input pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of motor output pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe N18 has one set of stay alive pads for 2 wire applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eALL manufacturer’s decoders including ESU can use NixTrainz 2-wire Power Bridge III stay alives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-wire stay alives may also be soldered directly to an ESU decoder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 lighting outputs with onboard resistors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe correct headlight orientation is shown on the N18 \u0026amp; N18+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne pair of speaker pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnboard resistors are for use with LED lighting only. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eN18 vs N18+ Discussion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePower 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll six outputs on the Next 18 decoder are made to be lighting outputs with a N18 or N18+ Decoder Buddy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDecoder Buddy N18 \u0026amp; N18+ Sizes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN18 Length x Width x Height\u003cbr\u003e1.412”  x  0.525”   x   0.018”\u003cbr\u003e35.86 mm x 13.335 mm x 4.572 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN18+ Length x Width x Height\u003cbr\u003e1.611”  x  0.525”   x   0.018”\u003cbr\u003e40.92 mm x 13.335 mm x 4.572 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight may vary slightly depending on decoder.\u003cbr\u003eMeasured height is is with a decoder mounted on the board\u003cbr\u003eThe capacitors on the N18+ are remotely mounted\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NixTrainz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60900255367454,"sku":"NTZ16","price":20.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/8069\/9166\/files\/15.png?v=1794095490","url":"https:\/\/www.modelrrsupply.com\/products\/ntz15-decoder-buddy-n18-no-capacitors-1k-resistors-new-copy","provider":"Mountain Subdivision Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}