The future of digital sound.

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Introducing Nexus

Nexus from Ellis Clark Trains is the groundbreaking decoder that brings dual-channel digital sound to model railways for the first time.

Trains are many things. Nostalgia, romance, adventure…a journey. But most of all, trains are the sounds they make: A song of air, steam and metal formed within the many parts of their living, breathing bodies. 

While conventional sound decoders can reproduce multiple sounds simultaneously, they do this using a single channel. So the speakers within a model – however many there are – play the same sounds at the same time. This is known as mono sound and is where the illusion of reality starts to fade.

Nexus

Nexus DCC Decoder

Rewriting the digital soundscape

But what if, just like the real thing, you could recreate a constantly changing symphony, with sounds coming from the appropriate part of your model – immersing you in a true stereo experience?

Nexus dual-channel decoders bring you not only a more realistic audio experience but also greater clarity of individual sounds. When played through a single channel, sounds of different frequencies – whistles and chuffs, for example – compete with each other, reducing their impact. With two channels, played through at least two speakers, sounds are unleashed to their full potential – from piercing highs to resonant depths. And for ultimate authenticity, Nexus enables customisable fading of sounds between each channel.
Dual Channel Digital Decoder for Model Trains

Twin channels for all

Nexus will sit at the heart of our sound-equipped engines but will also be available separately to manufacturers – and, later, to individual modellers. We aim to make captivating stereo sound accessible to as many enthusiasts as possible.

Nexus decoders are compatible with all modern digital control systems, and alongside stunning audio they provide for enhanced lighting features and motor control. Two versions will initially be available: ‘Medium’, for use in larger OO Gauge and most O Gauge models; and ‘Small’, for smaller OO and TT Gauge products. 
Authentic Sound Decoder for Model Railways

Why us, and why now?

Innovation is one of our core values at Ellis Clark Trains. Today’s models are designed and built to the highest standards of detail and performance. But we want them to sound as authentic as possible – and we know you do, too. Our design team includes some of the best minds in the world of digital control. So, partnered with industry-leading electronics suppliers, it made sense to put them to work inventing the next generation of digital sound systems.

Nexus technical specifications

And so to the science. Nexus features two notable ‘firsts’ in the world of digital sound decoders. 256 Mbit storage provides double the memory of current decoders and up to 12 minutes of detailed audio at 16bit 44kHz quality; and an additional socket allows you to connect an extra speaker and a USB cable for programming and software updates. This is especially useful, as it enables sound files to be uploaded directly to Nexus, with no additional hardware needed.

Nexus 4518 ‘Medium’ Decoder

Dimensions 45mm x 18mm
Operating mode DC & DCC
Sound memory 256 Mbit
Continuous motor current 2A
Peak current 3.5A
Normal function outputs 8 (200mA per output)
Logic level outputs 4
Servo outputs 2
Stay-alive support Onboard charging circuit for 2-4 supercapacitors (adjustable via CV)
Low voltage outputs 2 (5V/9V)
Switch inputs 2
Audio channel outputs 2 (4-16ohm per channel)
Audio power 2 x 5W for 10W total via multiple speakers

Nexus 2112 ‘Small’ Decoder

Dimensions 21mm x 12mm
Operating mode DC & DCC
Sound memory 256 Mbit
Continuous motor current 0.8A
Peak current 1.5A
Normal function outputs 4 (120mA per output)
Logic level outputs 2
Stay-alive support Yes, via external charging circuit
Audio channel outputs 2 (4-16ohm per channel)
Audio power 2 x 3W for 6W total via multiple speakers

Nexus 4518 ‘Medium’ Decoder

Dimensions 45mm x 18mm
Operating mode DC & DCC
Sound memory 256 Mbit
Continuous motor current 2A
Peak current 3.5A
Normal function outputs 8 (200mA per output)
Logic level outputs 4
Servo outputs 2
Stay-alive support Onboard charging circuit for 2-4 supercapacitors (adjustable via CV)
Low voltage outputs 2 (5V/9V)
Switch inputs 2
Audio channel outputs 2 (4-16ohm per channel)
Audio power 2 x 5W for 10W total via multiple speakers

Nexus 2112 ‘Small’ Decoder

Dimensions 21mm x 12mm
Operating mode DC & DCC
Sound memory 256 Mbit
Continuous motor current 0.8A
Peak current 1.5A
Normal function outputs 4 (120mA per output)
Logic level outputs 2
Stay-alive support Yes, via external charging circuit
Audio channel outputs 2 (4-16ohm per channel)
Audio power 2 x 3W for 6W total via multiple speakers

A new beginning

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Nexus Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Nexus?

Nexus is a DCC sound decoder. Unlike current decoders, Nexus produces independent dual-channel sound (via the model’s speakers), using specially coded sound files. This creates an immersive ‘spatial’ listening experience – as in the real world – where sounds appear to originate from more than one point. Nexus also enables enhanced lighting features and motor control. 
Who designed it?

We’ve partnered with an award-winning UK electronics consultancy to work with our own experts in designing and testing Nexus hardware to our demanding specifications. Nexus decoders will be manufactured in the UK.
What type of control system does Nexus require?

Nexus is compatible with all modern DCC systems.
Which of our models will feature Nexus DCC sound?

Nexus will be fitted to all planned DCC sound-equipped models produced by Ellis Clark Trains and Clark Railworks, beginning with our OO Gauge WD Austerity 2-10-0s and closely followed by our O and OO Gauge Pugs. 
When will it be available?

Nexus will debut in sound-fitted versions of our OO Gauge WD Austerity 2-10-0 engines, available autumn 2026. Nexus decoders will be available to manufacturers from spring 2027 (Medium) and summer/autumn 2027 (Small). 
How much will Nexus cost?

Nexus-fitted WD Austerity 2-10-0s will retail at £415, as will O Gauge Pugs. OO Gauge Pugs with Nexus on board will be £260.
How can Nexus decoders be programmed?

A free Graphical User Interface (GUI) will be available to manufacturers from mid-2027. Our digital team will provide support, advice and ‘how to’ guides with any order. 
Will Nexus fit into TT Gauge models?

Yes, the Nexus Small decoder is designed for smaller OO Gauge models as well as most tender (and diesel) engines in TT:120 scale.
What are your future plans for Nexus?

We’ve made a significant financial investment in Nexus, which has been in development for over three years. We believe Nexus represents the future for digital sound-fitted models and are fully committed to its production and expansion. We aim to introduce further Nexus products and to continue to enhance the capabilities of the range.

Contact

To begin your Nexus journey, give us a call, or drop us a line. We’d love to discuss your needs in detail and welcome you aboard the future of digital sound!

Request more information

Phone 01756 701451
Email info@ellisclarktrains.com
Address Unit 2 Toller Court Shortbank Road Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 2HG