Hornby HM7000 TXS Bluetooth Decoder Install

[@Michaelgoestofrance]

Excellent video mate! I'm going to try to reset my current decoder to factory settings and use your video as a guide! I really don't know why there isn't a 'help' button in the app so that you are guided through the process when necessary. I've currently given up for a while on trying to get the decoder to operate correctly under Bluetooth and DCC - frustration levels got too high so I went back to some old DC HO! (I do have HO & N DCC as well and have had no problems installing decoders, etc.). I should say, I don't have a lot of experience with changing CVs and the like, I've had DCC for a while but have tended to leave most things at factory settings so it was very interesting to see what values you had to enter and where, etc. I watched the recommended KZbin videos and also found them difficult to follow in terms of trying to remember what had been said (which actually wasn't nearly enough). I guess I could have watched them on the laptop and paused as and when but I really don't think this is ideal. As far as I can see, the only option is to contact Hornby Customer Services, which is not always convenient. I love the idea of the technology but feel Hornby could have made the entire process easier, particularly for those without a lot of DCC experience. I should also say, I have tried posting questions on forums but haven't had much in the way of advice. Lots of the threads are very long and I guess I'm asking questions that have been asked before and I don't really have time to wade through hundreds of pages or try searches, particularly when I don't always know what the question is I need to ask... Anyway, thanks for such a well put together video and showing me I wasn't the only one somewhat perplexed by this new system!

[@christopherclarke9316]

You're a braver man than I, Kiwi. I think I will stay on the cowards path and analogue. Should I wish my NSWGR class 38 to make noises, I will make choo choo noises myself. Cheers

[@timobluetreemodels352]

Great video as ever, I did notice however you didn’t switch between Bluetooth and DCC before switching to JMRI. I think that will do the trick.

[@ausfoodgarden]

A very informative installation/review video Julian. I've got a couple of these not for Bluetooth but as a cheap DCC sound option and they are working fine. I hope Hornby comes out with a lot more loco sound profiles over time or even better, provides information to let others create them.

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

It's certainly a great way to setup a sound-fitted loco and run it on your existing dcc layout, but yes, more profiles are desperately needed.

[@roystudds1944]

Wow Julian. Nothing ever gets simpler does it. Off to look at your update now. Roy.

[@onnomulder9775]

A very good review Julian!!! Thanks for sharing! Cheers Onno.

[@tonyslight826]

well explained mate well done, slow easy and prosice .thank you.

[@andrewcalladine2507]

I've had mixed experiences with HM7000 so far, good luck trying to get the class 66 installation to work! It seems to be reliant on you having the device and loco very close to your router etc and also removing the loco from your track for more than 5 seconds. I also found that changing the address simply doesn't work at all, on both chips I've installed so far. I had to change them on my normal programming track.

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

Hi, Great In depth video. I’ve spent most of this afternoon excitedly installing my HM7000, to a DCC ready, Hornby Hogwarts Express. Just in case this helps others, I also had some issues. I was analog only, so installed an R8241 power track with the R7337 power supply and adaptor cable. Installed the HM DCC software to my iPhone 12 Pro. Linked the decoder and updated the firmware fine. Then when installing a profile, I got a slightly different block error to you: ‘Error Installing Sound Pack block_error - Block 386 Failed! the decoder took to long to respond. Please power cycle the loco and nstallation Options try again.’ It would report different blocks each time and would fail with this error, at different points of the ‘Updating SPIROM’ step. Kept reporting sound data missing. I tried all sorts. Different profiles reboot of phone, different Bluetooth setting. Remove the loco and decoder then re-add (never changed the loco number or name), Nothing worked. I eventually tried another iPhone. And it finally installed the sound profile. It still initially reporting sound data missing, but a second successful profile install fixed it. I’m now happily installing the different profiles to try. Hope this helps someone. Cheers, Gary.

[@minos5548]

Thank you for a clear and in depth review .You seem to know how to navigate programs and find and repair the program .You have helped me make my decision. I was hoping the blue tooth idea being able to run on a dc layout would be straight forward / easy . Not being computer or smart phone literate just knowing basic uses for both .I found even you had problems setting up the Bluetooth and the dcc , not only the problems but also the time to down load install and adjust settings for 0ne model, I think for me it would be to much and probably be bad for my health from the stress . Not all of us have your calm and cool .. Thank you john

[@wamgoc]

Sorry, but why on earth would you want to fit a Dcc decoder into a loco, if you just want to run it on your DC layout? Surly if you want to use your phone to operate your DC layout you would use the HM6000 controller and not the HM7000?

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

It's an interesting system but there needs to clarity around what it can and can't do. I'm sure further development will follow from Hornby to improve the system.

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

@@wamgoc I think the folk who operate DC layouts were thinking this was their way to add individual sound to their locos without buying a DCC system/controller. Unfortunately I don't think Hornby was overly clear about the DC operating mode (which they've now ditched) for the TXS decoders. You still need the app to operate the sounds.

[@BS1-5]

had this issue with the DCC address yesterday, for some reason within the DCC app CV1 will only go up to 127. However if you first set the address to 127 then change it to the 4 digit number it does then work on a normal controller with all the functions, it just doesnt display in the app! (note using digitrax DCS52 Zephyr Express for control)

[@stewartclark1847]

Some KZbin videos I’ve watch were having issues running on DC and destroying their chips. I think now Hornby have recommended not to run these decoders on dc power. Only run them through a DCC power source.

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

From what I gather, Hornby are quite specific about the power supply needed to operate these decoders. My recommendation would be to buy one of their power packs designed to be used with the decoders, rather risking it with an existing DC controller.

[@jasonlee3247]

DC power is absolutely fine, it’s the lower frequency PWM controllers that are the problem.

[@vivianhughes9347]

All very informative, thanks for talking through it all and showing so thoroughly. Just wondering, maybe these decoders "don't like" JMRI? Did you try and read back and if necessary change the long address on your program track with your DCC controller?

[@arthurthorpe5445]

Great video Julian as another comment you are a braver man than me gungadin but brilliant you worked through it and got the results. Like you I use JMRI so will be waiting for the second video before I chance buying one of the Hornby decoders.

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

The next video will be very much dependant on snail mail😯

[@plantfoot6672]

I had same problem sound was on address 2 and could run loc on address 16 using my gauge master ddc controller. Going to do checks like you have done if I can

[@stephenbromley2302]

A year in from this video and I’m having the same problem with the Dcc address

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Julian. It's me again. OK, so you have addressed (please excuse the pun) the issue of Blutooth vs decoder address. What was your intention regarding the method of control of this loco - Blutooth or DCC? I have bought several HM7000 decoders for my TT:120 locos, but have not installed them yet as I have been waiting for the Android version of the app. I intend using a DCC controller for operations, but wanted the app to be able to change CV settings on the fly.

[@johnhmccauley]

I have three of them. I did not change the address or name. One worked the first time to update the profile. One took the second attempt to work. The other one took three attempts to work.

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

There's definitely something sketchy going on but I think Hornby are ironing out the bugs when the app gets updated.

[@johnhmccauley]

Yup, at least the firmware is updatable.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Jamie? Julian, of course!

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Jamie. I've watched a few similar videos, but I don't recall the problem caused by changing the decoder address and loco name up front. The other problems with the decoder address are just bizarre! Does using the Blutooth function in the app even use the decoder's address (I DO understand the consternation of the weird antics of the app in relation to DCC operations).

[@Haymarket47]

He said that the DCC address was not related to the Bluetooth operation.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video thanks lee

[@georgecohen1023]

Thanks for that mate gfc

[@warwickroadmodelrailway]

Very nice

[@PaulGarwood]

It will be even better when the Android app comes out.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Like Hornby TT this system is going to have a slow painful death......

[@StationRoadModelRailway]

I'm on the fence at the moment, the system's definitely got potential.

[@chriscox4023]

In principle the are great, especially the use range of sound and action tabs, I.e. automatic running sounds,tab 28 and the uncoupling one which does the “shuffle” for buckeye couplings

[@Haymarket47]

@michaelwhiles5282 Ever the optimist eh😢 Mystice Meg in disguise

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

It sounds like hornby has probably done what they have done with some of their past decoders and they're good, but ever so slightly non standard enough that using dcc systems other than their own potentially will have weird quirky behaviour. Though it may be possible that jmri just needs a update to properly support them, which may take time depending upon which developers take the trouble to order a chip and test it. Plus probably some bugs in the firmware, always will be some with a new product. A revisit after it has been 6 months now that they have released more profiles and the android app may be good to do. Like said, potential is there if hornby sticks with it. One of these would make a good possible option for buildings or wagons perhaps, and potentially cheaper as no need for the motor control parts. That could be rather popular, especially for newer people to the hobby.

[@jasonlee3247]

Absolute rubbish 😂