Can Hornby's HM7000 solution address my frustrations with existing DCC sound and control operation? 

It's a breath of fresh air...I am from an IT background and its painfully obvious DCC is pretty stagnant. A mobile phone is way more powerful than any other controller out there so why not use it ? All DCc controlers bar none look like they where designed 20 years ago or more, so we'll done Hornby...let's hope it works well and as expected. My only fear is Bluetooth can be a little troublesome , so let's hope the pairing/reconnection/maintaing a connection is all sorted and works well. 🤞. I run a Hornby select, so the Bluetooth dongle to allow HM7000 app to control all existing dcc trains (inc any NRMA compliant decoder !!) via a mobile is a no brainer..and based on reviews I'll try a decoder also...Great stuff..

Hi, I agree 100% ! I use the NCE Power Cab for almost a decade and recently added a Wifi Control unit that gives me walk around capability with a smartphone using the 'Engine driver' App. Most of my, mainly Steam locomotive fleet is TTS equipped. Sound decoders + 110£ are out of the question. They simply are not worth it. When running a train I only use the steam sound, the whistles, the brake and light function if provided in the engine. All other sounds are just gadgets one rarely uses but pay a high price. One remark that stands out on US-forums is the use of a proper throttle and not a smartphone. That is always linked to expensive DCC-stations and even the new LCC system will not simplify the DCC use in general. (See TCS ). Blunami by Soundtraxx has already gone the same way Hornby is taking now. But with Hornby it is to applaud that the decoders are loadable from a free library and half price of the 'tsunami reworked to Blunami' by Soundtraxx. It is yet to discover all the details of the new Hornby decoders. The possibility of combining the two systems on a layout is a great feature and for newcomers the entry into 'quality' train control is a no brainer. I'm looking forward to discover the App and TSX-decoders. Thanks for sharing.

The HM7000 might just be my ticket into digital. I will have to see how simple the conversion is - I have a simple layout, but I use Atlas track which has a feeder track with the wires already attached.

I am a huge DCC user, as this was one of the things which gained my interest back into the hobby. I used to use Railmaster but despised it with all its ongoing issues (such as decreasing the loco speed itself, mouse pointer getting stuck on the speed slider and not being able to click off of it - this was repeated on multiple laptops new and old, different manufacturers etc) and config changes that were needed to get it running correctly (I work in IT and have enough of having to diagnose and repair issues during the day, when it's my leisure time I just want things to work). That paired with a lack of development (the software looks very aged) and a severe lack of viewing scope of CVV's outside of what Hornby think you should have had, I swapped it out. Having said all of that however it was a good starter and introduction to DCC for the price. And it had one feature I loved - the ability to read CVV's and give you their current setting - none of this 'can you set the loco back to address 3 so I can use it' - just stick it on the programming track and read (and change if neccessary) the setting. Due to the issues and loves outlined above, there was only one main option for me to change it to and that was the Roco Z21 along with an ipad which has one of the most controllable touch screens going. Not to mention the far sleeker rail mapping and point and signal control that this gives you - I'd never have trusted Railmaster with loco control and the control of that too! With this new system from Hornby, I think it is a game charger and we will potentially see other manufacturers jumping on a similar idea. My hopes are that they put in the money and development it deserves (maybe this will happen given the introduction of the TT 120 which can use it too) and that it is as good as they are making it out to be. Personally I think I will give it a go as I really love gadgetry and the idea of programming sounds as easily as they have shown, and I also believe the third track / sound will make a huge difference also. I wouldn't rush to purchase it though - I think a year or so after it's launch would be the sensible option to allow most of its issues / bugs to be smoothed out.

We can only go forward thankyou for the video

z21 is a great dcc system very modern control centre it works from wifi or a hand control system. its made by roco. it works with everything really. it works with all locos old and new easy to use.

something you've not touched upon with the HM7000 decoders is the way it uses bluetooth to run dc locos on DCC control. Taking this to a whole new level a few modellers including myself have been experimenting with battery powered locos and dumping the traditional power supply and track power. With the HM7000 you can easily replace the traditional transformer based power system with an inboard battery and run the loco directly from a tablet or phone on DC or DCC and not have to worry about tedious track cleaning or reversing loop devices, or even the need for a programming track as the HM7000 can program the loco on the fly. Is this the future of DCC control, well at an average of £65 for a user programmable sound decoder, it's the future for me.

I am extremely interested in hm7000 mainly because I am a digital neanderthal. I like the idea of it as it seems extremely simple for train control as I have a small layout and only want it to control my locomotives then I think it would be ideal. The price is also really good no need for expensive controller etc. It would also be excellent for those just starting in the hobby. All in all I think it's a winner from Hornby.

Bluetooth has been the obvious solution for years, so credit to Hornby for finally taking it! I've been running my garden railway with battery power in the locos and radio control from Peter Spoerer. These radio units aren't that reliable, so a proven standard like Bluetooth is appealing, especially as those dreadful clunky DCC control systems can be done away with. If Hornby adds batteries for loco power, zero layout wiring, massively improved slow running, no track cleaning, and cheap control will become the norm. Kudos to Hornby. With HM7000 and TT120 they're on the innovation trail at the moment. Great to see.

I'm not a sound for locomotives modeler but I am going to DCC, I have a Z21 system. I agree with you on the technology but manufacturers might think everyone is happy with the status quo so why rock the boat 🚢😉. I think Hornby might have a ticket to future modeling.

Another fantastic informative video thanks

Reason I’ve stuck with DC……nobody seems to do in depth DCC start up n a mean an in depth review on DCC most RU-vidrs just show how to connect to the loco it’s self so till someone does an in depth review I’ll stay with DC, will admit you seem to go in depth with alot of your reviews in which i think more RU-vidrs should also do but don’t seem to ohh well keep up the great work

I have a few Hornby Locos with sound on order! It will be interesting to see if the new decoders are all that we are hoping for! I have too many sound Locos to change all of them. As I understand it to take advantage of the new innovations of HM 7000, then I will have to replace all my existing decoders.

If this functions as they say it will, it’s literally the perfect solution for me. I run DCC and sound although due to price, most of mine are only TTS decoders which have been increasingly difficult to find. Also, my DCC controller is in the form of a Bachmann EZ command which is extremely basic, allowing control for only 9 locos and access to the first 9 functions of any decoder. This system solves a lot of problems for me. If it is only taking power from the track then potentially other power sources could be looked at in the future such as an on board battery. I can see somebody else mentioned playtrains in the comments and I totally agree, if there was something more advanced where my track could be dead and use RC then I’d be totally up for that. The other thing I’d like to see is the option for a user to load their own sounds on to the decoder. Hornby have a nice selection of sounds there but it is still fairly limited. My concern is that either each loco would have to be limited to connecting to only one phone/tablet at a time which causes issues when running an exhibition layout, or you would potentially risk a spectator hijacking your layout.

I have a DR5000 unit which I link to the Z21 app on an iPad for point/route control and an iPhone for loco control. My grandkids control locos on the iPhone no problem. Give them a hand-held ‘dial’ based controller and they’re lost. Remote control Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on smart devices is the future, and I think Hornby are grasping it. BTW: I think they’ve got it right about TT120 as well, but I seriously dislike them cutting out the retailers.

Useful thoughts Euvi. I am generally optimistic that this is a step (and a big step) in the right direction. They seem to have covered most of the more common use-cases and the system appears quite well thought out. Re the bluetooth, I did try out the HM6000 and HM6010 system a few years ago. They have developed a ‘direct-to-device’ connection for older hardware (phones, tablets) and a mesh system for newer ones. Found it very robust and the connection proved stable. I’m assuming they have used and learned from that for the dcc version. Cost is the major improvement here, with it being easy to get sound now at a low cost and without a dcc base station at all. I too am watching this space. Great to see some innovation at last in this space.

I am really intrigued by this announcement. I've recently returned to the hobby and have a reasonable number of licis ready for my new layout. I am at the stage of planning the layout after just finishing the base board (a modest 11x4 foot space). I have not yet fitted any DCC chips or purchased my controller as I was waiting until the track plan was set - as I am at the stage of deciding on what decoder to go with, I feel I will hold off for a few months and start with hm7000 using power from my existing analogue/hm6000 controller. Hopefully performance will be fine on my modest space and there will be no need for an expensive controller. Really excited to see what comes of this. *Just to mirror your point in the video on technical development - when returning to the hobby at age 37 (not modelled since i was a child), I was surprised at how old and cumbersome the current setup was. This seems like a much overdue move in the right direction.

It's the only DCC system that's caught my attention and like you said, if it's able to work with other manufacturers, then I'll be like you, ticking the pay now button.

I do sorta wonder if they quite get how much people like to be on their phones or have them available for other things while running stuff. We will have to see how that clash plays out for people and what the app can do to mitigate it getting annoying. Naturally you could just run the layout on a cheap second device but I can see it getting it some flack if they haven't set everything up to enable the trains to keep running if the app is put to one side to take a phone call or answer a message. Simple things like this can cause frustration to some.

My layout is currently analogue only. When Hornby announced the HM7000, it certainly gained my interest. I am definitely interested in this control system, but, I am going to be cautious and wait before taking the plunge. Mainly so any teething troubles get ironed out first.

Even though most of my over three hundred locos have sound, I am very interested in Hornby’s announced system

Definitely interested and will be watching closely over next 12 months and will take up if positive responses from people like yourself. I used to use Hornby railmaster - but couldnt get it to work with Microsoft Surface Pro and windows 10 and no longer have old enough tech to use it. So have switched to Gaugemaster Prodigy which works well enough but as you said lacks all the bells and whistles Railmaster could do.

I have been a DCC user since 1997. I model American HO, HOn30 and Irish OO. My loco fleet isn't big so the £120 cost for a sound decoder isn't much of an issue, but yes I agree, If the cost was more like £70 a lot more people might join us. Over the years I have used Digitrax, NCE, Lenz and Uhlenbrok . Out of all of them the Digitrax does what I want . I would be interested in the Hornby unless it's going to be laptop based, then no, as I want something that does the job but can be out of the way.

Great video, I am very interested in this new HM7000, I would love to equip some of my locos with sound but cannot justify the price. I look forward to seeing your next video on this product.

Thank you Eugene. This is an interesting new development from Hornby, one to keep an eye and ear on. As you may be aware I've always been an outspoken critic of the cost of DCC sound decoders. If Hornby, who are not known for their cheap prices, can do, until recently that is, a sound decoder for around £35 then why the hell are the others charging around £120? The actual blank decoders cost only pennies to make, not pounds, pennies! The basic sound chips are so cheap they're put in throw-away greetings cards for heaven's sake! It's simply supply and demand and controlling the market by it being a specialised product with very few suppliers.The hobby has seen inflation at silly rates for years now, well before the economy collapsed more recently and DCC is just another example of the industry rinsing its hobbyists; probably because of demographics and the older age group of the average railway enthusiast who usually has more disposable income. As for Bluetooth phone control, all I can say is that I have apps for video cameras, such as my GoPro Sessions 5 and it is usually troublesome and leaves an awful lot to be desired! If Hornby get this right it could take off. Regards Julian.

Interesting development Hornby, sound & Digi decoders seem fair price at £60 - £70 and as there's some cross over with other manuf with same Locos sharing sound file could be good option to go for an DCC Ready Loco and Plonk in a Hornby Blue Tooth Sound Decoder. Class 50 / 66 from Acc/Scale could be a candidate.

Great video, agree with you on the cost of current DCC systems, frankly extortionate and old technology. HM7000 has great potential, time will tell, I will pre-order some of the chips to see how good they are.

I also see that there is likely to be a charge to cover the Bluetooth infrastructure at Hornby. Bluetooth is not free and a subscription will probably need to become the norm to cover this cost at Hornby

Its refreshing to see that Hornby are developing their sound capability and thinking ahead. I think I still prefer a dedicated controller rather than having to use the phone. Might mean you can't answer it when playing trains!! 😄 Real +ve is to sound files for the class 800 and 91 and 73 and down loadable sound files yes, much more usable. Does anyone know if the App is actually launched yet?

If you are getting problems with the DCC which makes the trains run a bit iffy. If you are, are you using a Hornby track connector. That has components at track level which affect the transmission to the track.

I am very keen on this new Bluetooth system. I am delaying any orders until I have seen and heard the system running on someone's own layout. Martin. (Thailand)

I use Digitrax with esu decoders, no trouble in 12 years.

This is interesting, and I would like to see reviews in due course. Currently, I don't use DCC. Using Bluetooth for control instead of a signal overlaid on the power supply seems a good idea that might reduce problems with track to loco contact. Most importantly for me would be whether or not the decoders fit easily into OO Terriers and other small tank locomotives.

I think it's clear that this is an entry level low cost DCC alternative, I don't see heavily invested DCC modellers converting. That said with the availability of the dongle it will come down to the functionality of the HM|DCC app. Far more interesting to me is the price point of the sound fitted chips and the free sound files and the ability to change the sound file via Bluetooth, they also mentioned that each profile will have CV settings for the running characteristics for that class I believe. This alone (as long as the chips perform reasonably) is worth it! Ultimately using Bluetooth to control a train is welcome but how easy it is to pair, will it stay paired after a system restart and how responsive are the controls are all unknown but I'm choosing to be optimistic and looking forward to giving it a try.

Thank you for this well presented and thought provoking video. I too am very interested in these new products from Hornby. Hopefully it will be a gamechanger in that you can download free sound files onto blank decoders and presumably change them to another sound for a different loco should you wish. The deciding factor for me would be could I use it with my existing NCE Powercab which controls my existing DCC fitted locos? I have approximately 80 locos/units (all diesel and electric), approximately 40 with ESU Loksound and Zimo and 40 with TTS. I think TTS were good especially when fitted with upgraded speakers. But getting good motor control was something of a challenge, requiring a lot of fine tuning of CVs. But I did get them all working well. If it wasn't for Hornby TTS I wouldn't have got my entire fleet sound fitted. So I applaud Hornby for this new innovation - fingers crossed it can be used with existing systems. And good motor control is so important too. Cheers. Vivian

The drawback with DCC is that you can only programme a loco by interrupting the power to the track. It is not possible to read CVs when the loco is running. Consequently there isn't any way for a loco to tell the command station where it is on the track. Whoever devised DCC must have thought about it. The silicon chips of that time would not have permitted a more complex system than the DCC that has been devised. I think there is a need for a "Zero 2" system as you indicate. Bluetooth does obviate the need to transmit instructions to the loco via the track circuit. But the drawback is the huge cost of the HM7000 decoder! Thanls for sharing your thoughts on this subject.

This is an absolute game changer, Ive always thought that DCC was an unnecessary complication and expense, but this makes sense. DC Power to the track and direct communication to the locomotive in a touch friendly format. Hornby seems to be leading the market again instead of playing catch-up. My only concern is whether they’ve learnt the lesson of Zero1. A proprietary game changing development that ultimately stagnated and got overtaken by a more developed international standard, leaving legacy users struggling to get decoders.

It's a very interesting idea from Hornby, I have one of their elite controllers and after a couple of years the control dials started to play up. Hornby refuse to do anything about it so I got a DR5000 to replace it. From what I've read, it would seem an elite can act as a translator from a HM7000 system to a standard dcc system. I might try the HM7000 as it may give a use to my elite, I might use it as a back up or just for programming as that is not a strong point of the DR5000. It will be very interesting to compare the two.

The more I read on what’s coming, the more I think it sounds right for me. I’ll be happier when they release the dongle and the app and I can test it myself.

Interesting! I await developments. I was a Hornby Railmaster user but finally became disillusioned with the flakey software so moved to Roco Z21 and associated phone app plus iTrain. It all works flawlessly but it won't stop me using the Hornby Bluetooth decoders and app as well as my Z21 should they prove to be good. The jury is out.

Thanks, Eugene, for echoing many of my own thoughts. Returning to the hobby in the last few years after four decades away, I’m still putting the layout together but have concentrated on buying locos and MUs first in case supply from China suddenly cuts off. I’ve quickly amassed a fleet of over 60 (many secondhand, inc two Hornby Dublo from my first layout) so was beginning to think I need to opt for DCC instead of analogue. I’ve delayed wiring the layout while pondering this decision. However, I have a Gaugemaster GMC-TS for three tracks so am wondering whether I can use HM7000 to run some DCC locos on one section while reserving the other sections for analogue, then upgrade more locos over time as funds permit. I might start with the Hornby 08 TXS R30301 when that’s released in Q4 and see how I get on.

The other question is how does this all fit in with their earlier DC Bluetooth set up? What about control of lights, point control and other things separate from the locomotive. Will that be via Bluetooth as well? How goes all this fit together? Is their a white paper or mags manual or website with a FAQ that we can read so we can map out what to do and either retrofit an existing layout or plan the wiring of a new one?

It will be interesting to see how reliable Bluetooth turns out to be in this application, given my experience with bluetooth on a keyboard or mouse. That said, in headphones it tends to be better. I also wonder whether Hornby will have any better luck at keeping these new hybrid bluetooth/DCC chips in stock than it did for its old TTS chips given world chip shortages. And ultimately unless you go Hornby only, you're going to be a running a mix of bluetooth and non-bluetooth controlled locomotives, only some of which will have the supposed advantages of direct control. I'd expect that Zimo and ESU will still be the best options if you want high quality sounds, but it should open up DCC sound to a wider market. I've an ESU controller, so programming ESU chips on the main track is nothing new - but the Hornby offering could be a better alternative to a lot of the US (or rebadged US) controllers which have been stuck in the past such as NCE, Digitrax and the Prodigy controllers. Personally I prefer having a physical speed dial to control my trains rather than having to look down at a phone screen (so the ESU mobile controller which is an android device with a speed dial attached is great), but I can see the attraction of phones in the sense that there is a lot more innovation in phone user interfaces compared to the DCC controller market. Although once again, Roco's Z21 controller already offers a lot of these benefits unless you are sold on bluetooth. The proof will be in the implementation - how smoothly bluetooth works, how available the chips are and how robust the software is.

I’ve just got into DCC and with it being very expensive for the 110 pound plus decoders I’m definitely interested in this new mid range from hornby I will be pre ordering a couple of these new sound decoders for some of my dcc ready locomotives, I have some tts sound locomotives and the sounds are ok not the best so looking forward to hearing what it sounds like or if any improvements are with the sugar cube speakers, I’ll will follow closely for future updates, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this

Great video, thanks. My initial thought on Bluetooth is how does one run two or more loco’s at the same time and quickly switch between them? Doesn’t Bluetooth need to pair up each time you connect with a delay in connecting/pairing or will the app and your phone allow multiple pairings at the same time? Just thinking of the rigmarole I go through every time I connect a peripheral to my phone/tablet/pc etc even if I’ve connected or paired the two device previously.

As much stick Hornby seem to get in the modelling world, you have to acknowledge they're the only ones who have tried to make DCC accessible from a cost perspective (albeit that doesn't seem true for their models) but also from ease of use controllers. While many say they're basic, sure, but how many 'features' do you need to have and use? Hopefully HM7000 bridges that gap by removing the hardware element for the controller and the decoders seem reasonably priced

Hi Eugene, thanks for this video, obviously there are currently more questions than answers. The system does, as it stands, however, deliver a number advantages if considered in its entirety; 9sec power bank which could simplify point and crossing wiring, power issues, UK based, focused on UK motive power prototypes, The overall cost reduction is far greater, as it can utilise your existing technology and hardware both personal and modelling control, for both integration or transition. It aims to resolve DCC power and command issues by having the track supply power only, with bluetooth delivering command. The range of decoders indicates cost consciousness. HM has been around since ZERO ONE, unfortunately ZERO ONE was to far ahead of it’s time, however HM7000 is perfectly timed, but are we ready. For me it could be perfect, I haven’t bought a control system since ZERO ONE, choosing to buy track, rolling stock and motive power instead, while waiting for the right system to be developed, RailMaster was close, eclipsed only by TrainController, which delivers what I need. The question is will HM7000 work with TrainController, without having to also buy a DCC Controller, namely the ECoS 50210 and system. Massively expensive when considering ~50 locomotives, points, signals and detection, not to mention sound. Looking forward to following your progress on this very exciting development. Best wishes

It’s interested and keeping an eye on this . I am an analogue user . I thought one of the major advantages of this might be that I could run an HM7000 Decoder sound equipped model on my otherwise analogue layout , simply by turning the controller to max dc output and then operating the loco via my phone . Bluetooth obviously connects the phone device directly to decoder without going through DCC controller and track . While this may still be possible by using a Hornby P9100 power supply , it appears that it may not be possible on existing analogue controllers because of PWM . So I will wait and see . Does seem a step ahead and certainly a lower cost entry to DCC . We do need a lot more detail though . Just exactly what are the parameters and what will it work with . It’s early days but too many questions remain.

Just starting in O and it looks very interesting to me. I am assuming that the decoders will manage with a small O shunter. It would be good if the Hornby BT extension to the NMRA standard could be open. Would also be good if the software could be interface with external (USB) devices as I am not keen on a touchscreen interface.

On the face of it, the Hornby HM7000 announcement for DCC control and sound is well over due. I believe DCC is being held back by the NMRA which is predominantly US orientated. For example, why are we stuck with a maximum 4 digit loco address when many UK loco id's can be 5 digits? Bluetooth offers benefits for DCC but, I suspect Hornby will make their version proprietry meaning it will only work with their equipment. I suspect their new HM7000 chips will have limited functionality and not feature things such as ABC braking and drive lock etc. I also suspect they will close the price gap with ESU \ Zimo etc as their product gets established.

I am an absolute beginner. Limited electronic skills. I can solder. Now the important question, has all the sections of track to be fitted with droppers and wired into a "Bus wire" because of lockdown Brexit the cost in DCC control systems has become Expensive. Subscribed and 🔔

The key to this entire HM platform is the HM7040. How will it operate? Can it take control of my Digitrax controller? What function does it give me running my older DCC chips? How does this look if I add a couple of Bluetooth locomotives as well? I hope this puts a rocket up Zimo and ESU and makes them upgrade their chip programming interfaces. Perhaps me may finally see a non proprietary interface that finally allows reprogramming of all decoders on the main track. I don’t want to swap out and throw out the chips and sound files I already have. Some of them are unique. Nor is Individual Bluetooth control of locomotives a game changer IMO and will have its disadvantages - so that’s not a biggie. What is a biggie is better and easier configuration. Will this finally prod the other chip manufacturers to lift their game on that front?

HM7000 looks what is needed although not relevant for me. That is because although I can operate DCC with a gaugemaster and DPDT switches I don't often use it. Its not a shunting layout. I don't have point motors or uncouplers. My idea of fun is for trains to go round and round or backwards and forwards. When I switch sound on, I soon tire of it. So only point is a set of lighted carriages. Still for people into DCC, HM7000 looks like a step change but like everyone else I've heard what it can do but not used it.

Like yourself I'm interested to see what this brings. My initial reaction is that it will make operating the locos a lot easier on the app than with convention DCC. Putting off chipping any locos until this new system is released.

You are bang on the price differential of sound chip to loco price is scandalous! I really hope Hornby disrupt the whole space a force a price levelling across the market. Also and hopefully adding benefits like accessory control points etc and make the whole thing as simple as Apple do in their walled garden!

Well, I want to see you do the INSTALL TEST I have seen 4 videos and in all of them the chip would plug in to the Engines, but the Hornby Chip was LARGER than the one it replaced and the Body of most Engines could NOT be installed back on the base after the chip was installed

Sounds very interesting. My main concern is what happens to the Bluetooth connection if there is a momentary break in power pickup and you do not have the (optional) stay alive fitted?

If you want a taste of the future buy a Hornby Playtrains set . I did for my grandson ...its fun ! the sound is very crude however it gives you a taste of Bluetooth control from a very basic controller . But its the freedom it gives you to control a layout without the clunky controllers ...im sold, cant wait to convert my first locos . Also you don't need to invest in new layout you use existing infrastructure.

like you I'm a heavy DCC user, what bothers me more with steam is the fitting of the chip and speaker in existing Hornby range. the chip will be bigger and the speaker will have to be placed somewhere around the roof of the tender or in a gap in the weight. does this mean at some point Hornby will release all their locos with a better tender? Also on smaller locos eg the Pecketts and Rocket will the chip fit? I think it's a great idea but have Hornby thought it through. I won't be buying it.

Two critics I use to hear about DCC, are the outdated technology and the overpriced electronics, not just the sound decoders. I'm a non-sound DCC user myself, and also some kind of computer geek, and to see the price of DCC equipment, decoders and command station, just follow the inflation rate while having near to zero innovations, and clearly some stupid limitations. For instance, if you need to enter a 6 (if not 7) figure locomotive number into a DCC system, something casually found anywhere in Europe, you can't. You have to find a trick to enter your DB 056.241-3 number, your BR 56 102, your FS gr. 940.022 or your SNCF 475 134 diesel into a four figures format you can use without forgetting which number your locomotive is on your controller... I need a spreadsheet to remember what number I use on my engines outside UK period 3 (1923-1947) ! Also, you can have a very decent entry-level laptop for 400 €, an electronic device that is far more sophisticated than any DCC control station at the same price, if not higher. How can they sell electronic hardware the same price today, corrected from inflation, as it was in the early 2000 ? I made the calculation and my MRC prodigy express (same system as the one sold under the Gaugemaster brand) costs the same price today, in constant money, as I paid for it in 2006 ! (GBP 275 retail price, I paid it the equivalent of GBP 120 in 2006) I had just seen an electronic calculator for teens in high school sold in my local supermarket for one third of it's price which is more sophisticated than this item ! Here, we have a direct control with bluetooth, ditching the control station, limiting the sophistication to the decoder. For the rest, a simple 12v DC basic transformer for the power is enough, you don't even need to have a regulator on it. On paper, it's simply amazing. If they do an accessory decoder for point motors, that would certainly becomes my first buy from them. I'm following that, it's something new, and interesting towards price. If it's reliable, that would really become a game changer. I hope so !

If the dongle will work with my NCE Powercab , the decoders are reliable , and also the app. Then I would be interested as I like the feature of downloading the sound file which beats Economi Soundtraxx as it has more sound files available. I shall wait to see reviews once the system is out.

Hi, I am using the same as you the e link running a large garden railway. i am going to look at the HM7000 as long as it is compatible with the e-link I do have locomotive on order with Hornby the P 2 and the Black 5 with Sound and Smoke. so I am hoping that they will work on the e-link as I am not changing over to any other DCC controllers as e -ling works well for me to. Ron

I to am a Railmaster user and I would be interested to know if the HM7000 has the record/merge function which I frequently use with the Railmaster.

The drawbacks at the moment would be the lack of Android support - to utilise the blue tooth functions, And of course adding the sound profiles at the moment seemingly require an iPhone. You could use the decoders in the regular DCC methods but getting sound you'd need to borrow an iPhone! I have high hopes for this range, hopefully Hornby haven't cheaped out and recycled the TTS sound files, but I suspect they will have...

Just wish it had been around before the amount of investment in current dcc equipment. 2 forms of control on one layout and switching between the 2 is not for me.

Try a radio control set, I've tried to get local manufacturers in this country, One a well known creator of control boards for points etc etc. Answer we can't get the components,And that was 8 years ago. A simple switch or button box of say 24 channels would be a miniscule price compared with other stuff. I made my own, never a glitch..never a breakdown. Not rocket science. And a big market for someone to produce.

Hi l have just watched your video on hornby 21 Pin 7000 and as l have just purchased a Bachmann class 66 what are your thoughts about it in the class 66 l totally agree about the cost of sound decoders like the ESU V5 loksound which if I went down that route would be £115.00 like l have before but now this is in the mix and been able to use my iPad as the controller sounds good my dcc controller is a Bachmann Dynamis but it only has 20 function buttons so having looked at your numbers video about the 21 pin version and the dimensions being similar to ESU but for half the price sounds good Best wishes Kev Beighton Parkway Sheffield

This has definitely spiked my interest as it seem to be a more affordable.

HM7000 looks extremely interesting. However there are two flags that I would need to see develop over time. The first would be sound profiles, and the ability to upload custom profiles. I did email Hornby about thia, and the inferrnce seemed to be that this would not be available at launch. Could also be an issue with app store verification. But if this was considered in future, then I think the loksound range would have serious competition on their hands. Electronic compoments are expensive, but even then... its a hard justification to purchase £120 chips which cost more than a arduino or computer ram. The second is Hornby themselves. Whilst they are normally innovators in new technology, it is rare for them to be market leaders or have long-term stability. Hornby Zero, Live steam, the ORIGINAL spec sapphire decoders (with fuel persistance), Railmaster detection system, and now TTS being phased out. The select and elite whilst relatively ok controllers, also lack adaptability and the early cheaper entry pricepoints. Will be watching this carefully, Hornby need to go all-in and have support for at least up to 2032.

well to be honest its not the blue tooth that interests me its the programable sound decoder if they have made it compatible with all the other dcc manufacturers ,digitkiejs , gaugemaster, roco etc they are on to a winner which i believe they have ,they will sell thousands upon thousands if they haven't then hornby would have missed the best opportunity in model railway history ...............tony

to be honest z21 starter i would say is better starter than the hornby stuff

as a new person to the hobby, seeing the price of dcc controllers makes me really question weather I should get into this hobby or wait. And I'm surprised the option to ruin trains from a laptop, phone or tablet hasn't become more standard. Even lego has apps to control certain lego sets. From an outsiders perspective, I see many opportunities and options to use or try out. and I feel model trains needs to upgrade interms of technology.

want to see something more frustrating than DCC, try O-scale, still no real standard yet

Hornby trying to copy what MRC did a few years back, a DC, DCC, remote control loco

And radio control was the way forward 30 years ago. With the modern channel splitters it's easy as pie to run everything from a single switch or button box. Radio control is cheap and one off. Why is Rail modeling 30 years behind in this and other areas. Rule Brittania

I believe that Marklin digital is the best. The multi protocol function of the system also seems to be great. The MM2,Dcc, and M4/MFX protocols allow for excellency in control and function. I like esu cause it’s so well established and the support is excellence

I must admit, I find the cost and faff of DCC unattractive. It is obviously a clunky and outdated system. I have a huge fleet of locos and would prefer to spend my money on rolling stock that over-priced, obsolete tech. There is definitely a market to adapt low cost, modern tech. The HM6000 is a really good example of that (though mine seems to have died recently). Even then, the Bluetooth interfacing feels a bit Alpha!

Lets be honest, DCC suppliers are ripping off their customers, as is the norm in this hobby. Any savvy electronic engineer can see from the module complexity and price tags it does not warrant these costs. I am gobsmacked by how much DCC systems must cost for many of the serious modellers in this hobby or on RU-vid.

Absolutely exposed on about the controllers looking like they were 40 years old. These two lines displays are something from the 80s I've tried several DCC controllers and I think they're dreadful

The question remains has Hornbys quality issues with some of their decoders been fixed with or they up to their old tricks again selling low quality products at such a high price range i use a roco multimaus dcc controller and have found it to work better than anything else out there on the market and its far better than what Hornby offers on the entry level controller like select and elite and its half the price of what Hornby charge you can find a full set for €100

I made up my mind many moons ago to stop buying new railway models and equipment due to the irresponsible cost! I'm not alone and there are many other modellers who have reacted the same. The new HM7K from Hornby could provide an answer or at least point the way towards the much improved system needed. You can bet your bottom $ that the DCC manufacturers will be watching with interest! We can only wait and see what Hornby are prepared to do with their HM7K...it looks better than HM7000!

No wonder the boss went...again, From a sinking ship. There quality control must be none existant. There chips don't fit tt120, there old controllers where crap, and there sort of new HM Stuff is abysmal. Money at all costs...Now the Chinese have total control of the market , They can quote any price they want, and look at some of the rubbish the sending here.. DONT BUY ANY MORE UNTIL THEY IMPROVE AND COSTS FALL...DO NOT BUY...Rule Brittania

It's a very positive step and I entirely agree that more innovation is required. I actually said as much to Accurascale on RMWeb recently that they should consider sidestepping ESU/Zimo as it was a good 1/3rd if not more of the cost of their locos.