Hornby 2023 - Bluetooth decoders and control system

[Bob83a]

Hornby have the Next-18 TXS decoders discounted at 49.99 and Rails have them at 39.50

 

Possibly not selling well, so does size matter.

[ColinB]

4 minutes ago, Bob83a said:

Hornby have the Next-18 TXS decoders discounted at 49.99 and Rails have them at 39.50

 

Possibly not selling well, so does size matter.

Yes it does, they are too big to fit any other models.

[HExpressD]

2 minutes ago, ColinB said:

Yes it does, they are too big to fit any other models.

Not quite correct. They don't fit in some Next18 fitted models but do fit in a majority even though the first version ones are larger than the NEM Next18 specification 

[ColinB]

13 minutes ago, HExpressD said:

Not quite correct. They don't fit in some Next18 fitted models but do fit in a majority even though the first version ones are larger than the NEM Next18 specification 

Well definitely not in most of mine, but yes if it is a Hornby it fits. There must be an issue for there to be such a huge discount, they are not discounting the others by such a large amount. Of course if you get the Dremel out, everything fits.

[Bob83a]

It could be that they are making room for a new version with a reduction in size but not in RRP.

[ColinB]

5 minutes ago, Bob83a said:

It could be that they are making room for a new version with a reduction in size but not in RRP.

That is a good point, you may well be right. There again I gather the present size fits all the Hornby TT120 models which is what they developed it for. I know I looked at it for my Pacer but the space was too small, but then that is an EFE/Bachmann model. Trouble is for non Hornby modern image, they are limited on their lighting functions.

[JSpencer]

Locomotion is supposedly designed with a next18 TXS sound decoder in mind. My bet is that this will be in the tender, chip with speaker.

 

However will Locomotion be able to take the existing next18 TXS sound decoder?

 

Anyway, I've ordered a couple at these reduced prices to see what potential locos in my fleet can take them. And in the worst case, a 21pin to next18 convertor can be used.

In general, I actually like Next18 decoders, especially on small locos. Equally I've not really seen any advantage is switching from 21pin to Plux22. I'd much rather newer models needing bigger decoders just stay with 21pin allowing me the choice of using a new chip or reusing an old one.

(I get that I can use Plux16 etc - which I also don't have - within a Plux22 holder, but this all seems like an afterthought over the standard 21 pin chip that is now so well established within most peoples fleets). 

[ColinB]

34 minutes ago, JSpencer said:

Locomotion is supposedly designed with a next18 TXS sound decoder in mind. My bet is that this will be in the tender, chip with speaker.

 

However will Locomotion be able to take the existing next18 TXS sound decoder?

 

Anyway, I've ordered a couple at these reduced prices to see what potential locos in my fleet can take them. And in the worst case, a 21pin to next18 convertor can be used.

In general, I actually like Next18 decoders, especially on small locos. Equally I've not really seen any advantage is switching from 21pin to Plux22. I'd much rather newer models needing bigger decoders just stay with 21pin allowing me the choice of using a new chip or reusing an old one.

(I get that I can use Plux16 etc - which I also don't have - within a Plux22 holder, but this all seems like an afterthought over the standard 21 pin chip that is now so well established within most peoples fleets). 

Yes I have wondered about that Plux22, I bought my first loco with it in. I am waiting for someone to tell me its advantages over 21 pin.