Decoders for Hornby M7

[Richard]

I’m looking for a decoder suitable for fitting into the Hornby M7 without too much hassle. I had the first of my M7 locos hard wired professionally because of the very limited space inside.

Looking at the loco with the body removed the socket looks as if it would take a direct plug-in decoder without the need to worry about all those wires. However I’m not sure whether the direct decoders I can see on line would actually fit in the body cavity.

Any recommendations gratefully received.

[Mike Parkes]

The TCS DP2X-UK fits provided you insert it the wrong way round - not a problem other than needing CV29 tweaked to change direction. Not aware of any other direct fit decoder fitting. Alternatively its easy to hard wire a small decoder with the benefit of gaining space with the loss of the socket - only one insulated wire joint is needed with the pick up wire; the other decoder track wire goes to an existing tag on the chassis block and the motor wires direct to the motor with the added benefit of losing the spiders web of wiring fitted by Hornby.
If you go to the TCS web site and register you will find the DP2X-UK for £20 + £4.16 Postage

[BromsMods]

See https://clarahost.clara.net/www.bromsgr ... cinstr.htm for fitting instructions.

Actually easier to phone the UK telephone number at the bottom of the TCS website home page and order direct rather than going through the TCS ordering process at the moment as there are some changes being made to the TCS website shop over the next week or so.

[cadman]

The Lais 8 pin direct decoder measures 15 x 15mm, in stock at CM3 Models......... https://cm3models.co.uk/laisdcc-decoder ... 1083-p.asp .........HB

[Mike Parkes]

The Lais 8 pin direct decoder measures 15 x 15mm, in stock at CM3 Models......... https://cm3models.co.uk/laisdcc-decoder ... 1083-p.asp .........HB

Too wide - the DP2X-UK just fits and is 11.7mm wide

[Richard]

Many thanks for your help. Decoder ordered from TCS

[bulleidboy]

I have two Hornby M7's - both fitted with TCS DP2X-UK decoders - the right way round. I have read elsewhere about them not fitting, but mine went in ok. In the last few days I have received three more of these decoders directly from TCS Uk. Good value for money.

[Mike Parkes]

Interesting - some years back I recommended the DP2X-UK on another forum forgetting to mention turning in round and the enquirer could not get the body to fit so cut the body to clear the decoder; wonder if the size of the decoder has changed slightly.

[bulleidboy]

I may have been lucky. I use this particular decoder a lot. The pins are pretty much centrally placed - I have found with some "direct plug-in" the pins are offset, so when space is tight, the body will not fit. I bought five of Hattons own direct plug-in decoders, and found them not fit for purpose - it does say on their site, may not work with "some" Hornby controllers - I thought everything was supposed to be compatible nowadays?

[Brian]

<Snip> I bought five of Hattons own direct plug-in decoders, and found them not fit for purpose - it does say on their site, may not work with "some" Hornby controllers - I thought everything was supposed to be compatible nowadays?

Hornby did their own thing with the Select and early firmware versions failed to work with a number of loco decoders that were not Hornby produced. It has taken Hornby some eight or more years to get the Selects Firmware to a good standard and at the time Hornby blamed the other makes of decoders! Hornby have now upgraded the Selects Firmware to currently V1.6 or 2.0 on the face lift Select and these work with all makes of decoder (or it should do!). If a Select powers up with the first pair of digits showing a number below 1.6 or 2.0 then they should arrange with Hornby to get it upgraded. But you have to obtain a returns/repair number before sending it off and you pay I believe £15 plus VAT for the upgrade and the return P & P back to you. The upgrade takes the Select into a new league!
The Elite and eLink have AFAIK always worked well with other manufacturers decoders.