DCC differences/benefits

[GMD]

Evening all

Could anyone explain the benefits/drawbacks of the various dcc socket options? What does a Next18 offer than a 21pin does not? Or vice versa?

Also, what is the point of fitting a 21pin decoder to a plain loco with hardly any extra features such as one devoid of lighting, fan motors, firebox flicker etc?

Hope that makes sense, and thanks in anticipation!

GMD

[SteveM6]

The reason some locos are fitted with Next18 decoders will primarily be size - you won’t fit a 21 or 8 pin in a TT loco and still have space for a speaker for example.

Hornby are moving away from the basic 8 pin format as many of their forthcoming locos require additional functionality from the decoder for lights, sound, steam etc hence the move to 21 pin. It then makes sense to standardise on one particular format across the range so that economies of scale can be achieved by larger orders of one type and standardised fitting platforms in the locos themselves.