IMPORTANT INFORMATION | Hornby HM7000 - Don't Destroy Your Decoder 💥

The new Hornby HM7000 decoders have been available for a few weeks now and a few serious problems have been reported. The issues are linked to 2 things:
1) Connecting the decoders to the HM DC app rather than the HM DCC app
2) Using a DC (Analogue) controller as a power supply
Some pretty sensible, albeit unofficial, guidance has been put up by the moderators of the Hornby forums and it's unclear what action Hornby are going to take and what the official communication from Hornby is going to.
uk.hornby.com/community/forum...
Check out my review of the HM7000 decoders here: • Hornby HM7000 Bluetoot...
Support the channel by becoming a member or Patron:
/ @littlewicketrailway
/ littlewicketrailway
00:00 Introduction
01:21 Issue 1 - HM DC App
02:30 Issue 2 - DC (Analogue) Control
05:49 How they can be used safely
06:17 Summary
06:32 What should Hornby do?

[@CheshireLines]

I have been very impressed with the decoder. At the price, functionality and user friendliness this really is a game changer and a big challenger to the existing high end chips. I think we need to remember and acknowledge that this is the 1st iteration and will be updated over the next 12 months just in the same way as Apple Watch Series 1 and the original iPhone. The beauty here is that firmware updates can be delivered over the air to fix the inevitable bugs that come with any initial launch of a product like this. I would like to see Hornby open up the platform to 3rd party sound developers to get more sound files available. I say well done Hornby for taking the risk and providing a real alternative at half the price of other decoders.

[@PebblesChan]

Be aware that similar power issues exist with USB where phones can be blown up when plugged into unknown (usually cheap) USB power sockets. When travelling I've seen warning signs at USB charge stations where they say they're not responsible if your phone blows up. For the decoders, I would not be surprised if the solution when using them with an Analog PWM power supply is to install a keep alive capacitor (to keep the decoder working from a constant voltage) & some voltage clamps attenuate voltage spikes to a safe level.

[@roundel52]

Thanks for sharing this, Rob. I've noticed that most people on YT with blown decoders are running them with a Gaugemaster DC controller. So that all makes sense.

[@MistaMatthews]

Been using this for a few weeks now with a Bachmann EZ Command for track power at home and the Lenz system at the MRC I attend. For me, it’s been flawless. My only gripe is that the range of sound profiles is a bit limited and there is no consisting option on Bluetooth. Apart from that, I would absolutely recommend this. Just do your research and read the instructions properly.

[@1tonyboat]

Running my HM7000 from my Gaugemaster Prodigy , no issues,, Just waiting for Hornby to update the diesel files for class 37/47/ . Had the 37 loaded with class 56 and 66 sounds to day ,,,strange ...

[@bhopkins8101]

Hi Little Wicket, thanks for a balanced review of Hornby HM 7000. Now for my experience with the system so far. I’m a bit of a beginner in rail modelling but pretty good in Marine modelling, so when I saw that Hornby were moving into TT120 and I was looking to try something new I thought this is for me. I ordered a set and a HM7000 decoder for my A4 , once both had arrived I tried to use the supplied PSU and controller but couldn’t get it to work. I then asked for help on the Hornby forum and the support was excellent from everyone including those you mentioned. I ended up purchasing the Hornby R7337 PSU and wow!! What a difference! Everything works perfectly, now since then I’ve been advocating to anyone who is having the same issues to purchase the R7337 PSU. I have also spoken to Simon Kohler about this in a roundabout way due to another issue and they are aware of the issue and will sort it out ASAP. Honestly I think that HM7000 is utterly fantastic with what I’ve seen and used so far. Keep up the good work Little Wicket 👍

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks for sharing your experience and welcome to the hobby! It's good to know that TT120 and the new tech is bringing in fresh talent.

[@drgunsmith4099]

How did you set up the wiring for your track, as I’m new and not sure what to do. I’m using Peco track.

[@gregmacdonald927]

Mine seems fine. Had it on a Gaugemaster first of all, and whilst it was fine initially then it did simply stop working. Switched to a Lokmaus DCc and unlinked the HM7k decoder then went through it all again with the dcc power supply. All seems good. I’d agree with your take. Give Hornby some credit, as long as they treat customers with problems fairly, they are doing the right thing.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Rob. Brilliant video. Informative and completely unbiased!

[@cbrooks122000]

This is probably a bit late but one of the reasons people pointed to the wrong app was the QR code supplied with the hardware actually pointed to the wrong app. They did actually correct it after a couple of days. I was one of the poor suckers that happily loaded what the install instructions pointed me to. If you have to release software that doesn't work on a particular platform you put up a damn great error message on the screen.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Didn't realise that. They do make life hard for themselves sometimes 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Lamp_2155]

I have converted most of my locos to DCC so I’ll stick with that but this irritates me because they advertised the tri mode when most people using the decoders will have dc and dcc controllers that aren’t guaranteed to work

[@stormbowman7148]

I don’t get the need to use an analogue DC controller. Just bypass the controller alltogether and use the DC power source directly. My HM7000 works fine. I think Hornby has handled all this fine. They’ve had 80 minutes of live Q and A, videos out etc. Yes the Android app is a bit delayed, but give them time. Before the 2023 announcement a few months back, we did not even know we needed this! So what is a couple of week’s waiting time anyway?

[@maniccyberdog]

I linked to the wrong app, but just follow the instructions on the Hornby forum. No problems re linking to the correct one. Had some issues uploading sound profiles, took a couple of goes. I have just received my second decoder, I’ll then have two TT locos with sound if all goes to plan. I’m using DCC EX no problem

[@DavidJones-hd1jj]

My experience is very positive with the exception of the initial upgrade and profile install. That took 3 goes before the locomotive would move. I have since learnt that turning the throttle up full can help get the motor turning. That might have worked but I cannot be sure. Since then the decoder has worked as expected running from a Hornby Select power supply or MERG booster. The app is quite easy to use and configure. Some users have complained about a lack of function mapping but the basic function settings open up a lot of possibilities.

[@phil36310]

A very well produced video. The right information and unbiased. Fact is that the 'full manual' is overlooked and some YT-bers just spread 'their own opinions'. Hornby is not to blame if one can not or will not read a well written and explained full manual. Thanks for pointing this out in a positive way !

[@rdrhouse]

it now works in 'QUAD MODE' , hmdcc, dcc, dc and onboard battery bluetooth hmdcc

[@muir8009]

Just a bit of an fyi; the dc hm6000 uses a harsh pwm, why I don't know but I quickly ceased using the couple I bought as the pwm is even a lot harsher than the old hm2000. Anyways, as far as decoders blowing up, I had the miserable experience of trying to run a loksound with a pwm controller. It did literally blow up complete with smoke, sparks, and an audible pop. Lesson learnt was just run the decoders with the supply they're meant to have: my annoying stupidity was just to try to see if a decoder which is said to run on dc or dcc would work with a pwm controller. Tbh, bit sick of the whole electronics, pwm, decoders, compatibility thing. First train set I ever had was joining the 0 gauge rails together, sticking the key in the loco and winding it up. Looking back theres a lot to be said for that simplicity. 90 years later still does the same thing: and you don't even have to clean the rails lol

[@123greasemonkey]

I have successfully installed 3 decoders in my Bachmann locos and am pleased with the results. I normally test them on a 2 metre long test track on my bench powered by Hornby's 4 amp power supply. I have three Gaugemaster controllers on my DC layout, and yes, they do work alright. However I do not intend to to put the Hornby power 4 amp power supply on the layout until I have converted enough locos to run it properly, so I shall need some more decoders yet.

[@DavidJones-hd1jj]

My opinion. There is a really good system here but marketing has over-sold the environmental tolerance of the hardware. If it had been sold as a set of decoders to be used with DCC power supplies then we would not be seeing a lot of this backlash. Setup still needs everything from broadband through Wi-Fi to Bluetooth physical proximity to be optimal and that needs to be worked on. But what is getting lost is that the system is quite easy to configure and fun to use. Try this. F27 is the Brake button, set as a toggle to back up the main, momentary brake button. CV123 sets the Brake Deceleration Rate and applies to F27. The Function tiles can be set to timer mode. So you can set a Function tile on any one of the 3 pages to have F27 bring a train to a halt, stop there for, say, 30 seconds and then automatically move off. There is a lot of potential and that is being drowned out by the noise, some of it admittedly deserved. I look forward to the technology - and its applications - developing in a positive direction.

[@paranoidjd1351]

I got mine up and working last week and it was super easy. I used the HM6000 PSU plugged into a TT120 DCC power connector track. Fitted the chip and it found it and I was up and running in moments. I did have some weird things happen the next day when for some reason the loco would only run really slowly, but a reset and reboot fixed that and it's been fine since. I figure that's probably a software 'blip' more than anything else. It would be useful to know what locos the decoders will fit into as I've seen some issues online with them not fitting into other manufacturers locos, but it would be nice for Hornby to say which of their locos can and can't accept the decoders as they are bigger than usual.

[@SirVisigoth]

Another great share, Thanks

[@dennismarsden8982]

So far I've fitted 4 of the Hornby hm7000 decoders and did experience some problems loading sound profiles but so far all seem to work on DCC and Bluetooth ,I use a Lenz system wiith DCC Concepts boosters to supply the track power. Plus when fitting these decoders I use an anti static wrist strap and read the address on a programming track before the sound profiles are installed. And touch wood I have not blown any up yet.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks for the feedback Dennis. Reassuring. I've got a couple more to try with the android app.

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

I agree with your comment on the various reference guides and manuals. They are terribly badly written. I used to manage IT implementations and this looks like a programmers first draft. I think the issue is they are creating them on the fly and need to push that out quickly especially when it is different advice from what was previously communicated. Hazards of being on the bleeding edge

[@Haymarket47]

Harsh

[@paulgodwin604]

I have 2 layouts, one DC one DCC. Locos get swapped around so DCC locos are run on both systems. I checked with Gaugemaster in 2021 that their Model D would not harm an expensive Sound Decoder and they assured me that their Model D has “a standard variable output and not a pulsed or feedback controller”. I have consistently used the DMU equipped with the sound chip since then on both DC and DCC layouts. I have since been using a new Hornby HM 7000 8 pin sound chip with the same Gaugemaster Model D (at full power) with no problems. I observe that there is no response at all when trying to use the controller itself to control the loco. I sincerely hope that Hornby succeed with this product - particularly in the non DCC market.

[@russellbenton2987]

I think they did not expect many people on DC to take this up . They saw the main advantages as being for people already using DCC with DC very much a side issue . In fact , I, like many others on reading the blurb thought that this maybe a good way of introducing a sound decoder equipped loco on an otherwise DC layout and that’s what’s caught them out . They appear not to have done much testing on analogue controllers , in particular Gaugemaster which I would say is the leading brand of controller . Seems a shame but my thought is that Hornby will quietly drop this aspect of control, in effect becoming Bi mode rather than doing any extensive testing on analogue controllers . They really should have tested this before putting claims on the box . Instructions seem to be vague . Not really the level of testing you would have expected on a new system . I wonder if Blunami works ?

[@stephenbromley2302]

I use a digitrax dsc 210+ and no problems so far apart from the odd fail in installing the sound profiles which hopefully will be sorted with a few updates not even tried to run on dc which is how I’m gonna keep it.

[@billfusionenterprise]

@ 5:00, power issues with power packs. Not suprising, should see the issue with MTH O-scale trains with a bunch of train controllers Only MTH 4000 unit is ok from MTH and very few lionel, due to NON pure AC i would use sound decoaders with DCC controller due to allot of issues I have seen with other gear

[@ausfoodgarden]

I was about to order a couple of the TXS decoders just as the first failure videos went up. I'm personally planning on using them with DCC anyway, so if there have been no reports of failures on DCC I'll get a couple to try out. Hornby really should slap a big warning on these about incompatible DC controllers causing issues and possible failures. Perhaps some form of protection can be included in future revisions?

[@chriswalter745]

What a shambles, I really can’t believe they market this on the packaging as suitable for DC analogue control, then say in the documentation it is not recommended, seems pretty deceptive to me.

[@andydavidson9440]

Update appreciated Rob as ever. From the comment, I learn Bachmann have bluetooth options in the USA for some time. Makes you wonder why they haven’t introduced them in the UK? Hornby as market disrupters or disturbers? I think the jury is out and will be for quite a while sadly

[@daveblake9804]

Well it started ok, bought the hornby power supply ie 15v work a treat till last week turned the loco made the stream sound turned up the speed not happy it was jerking so I cleaned the track with meths and a gentle cleaning of the tender wheels left to evaporated had a bit of dinner sparked it up nothing checked voltage on track 15.2 so ok took the chip out fitted the original dc chip working a treat, I had noticed when I first fitted the dcc chip and running in the loco the tender got warm not if it should, have contacted hornby just waiting

[@jeannedarcalterberserker8620]

Well, crap. I've bought the decoder because Hattons said they can run on DC controllers. That was the reason why I've bought it as I wanted to have a try for DCC operation and I'm blown away by it. I might invest in a Hornby DCC power supply as suggested but for the time being its fine. I mean I ran the decoder for three days and until now its still alive and well the speaker too. Hopefully, with my old German (1990s) train set controller, mine won't die and hopefully Hornby can fix it since this is the biggest reason why I got it in the first place

[@207rb]

I went back and watched the hornby announcement for this and at no point was it said that some common dc controllers are not compatible or not recommended. The statement said ANY layout can be upgraded to DCC with just a blue tooth chip.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hopefully that will still be the case 🤞 Just need Hornby to do a bit of testing and confirm.

[@_RandomPea]

​@@LittleWicketRailway perhaps that should have been done prior to release 😂

[@EsotericArctos]

Sam from Sam's Trains had one fail within 24 hours. I haven't seen it myself yet. Hornby should of had protections in place in the programming to stop the HM7000 from linking to the HM DC app. This is a little it of poor coding on Hornby's part. I also think that saying to use a DC Controller at full power is a bad recommendation as even at full power they often have PWM in place that can cause issues.

[@kevinludlow7561]

Excellent video and advice, why oh why have they released it without adequate validation methods being used. Using their customers to act as test pilots should not be acceptable at any level. Are Hornby mimicking Windows operating systems when you have to await a release of 'patch' for it to run without bugs I'm not sure how many DC controllers are on the market under 50? not beyond the wit of man to determine compatibility with these decoders. Anyway, enough of the rant, again excellent info.

[@mattjackson8226]

I got a 8 pin sound chip because I wanted to use it with a DC controller turned up to max as Hornby said you can do. The chip blew up after about two minutes of being powered up. When I say blew up I mean a flash of light and some smoke. A little frustrated but hope the issue can be sorted

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Matt. That sucks, thanks for sharing your experience though. That actually does sound like a mini blow up. Which controller did you use? Did Hornby replace it?

[@brat96th]

Thanks Rob It is a struggle to get the latest advice across to the nay-sayers and numpties.

[@decidedly_retro]

Also never use an old H&M Duet as they output 24V full wave recertified DC (averaging about 15V DC RMS) which is far higher than any DCC board can handle, even those supposedly able to handle DC.

[@HamStrains]

Damn, you're not on the payroll or recieving freebees? Even I am! I'll have a word with Simon and get you on the roll and a few free locos😅 Lotta people learning the value of reading before buying right now, which is more a them problem than a hornby one. Never trust the hype before buying something always read up on it.

[@paulkandi]

I use a Gaugemaster prodigy, is this ok, ? and do I connect the Hornby bluetooth into the track as well as the Gaugemaster.? Thanks for the advise...

[@LittleWicketRailway]

If it's an NMRA compliant DCC controller then it should be fine. The best place to double check is the Hornby forums or maybe Gaugemaster.

[@greathorton]

I used Notebook Power Adaptor (15VDC output) as a power source of HM7000 21-pins, but suddenly the HM7000 blown up after playing less than 10 times. I don’t know why?

[@drgunsmith4099]

Yes mine exploded so bad it took out my whole street 🙈 (joke)

[@wamgoc]

In a Q&A video a couple of weeks ago from Hornby we were told not to use other manufactures DC controllers till they have been tested! some people will always push the boundaries and whilst that good in one way, some may want to push a little too far! Rule, Always follow the makers advice! I don't think this is a failure on Hornby's part!

[@rvmattison6480]

I am sure that once the beta testers (all model railway enthusiaststs) finish testing this iteration, the price will then increase. Godd luck to everyone.

[@bobingabout]

... If there is no Android app released yet, what are you supposed to use? I do not own, nor do I want, an Apple product.

[@irishsixtysixfanGbrf66739]

Hornby won't do a 68 sound file nor will they do a 70 for them and mostly what i run just not something that I would buy the decoders for sound already got loksound decoders and why would I even consider supporting Hornby again after tts or even buying anything new from Hornby

[@OlivierGabin]

So, we have decoders which get toasted while using the wrong app or simply an analog controller... Does not really encourage basic user, like me, to try them. And I am not talking about the other issues (physical size and Android app)...

[@chrisreynolds7412]

Come back TTS all is forgiven

[@garyburford5774]

So why can you use a Bachmann dcc fitted and sound fitted loco on dc with no issue? Poorly rushed release, decoders too big for many locos and only Hornby sound profiles. If it is supposed to be as they have suggested, “industry standard” why the limit? Oh and Bachmann in the US market has been using blue tool control on many of its HO loco range for a number of years, so not a leap in technology.

[@harrytodhunter5078]

Classic Hornby- Rushed products and bungled response it seems

[@PebblesChan]

Rushed? It always seems an eternity between Hornby announcing a new product and its release.