H&M 7000 DCC by Bluetooth

[Brian]

Seems a neat idea....
https://uk.hornby.com/hm7000

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/new ... 7V,1LBA6,1

[Steve M]

My first reaction was that I did not want to control my locos via an app. Also somewhat confused by thinking that it had compatibility with only a couple of existing DCC systems and not the one I currently use!

However, I have a whole host of questions slowly being answered on the Hornby forum (I feel sorry for Rob)which are building an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the system.

My current understanding (subject to change ) is that blank decoders are programmed via the HM7000 app to include a downloadable sound file. In its default state the decoder can be operated on track via the app or the Elite via a dongle adapter for the Bluetooth part of the system. By changing CV12 Bluetooth is switched off and the decoder works via standard DCC commands from any controller.
Probably overkill, but I intend to use the Hornby power supply and cables to make an HM7000 programming track and carry on using my old faithful Prodigy on the layout.

Two features I do like are speaker and stay alive connection via plugs - no soldering!!

[Walkingthedog]

Is this a big step forward Steve?

[bulleidboy]

I think it could be a game changer for Hornby - especially for the younger generation of railway modellers. Many have already said that they think it's a great idea, but like knobs and switches when controlling trains etc. I have ordered a Bluetooth sound decoder and the dongle which goes between my Elite and the track, I already use 4amp power supply, and when these items arrive and I can download the HM7000 App, I will have a play on a length of flexi-track. I think if you were going into this in a big way, it might be worth investing in a Tablet (it's bigger) rather than using a smart phone.

[Steve M]

Is this a big step forward Steve?

I think it could be. For some time I have been banging on about a generic decoder to suit steam applications ie different whistles and chuff rates. Others have sought the ability to download sound files without having full fat, expensive decoders.
This system, as Rob has just pointed out on the Hornby forum, requires little investment from the user’s perspective - the app is free, as are the sound files. The only hardware needed, as a minimum, is one of the new TXS decoders. These are inexpensive compared with a full fat decoder for example, the one I ordered today has a RRP of £69 (£63 after club discount) which is about half the price of a ‘proper’ decoder.
The new decoders also have plug in stay alive (9 second duration) and plug in speakers which will be a godsend.
For a newcomer to the hobby it’s no longer necessary to spend out on a control system - the phone app will do it all provided you have a power supply to the track - a standard 12v dc will do at a push so the only expenditure is the decoder.
All this makes the system a very attractive option.

I wonder how long it will be before other sound files and other brand decoders come on the market?

[bulleidboy]

Sorry - Brian has already posted the Youtube video - looks very good.

[dtb]

good luck should you wish to pursue Hornby products, for me they look incredibly awful and there is far better available.

[Steve M]

good luck should you wish to pursue Hornby products, for me they look incredibly awful and there is far better available.

I may be wrong, but I don’t believe the Bluetooth system and the ability to flash sound files to the decoders without extra equipment is available anywhere else, and certainly not for the price - free apart from the decoders which are very competitively priced. OK, they ‘only’ play three sounds at a time (a 50% increase over TTS) but that is more than enough for most users.
The proof of the pudding etc will be when they are delivered but it’s a major development in the world of affordable DCC sound systems.

[RAF96]

good luck should you wish to pursue Hornby products, for me they look incredibly awful and there is far better available.

Not sure how you can criticise the decoders when the full spec has not been published yet. For the money it is pretty good with some advanced features like 1-amp capable, motor algorithm auto-calibrate plus manual PID tuning, shunt mode, coupling creep, auto-functions, dynamic brake, lighting SFX and brightness, support for ADCC/ABC and their smoke units. One drawback is the functions are not remap-able

Other things to note the dongle is only used to control legacy decoders through the app. The new decoders can be controlled through the app or direct from your NMRA compliant controller without a dongle.

When you download the sound profile it also populates the app function buttons, sets up motor settings, etc. There is no limit to the number of profile swaps that can be applied to a decoder. The sound decoder comes with a speaker kit. The stay alive/power bank is smart charged only when the loco is moving, which precludes regular programming problems.

No programming track is needed as the app can read and write to all CVs over the air in seconds.

Any other Q’s please ask as I have had this on my bench for over a year now so I am quite up to speed on it.

[Steve M]

But now it’s out in the open, what are you going to tease us with this year?

You said that the new decoders support the steam and sound effects announced last year, but I was a little surprised that there were as far as I noticed) no additional locos with these features in this year’s announcement. Anything you are allowed to say on that project?