Hornby HM7000 TXS Sound Decoder on Accurascale Class 37 - How well does it work?

In recent videos I've been using a Hornby HM7000 TXS Sound Decoder in an Accurascale Class 37 model. This has sparked a number of questions as to how well this works and what the limitations. In this video I'll the details of the configuration I've used and what works and doesn't work with this configuration so it's time to take a closer look.
Sections:
00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - Configuration
01:33 - Speaker Limitations
03:40 - Lighting Limitations
05:38 - Summary
11:06 - Comparative Running Session
Configuration Used:
- Accurascale Class 37/6 37609 (DCC Ready version)
- Hornby 21-pin HM7000 TXS Sound decoder R7322
- Two speaker options used:
- Out of the box sugarcube with large cavity
- 8 ohm Base enhanced speaker
- DCC System: Hornby eLink + Railmaster
- Control Mode: HM7000 Bluetooth Application
In the course of all of my running sessions I kept my volume setting at no more than 50 (the max is 255) in order to ensure I was below the power threshold support.
Built-in Sugarcube Speaker
Note that the Accurascale Class 37 comes with an 8 ohm sugarcube speaker pre-fitted (it's not visible when you just remove the top hatch as it's under the PCB). This has a max power rating of 2W which exceeds the published power figure for the TXS sound decoder though it is unlikely you will achieve this with this speaker on it's own.
When Adding a Speaker
When you add a speaker, it will be in parallel with the sugarcube speaker so assuming it's an 8 ohm speaker the resulting impedence will be 4 ohms. Do not sue the Accuratrash speaker as this is a 4 ohm speaker and putting this in parallel will give a net impedence of
Removing the in-built Speaker
If your are unhappy with the built in sugarcube speaker, you can remove it altogether.
See this video from Roads and Rails which covers it's removal around 5 mins in.
• Can The Accurascale Cl... .

[@doubleodave]

Knock knock.. who’s there? Layout tour… layout tour who? Layout tour you… do one 😆😀👍👌

[@EuviRail]

Noted. Next few videos are taken given backlog and the arrival of the Accurascale MK2s. Will be breaking down the layout into two sessions to make it fit better in the schedule.

[@doubleodave]

👍👍

[@bogiesandbricks]

Great video as always! I have 2 of the 8 pin HM7000 , 1 running in a DCC converted Lima 201 (in NR livery) and it runs fantastically for the age of the model, the powerpack helps with the lack of pick ups and the class66 sound profile is pretty good match. Looking forward to your review of the IRM mark2s! have them myself and very pleased with them.

[@colwichjunction3366]

Interesting video, that’s the second one I’ve watched recently looking at this Bluetooth system 🤔 I’m not ruling out trying this. Thanks for sharing 👍 Cheers John b

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that.

[@kennethmcintyre2847]

Did like your presentation. I am a fan of the HM7000 sound decoders. Currently I have 42 locos fitted with the system. Standing by are 4 x 21 and 6 x 8pin for future purchases. I am now buying my stock from a steam preservation society at a cost of £52.50 and £49.00 respectively. I must compliment you on your layout which appears quite compact, but contains so much.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Kenneth. That's a pretty heavy adoption level. The ability to re-program for a different loco type will give you a lot of flexibility going forward.

[@timharrison2894]

42, that's going some. I got 4. Sure I read somewhere there's a limit of 60 odd

[@frankjennings3524]

Great video which made me decide that I don't like the cube speaker.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Frank. It can work for some locos but not the Class 37.

[@stephenlockhart4422]

Hi… Your excellent video was extremely helpful, thank you. Regards… Steve 👍

[@EuviRail]

Thanks Steve. Glad it was of use. A few folks may wish to go down this road.

[@BritishRail60062]

I am looking forward to seeing the NIR Mk2's. I am going to try out the SoundTraxx Blunami now they are doing Android support. I tried the Hornby HM7000 and I cannot say it was a good experience for me. Same with the Cavalex Models Class 56 and I am going back to the Hornby models. I took some flack for telling the truth about my example but I always say it the way it is mate. Keep up the great videos buddy.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I have to say, the NIR Mk2s look like absolutely superb models. More anon. The SoundTraxx Blunami seems pretty pricey relative to the TXS decoders though I suspect it's a more powerful decoder and can drive more powerful speakers. You have to call it as you see with a model. I have a Hornby 56 and I'm well pleased with it so I passed on the Cavalex versions.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Brilliant video! Really appreciated this one, I have recently done the same with a Bachmann 37 and also noticed some limited functionality, I also lost the ability to control the cab lights :/ It's annoying but as you say, a compromise on it. Thanks for another fantastic video :) Hylt

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. Yeah, the cab lighting is generally the main hit. It would be nice if manufacturers considered HM7000 compatibility but why would they unless they felt it would hurt them if they didn't support it?

[@Proper_Chuffed]

@@EuviRail good point, I see it as a very generous move on Hornby’s part to make it so widely adoptable with other manufacturers models. It’s brilliant tech and I’m surprised more people aren’t raving about it. Perhaps in future there might be a bit more open mindedness to it. I have to think about the new coupling tech from Bachmann, would it work with hm7000? Doubt it, and as such they further limit adoption and compatibility.

[@damonzofortese]

I've got a 21 pin TXS chip in my Bachmann 37. The cab lights are on the first lighting aux function (page 3) of which I've renamed and assigned a different icon for :)

[@Proper_Chuffed]

@@damonzofortese thank you! I’ll definitely take another look then

[@AllensTrains]

I didn't know about the low power issue with the HM7000 decoder. For a sound decoder, you can't complain as much about the price. It sounds quite realistic. I have heard you can use your own sound profile. If this is true, you you add station announcements! Thanks for uploading.

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I'm not aware of the ability to add a custom sound profile yet and can't see anything on the Hornby website. I'd certainly use it if it came to be supported. In my running session videos, I just overlay stations sounds myself to make them a bit more interesting.

[@AllensTrains]

@@EuviRail I have heard you will be able to use your own sound profiles but this is not currently supported by the app. The consensus of opinion is that it is is impossible to use your own sound profiles and that this might not change, knowing Hornby!

[@johnoneill5661]

Sounds pretty good 👍 I try to get the sound fitted version of any locos I buy because as you said fitting sound afterwards is more expensive. I really wish ESU would stop taking the urine and cut their prices, but I don’t see that happening in my lifetime. ☹️

[@EuviRail]

My thoughts exactly. £100 is an awful lot for what you are getting now. Thanks John.

[@tonyhartigan4668]

Great video! Do you have a link to the base enhanced speaker?

[@chefblanc]

useful vid as I was thinking about what to install next and what ,if any , of the newer locos to ie 59, Accs 37 or new 56 to get next. It seems with the newest stuff you're better off getting the full sound fitted version [if your quick enuff!] Rather than go blutooth as their are to many limitations.

[@EuviRail]

Yeah, I tend to go for the full sound equipped versions for new loco purchases - you're guaranteed everything will work! I've found these decoders are very handy for older DCC Ready locos where the flexibility to reconfigure the prime mover can be particularly handy.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Thanks for making this video, I am impressed with the TXS decoders for the flexibility they offer. Up to now I've only got two and both are fitted to Hornby locomotives. Do you know if the Accurascale sugar cube speaker is also connected or does that happen when the ESU decoder is fitted?

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that and for the question. Yes, the internal sugarcube speaker remains in-circuit so you'll hear it even if no speaker is added.

[@StarWarsTOROotn]

Excellent video, can you do a similar one for the latest Cavalex class 56?

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I'm afraid I've decided not to invest in the Cavalex Class 56. I had to draw the budget line and this one didn't make it. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Ive subbed nice videos😊😊

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Near where I live - nearest Model Centre is now 30 miles away; may not be there much longer (see Hattons) and need to have some nearby experts / shops that you can go to and get good advice, repair service on OO Models. As an example installing above on my DCC Ready A/scale Class 37 , like for me some one who can install above, test it on their layouts and then give me advice on how to run it on Digital Layout and also on Analogue Circult - minus the Digital features. Also some good advice on my older DCC Ready locos - moving onto Digital; assuming I have a layout; house has restricted space, so little room at moment for OO Layout.

[@EuviRail]

You can't beat a local model shop for all the reasons you mention and many more so the loss of Hattons will be felt on two fronts. Thanks for sharing.

[@FcBen98]

Hi. Did you have to remove the pre built 4ohm speaker from underneath the PCB?

[@nimbus44767]

I’m trying to work this out also ?

[@azuma892]

Nice video. I put an 8-pin HM7000 decoder into the EFE Heljan Hymek, the headlights and taillights don't work on F0, anyone knows if there is a solution?

[@EuviRail]

Thanks for that. I have a EFE Hymek queued for review and will be fitting a HM7000 decoder. I'll definitely be looking at the lighting. It's a few weeks away as there are a few items ahead of it.

[@chefblanc]

thats odd, they should work.. try another decoder.. ? as maybe a fault in loco.. [?]

[@azuma892]

It works with an ESU 59020 decoder.

[@SamM-oh2cx]

I am amazed no one has come up with a subwoofer and satellite setup for trains! You could just put a speaker in the train to deal with the mids and highs and have a subwoofer under the layout to give you the bass! Would sound so much better than trying to cram a one does all speaker into a little train!

[@EuviRail]

Yeah, it's a huge challenge getting any sort of decent base in these locos though the larger speakers can make a huge difference - if you have room for them. I'll show this in an upcoming video with a Class 60 which does have some decent space inside.

[@DongitsModelRailway]

How many function outputs does the HM7000 TXS decoder have? Did you try anything to get more of the lights working beyond the first four AUX outputs? There is a suggestion that Accurascale have done something very ESU specific with the Class 37 which means that no matter how many outputs a decoder has, some of the functions will not work with anything other than an ESU decoder.

[@EuviRail]

While the Hornby docs might indicate the potential of 10, only 6 are accessible in the App. Accurascale can use 3 of AUX outputs to "communicate" with the base PCB to provide the full level of outputs, be it 10 or 12 or probably more if required. When using a non ESU decoder, this isn't available to you and the 3 AUX outputs are used for standard lighting giving you the 6. Perhaps, this might change in the future when Hornby have locos of their own that require >6 outputs.

[@DongitsModelRailway]

@@EuviRail Interesting. I've now read the Hornby documentation, and ... that's an unusual way of wiring those pins! It does look like AUX5 to AUX8 will depend on support from the mobile app, and it's kind of a surprise to find the app support isn't there yet.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Thanks for Video OP - only wish was a quick few mins on installation procedure of Digital Sound Chip and Speaker. Confused on why Hornby introduce a new Chip Slot now for their OO - 18 PIN (R7345 HM7000-N18TXS), get 6-pin nor N but why can't hornby still use 21-PIN (Assume this is most common Chip Configuration for OO at moment ) ? . Assume that with Hornby HM7000 APP this comes with a Class 37 Profile now ? you can import Profiles into HM7000 APP.

[@EuviRail]

Hi Dafydd, yes they have a Class 37 profile now and a few other new ones like the Class 60. 21-pin is very much the standard now for new locos alright.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Thanks@@EuviRail

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Haven't got a OO Layout yet ( just a 1.5M straight section I bolt together as small run ) only at moment buy DCC Ready locos, manuals for DCC Conversion poor - even from Accruscale, assume that with my DCC Ready Class 37 A/Scale Loco, simplest way to convert to Digital Sound I need to buy - a) Accurathrash Class 37 Speaker Retaining Clips b) Accurathrash DCC Sound Speaker SKU ACC2015 and C) Either their Accurathrash Class 37 Loksound ‘Original’ DCC Sound Decoder SKU ACC2246 or the Hornby HM7000 TXS sound Decoder R7322 (21 PIN) D) Sound Profile ? - on to HM7000 APP ?

[@EuviRail]

Bluetooth control is probably an excellent way to dip into the world of digital control without forking out the cost and it also saves space if that is a problem. For myself right now, I either go with factory fitted sound or a HM7000 for DCC ready locos.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Thanks@@EuviRail

[@James-ih4gz]

would still say esu decoders are best or zimo

[@EuviRail]

No debate really unless you absolutely want/need the bluetooth capability. These are more flexible though than the budget SoundTrax Econami decoders I tended to use to give me sound on older locos. SoundTrax have bluetooth now but it's not cheap.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

It could be worse. I have a factory sound fitted 37 and the lights don't work properly. Accurascale said it's my controller but it's a Gaugemaster and works with all other manufacturers. Poor deign.

[@EuviRail]

That's not good. When you pay for sound fitted, you expect the whole 9 yards, no compromises. thanks for sharing.