Wow, indeed. Thankyou Andy and also @rdhouse additional comment. How come you only have such a small number of views/ subscribers when you happen to be virtually the only person on tube to bring the latest extensions and advancements in railway modelling to everyone. Not only that, your skills in explaining everything to make it so easy to understand. Plus your absolutely brilliant positive attitude and enthusiasm is overwhelmingly beyond compare. Thankyou very, very much. I sincerely hope you get the upmost recognition, truly. Fantastic. BOOM!
Refreshing to see a positive video about the hobby, rather than how lowlife like Lcotomion Motion just making childish videos damning everything in sight. Great video
Great video, lots going on and nice to see you enjoying the addition of the new HM7000 plus the dongle system. I just connected my dongle to my Select as that is all I have, being a novice in the hobby too but it is so much fun with this new Hornby system of HM7000 and the dongle. Thanks again.
I've gone one step further with these decoders, DCC control without any track power. Totally self powered locos with internal batteries that give amazing results, like, NO NEED for track cleaning, NO NEED for stay alives, NO NEED for costly polarity reversers, NO NEED for isolating sections, NO NEED for complex under track wiring with costly power supplies and control systems. So what do you get in return, you get unbelievable loco cab control, from the slowest crawl to full top end speed from your own digital hand held tablet or phone, with full on the fly decoder CV settings (no more programming tracks) and no stalling at points or poor rail contacts. Amazing sound quality from sound decoders under half the price of the competitors products and superb real life hand held cab control. Future plans for the Hornby HM7000, well you've just seen the dongles introduced, as promised. Planned to follow on is a complete track plan train control system that will automate your own layout so that you at your leisure can operate locos independably, while having a controlled timetable of trains running in the background, with full interaction between your shunting actions and the main automatic timetable. Point and signal control from the same hand held controller as your trains in a real life, real time, real feel loco driving environment.
Wow, wow, WOW! Yes, of course. It makes perfect sense now with todays batteries being so advanced and they could then use just the track as a charger. Wow yes. Even just on certain segments to refuel and just as in real life. What you’ve achieved sounds truly incredible and in some ways so obviously simple which is always the way. 🤩 I feel truly blessed you sharing this pioneering news. Thank you so much 😊 🙏❤️
@@modeloco I'm in the middle of building a small P4 layout with handbuilt track that's is made true to real life practices, no isolated or electro frogs. It's a breath of fresh air to railway modelling.
@@rdrhouse it also seems obvious to me you must be very humble and open to allow this amazing creativity to flow through you in this way. What a gift 🎁
Very impressive. I had no idea that I could control non Bluetooth decoders with this dongle. Gotta find a 6 pin decoder for my tt 120 08 and a legacy dongle. Looking forward to this. Cheers modeloco 👍👍👍
Hi Gerry, Thank you! I’m also now doing the reverse of this in my next video to gain full control in another way so, may suit you even more. If you’re not already using xpressnet controllers like the elite and selects definitely hang fire for that video 👍
@@modeloco thanks for the reply. I’m very new to DCC control and very much enjoying the learning experience. I tried an Nce powercab but really didn’t get on with it so got myself an elite and very happy with it and have the added advantage of toggling between app and the elite. I look forward to the next video that you mentioned 👍👍👍
I like the idea of ability to add second dongle running from an alternative device. Currently using my tablet but would like option to use my phone too. What the app needs (urgently) is to create a backup file for your engine shed population. Firstly for security, in case of device (e.g. tablet) failure/problems and, secondly, a file that you can tranfer to another device (e.g. phone) and populate its engine shed on there (no retyping everything).
Good review - thank you. I have mine and it is working just fine. This helps bring the fun back into the hobby because the system is so accessible once set up.
Great video Andy. Got my hm7000 dongle up and running today. First off it was coming up as a resettable device.. but left for a while and it then let me link it up. Adding the non bt locos is a bit of a faff and i think instructions could have been more comprehensive but really it's fine once you've done 1. Hm7000 really changes a lot. Great value too, which you don't hear a lot nowadays in this hobby. Full marks to Hornby... We just need a few more sound profiles now although the recent additions are welcome
Hi Andy Do you know you can add TTS function maps to your TTS Loco's, so you dont have to manually change all the functions one by one. If you check out the profiles section on the app you'll see all the TTS locos Hornby have added for use of the function maps. Its currently quite tricky to do it for multiple locos, you need to import them one by one to the same TTS loco and then export them with a name, this makes it possible to then go to your other TTS locos on the app and import the specific function map. Will save you a lot of manual editing. Cheers Russ
Hi Russ, Thanks so much for this and yes, once you’ve added a good set to your liking, export and import that as you would the other. Was just so excited to try and get going. Let me know if I’m mistaken but, this seems to be how I see it Very much appreciated Highest Regards, Andy 👍
Hi Andy Yeah I currently have 15 of my TTS locos in the app and all thankfully have a corresponding function map available in the profiles section. But initially when I went to each TTS loco to change it from the default function map there wasn't any other option other than the default one (this may change in a future update?). So what I had to do was select function map I required (lets say the A4) in the profiles section and assign it to the dongle as a device, the first TTS loco I assigned to the dongle was my Railroad Flying Scotsman so thats how it appears in the app when you assign the dongle. So what happens then is the A4 function gets assigned to my Flying Scotsman, but then from there I can export that function map and name it A4 appropriately. Then I can assign my Flying Scotsman loco back to the A3 function map (which I exported earlier) and then go to my Mallard and assign it the A4 function map I just exported. Like I said a very strange way of doing but hopefully Hornby will address this in an update so you can just select which function map you want for which TTS loco without this strange export part in the middle. Cheers Russ
Hi and Yes it’ll link up with TTS sound fitted or the original and at the time more expensive but, slightly better DCC sound fitted Locomotives. The great thing with the app is it’s so easily switchable between engines and very clear on larger iPad. Thanks 🙏
Hi Andy. Great review. You started by asking if the Elite and Select controllers had increased in value by using with HM7000, and I suspect they have. I have the eLink system and sadly there is no port for the dongle. At over £300 the Elite seems expensive for a system over 12 years old. I wonder if Hornby will bring out a ‘black box‘ that the dongle could connect to and I could use that for non Bluetooth decoders.
I’m sure Hornby will do a dongle hub at some point yes and that thought hit me straight away too but, do still like the hands on at times ie if doing a quick run, or gadget batteries get low too 👍
DCC Sound got me to jump back on board and this is a very exciting leap forwards. iPad and HM|DCC seem like a marriage made in heaven. Having it on the iPhone now allows that extra flexibility as it’s more easily to hand when moving about. The dongle offers this up and opens up the chance for my lad to download the app for free and join the layout on a third should he want or, just use my iPhone when he pops in to say hi Dad. Hopefully this will keep us engaged now for longer and that is a massive too 👍
@@modeloco It's an amazing leap forward in model railways and should ensure the future of railway modelling for the next generation and the next generation to come. It's now up to us 'boomers' to move with this and not dig our heels in the ground and bury our heads and hold this innovation back.
@@rdrhouse Couldn’t put it any better. You know how excited I am now sat here with the same feeling I had staring at the pages of Gratton Catalogue hoping Dad would let that Action Man tank down the chimney or staring through the Model Shop window condensation on freezing cold winter nights trying to glimpse what was behind that other one over there behind the Interceptor with the missing torpedo 👍🤪😂
Why? They did Zero 1 yonks ago, their Select and Elite controllers were among the first on the market from a major manufacturer, they followed up with TTS, RailMaster, HM7000 Bluetooth and TXS decoders. A very innovative company.
@@eisenbau It got you too I see. The HM|DCC app is quite simply the best 3rd party app on my iPad ever and works far better than any other too. No adverts, no connection issues, no splash screens, constantly asking you to get paid upgrades and a monumental leap from Railmaster Pro app options. I didn’t know apps could ever work like this 👍
Oh dear, I didn't intend to trigger anyone with my comment. I am a fan of Hornby: I use an Elite and have more of their locos than I care to admit! I also accept that they are innovative; I am looking forward to their "smoke" generator having seen it at a show. The HM7000 surprised me as it seemed to come from nowhere, unlike other things that are announced well in advance. The system is also so well thought out, so flexible and so modestly priced that I can't help but be amazed that anyone could produce it.
I believe this could be something to do with the controlling devices being kept under scrutiny. For example to stop any unauthorized connections at an exhibition because once connected, as with a locomotive to a controller, that connection has to be disabled before allowing another one access to it. This is set up in the same way with the legacy dongles. Even at home a trusted user could soon jump on board a layout, without Dad knowing for instance, and start up locomotives from their device in another room. Trust me, my kids would have found this hilarious some years ago. In either scenario this could easily be checked and if an issue, simply dealt with, via the lit status of dongles plugged in. As you may have seen too, I’ve added labels so I can see which dongle belongs to which gadget and unplug them, if unused or move them to another layout controller should I desire. Even a trusted and connected user, at any time can simply be unplugged now too if the layout owner so wishes without any real unnecessary disruption, which keeps the ultimate control in the hands of Dad for once 😂
My apologies. I responded to your feelings yet, it looks as if it has been lost in the ether? As far as I know the new Yamorc block sensing units via software like iTrain can resolve your issues. Would be very interesting to know your thoughts on this?
What leads do you use to connect your elite to the two selects? My dongle will not work while my select is slaved to the elite with an RJ11 twisted pairs 7m cable. As soon as I disconnect the RJ11 cable from the elite it works fine. The select slaves to the elite with said cable ok but with both on extranet the dongle won’t work. I noticed on one of your videos you had two dongles and two slaves connected to the elite. Please tell me which cables you are using? Thx
Ooo.Strange. The cable I use and link is in the video description. It’s not an affiliate link or any thing odd. Hope that resolves it but, they’re very cheap 👍
What a great review thank you I have got oo gauge in the garden i Hornby elite and HM 7000 I don’t know where you live but I wood love you to come over to my railway and show me all your skills I live in Essex my railway is called Daws Heath garden railway oo gauge I’m TH-cam thank you again for a great review kind regards Paul
Very impressive system Andy. Versatile and yet fairly intuitive compared to many other dcc systems. Good to hear the positive and dulcet tones compared to some of our raucous doom-mongers. Nice one.
I'd like this Loksound decoder fitting into the 350 so it makes the 350 unique sound. I know it will run on the Elite. However, my son wants to drive his trains using the HM7000 app. My question is, if I have the Loksound DCC decoder fitted, can I then put a bluetooth dongle into the Elite and drive it on the HM7000, and will it still make the 350 unique sound? (The 350 sound isn't available on the HM7000 app yet)
Hi Kelly, Following on then from our other Q&A’s. To clear up too. The HM|DCC app can trigger sounds and control both HM7000 DCC Bluetooth sound decoders fitted into locomotives and yes, using the dongle, can also do the same with non Bluetooth DCC sound decoder fitted locomotives, like Loksound. The important difference and where I feel some confusion could arise is that sounds Don’t come from the app itself (They only do that when using the HM|DC app) The sounds are stored on the decoders in the locomotives. The Bluetooth HM7000 sound decoders can have sounds put and changed on them, by you, using the Bluetooth signal, from the app to download any sound profiles from the app to these bluetooth antenna fitted decoders. Loksound DCC sound decoders do not have a bluetooth antenna built in so, you purchase these decoders from a retailer who then sell and pre-instal a set of sound files for you onto the blank decoder before sending out to you or fitting. These retailers and sound profiles vary in choice and quality a great deal, so you need to shop around to get the sounds from a retailer that sell the most realistic sounds of the said locomotive your son wants fitting with one. Check you tube for Digitrains and Road & Rails sounds and various versions available to hear them before you buy. Loksound decoders are of course far more expensive but, you’ll get the exact sound if not available for HM7000. It could be argued, that you could have a Hornby Bluetooth sound decoder fitted, at about half the cost and choose a sound profile nearest to the one you want on the app and wait and hope Hornby release in future as you can update these sounds at home without lots of expensive equipment and knowledge as the HM|DCC app is very easy to use in this regard. It’s why Loksound Sound decoders once fitted with the sounds, are then the sounds you’re stuck with but, yes the HM|DCC app via a Bluetooth Dongle can access these so, will indeed trigger and control once connected. You just can’t change sounds in future with the HM|DCC app. Hope this helps and let me know how you get on and if this has cleared things up👍
that's amazing. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and explain it all so clearly. I really do appreciate it. His birthday/big reveal is in a few weeks so I'll definitely let you know how it all goes. Thanks again 😊
Great video. I only started modelling with the TT120 scale last year and went straight for HM7000 control so I have neither an elite nor select controller. I love the idea of two smart device control simultaneously so I can “play” at the same time as my grandson. Is purchase of an elite controller the only way to set up the two dongles for two smart iPhone/iPad control or would there be a way of doing this without an elite unit? Thanks for any answer in advance. Once again, great, well explained video.
Hello, 🙏 thanks. You need an Elite or a Select controller with the xpressnet socket built into these, for two gadgets or, to run non Bluetooth Locos from one, yes. Before choosing which look at my Part two Addendum - Video - Modeloco ml30 which has more details on these 👍
Hi, great video. Can I ask, I have found a guy who will fit a DCC sound decoder into my son's Bachmann 350. If I set up the dongle, will the actual sound transfer to the HM7000 app? Thanks
@@kellyhollis6196 Hello Kelly, 1) Could you clarify what sound decoder is being fitted and 2) if you’re running the HMDC or HMDCC app. Plus 3) if you use a dongle you will need a Hornby Elite or Select controller with an xpressnet socket to accept this. Have you got one of these controllers?
Now then Andy, so let me get this right… if you have a select + a dongle, another iPad/iPhone can access the whole engine shed currently on your original/main iPad?
By adding a dongle to an Elite or Select, any one gadget linked to that dongle, can now access and add, one by one, through the dongle all the addressed locomotives programmed in advance, on the attached controller. Every gadget needs its own dongle and for both to run all the same locomotives on the same layout, all dongles need to be connected to the same Elite or Select controller. As you and I already had the HM|DCC app running programmed locos, then whatever HM7000 Bluetooth locomotives you already have on your iPad, then need addressing to your Controller before a second gadget can access them. In other words see the controller as the main engine shed where any other gadget can then cherry pick and add whatever it wants from there. The gadgets don’t see each others Engine Sheds, just gain access to the attached controller’s Roster if the loco address’s are known and copied over of course. It can go a bit deeper too. This is where the second gadget ie my iPhone and controller can then work together without any toggling between DCC or Bluetooth control selecting within the app. The first gadget ie my iPad will still need to do this toggling bit, unless you add the same loco back as a new train into this iPads engine shed which then averts this little bit as I’ve done and then one train can be controlled simultaneously if desired, which is a bit extreme I know but, I like to play around like that, it fascinates me how it’s capable of all this at once. Really simple and well thought through once the penny drops. I did like the TT Talk with George Waller. Very clever, focused guy it seems.
PS The original gadget used, where your HM7000 Bluetooth fitted locos live at present on your set up and have all been configured and linked for Adding the Sound Profiles and setting CV’s etc is the engine shed listing where you’ll always go back to for those finer and on the layout HM7000 adjustments via Bluetooth. The second and any other subsequent gadgets added with dongles won’t then have access to that side of course, unless you untether the loco from it and allow your other gadget to become its master which is good 👍
From what you've shown, this does look like a cracking bit of kit for managing a loco fleet. Does the dongle system work with accessory decoders as well as loco decoders? Really interested in upgrading to HM7000 if i can manage my whole layout from a phone
It’s cracking indeed. At present it only works with the Hornby Bluetooth accessory decoders but, two updates are promised so, that’s what we’re all hoping asap 👍
Great stuff. I didn't quite get, do you have to select the loco on the elite to use that loco on the app? Or can you select the locos on the app only so I don't have to touch the app?
Hi Ashley, yes it’s rather baffling at first. The Elite houses and powers all your DCC locos and the Dongle is the link so the app can cherry pick any locos from it. Once in the app, then the app only needs the elite to supply AC power to the loco through the track and you can run your DCC locos off either regardless of the other or together. If you have the new Hornby Bluetooth HM|DCC decoders fitted then the Elite can only take charge of those when you switch over to DCC control within the app. With these decoders too, you don’t have to have an Elite in the chain, you can use any correct power supply straight to the track, unless you want to use a dongle on your layout of course.
The sounds come from the sound decoders & speakers fitted in your Loco's yes, not from the HM|DCC app. That said, App Sounds do come out of the DC version, which is the HM|DC app but, that's really not what you're after here I'm sure.
Picking up the thread. I’m not a Gaugemaster Prodigy user so not aware of an elite variation of that unit. A quick call to Gaugemaster would answer that for you though, regarding xpressnet capability, as I’ve always found them customer friendly. Have you got a Hornby Select or Hornby Elite controller if so the dongle will work with these.
I haven’t done it yet but, yes any accessory that’s DCC addressed and working on the connected controller because the app operates accessories in the same way under its own tab on screen and once these have been connected to it, sure 👍
Have Bluetooth on and have controlled a loco with ordinary DCC chip . I am using apple . My points are numbered 1 to 8 when using elite but no joy when I try dongle
@@DavidGriffiths-j9b Thanks for getting back. Looks like we could have hit the buffers on this for now then, at least, on this current release. As Simon Kohler once said to me in a Q&A. “Andy, you’re always 3 questions ahead of where we are at present, as usual” or, words to the effect. I naturally assumed reading the information that you’d just trigger these using the buttons/slides under the app accessories tab once nominated, as you can with the HM6010 Bluetooth equivalent?
Yes or theoretically any Controller with an Xpressnet Socket built in but, just so you know this is Not Loconet. To play safe stick with Hornby I'd say. Plus Elites can be updated via USB but, Selects need doing by Hornby so if considering buying one, I'd go for a Software Version 1.6
Yes, if it’s in a locomotive, DCC addressed and running happily on an XpressNet controller. I’m sure the Bachmann Class 25 seen nearer the end of the review, has an ESU Factory fitted Loksound Decoder in it and that’s fine. I’ll be adding more but, see no issues at all.
Thanks, I have Railmaster elink system unfortunately it’s not compatible with the dongle even though my laptop has RJ45 port, so will have to purchase used Hornby select controller to make this work.
@@JJthrashing Yes, I had, well… tried eLink & Railmaster Pro too with the gadgets and all linked to a PC. I hope, like myself, you’ll find this a totally different experience. It’s great on the iPad Pro with larger screen if you’re into Apple 🍏
PS sure you don’t need reminding, you’ll need a compatible gadget. Some issues on Android, as there are more variables I think in the operating systems and my older iPhone 6 wasn’t compatible either. The new iPhone is. Plus, you may as well go for newest factory set software version on a Select that you can grab. V1.6 being the last one they did. Though it doesn’t specify others don’t work, it just may give a better experience, who knows and just saying. The dongle will work with Railmaster too it says but, that can only be through the Elite USB connection as dongles need XpressNet of course and eLink was a wifi connected device. 👍
Now now 😂 the last one was singular and this is plural and singing… in a Meatloaf voice… 2 out of 39 ain’t bad. They are… like Bachmann auto uncouplers don’t you think… well, especially here in the UK?
@damianinCanadaTT-OO Are you using Apple or Android and if Apple, iPhone or iPad. Just trying to establish if my iPhone not getting the function map for non Bluetooth decoder connection was a glitch or possibly something to do with adding that as a second gadget?
iPad 5th generation. There’s a very comprehensive text based manual on Hornby’s website. Failing that the Hornby forum has members of the beta testing team participating
THE GAPPING HOLE IN DCC ! Yes, but when are they going to tackle the GAPPING HOLE in all current DCC systems. Which is of course a direct interface between moving trains & Block Signalling systems, such as Absolute Block, Track Circuit Block and Permissive Block. As currently NO DCC system allows you to run your trains in line with the signalling rules. Meaning it is currently useless to Advanced Modellers who are aware of this gaping hole !! Indeed Fleischmann in Germany wasted £2 Million on trying to solve this exact problem 10 years ago, and went bankrupt in the process. So got snapped up by Roco, who promptly dropped the development of solving this problem.
Hornby say theoretically, any controller with an Xpressnet socket (not Loconet) built in. Though they also say, this hasn’t been tested like Hornby Elite & Select controllers have. The question to ask first is, does your NCE Powercab have Xpressnet input socket/s ?
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Wow, indeed. Thankyou Andy and also @rdhouse additional comment. How come you only have such a small number of views/ subscribers when you happen to be virtually the only person on tube to bring the latest extensions and advancements in railway modelling to everyone. Not only that, your skills in explaining everything to make it so easy to understand. Plus your absolutely brilliant positive attitude and enthusiasm is overwhelmingly beyond compare. Thankyou very, very much. I sincerely hope you get the upmost recognition, truly. Fantastic. BOOM!
Wow right back. That’s the most moving and emotive comment I’ve ever received. I’m truly grateful for that. I don’t know 🤷 but, only on you tube 🙏🙏🙏
Any questions let me know. You have a new subscriber 👍
Refreshing to see a positive video about the hobby, rather than how lowlife like Lcotomion Motion just making childish videos damning everything in sight. Great video
Wonder why certain manufacturers are left out?
@@modeloco What do you mean Andy?
@@gs425 I’ve had a brief look at this. The Ken Dodd one was funny but, they all seemed focused on Hornby, Bachmann or Rrrrrapidoooohhhh?
@@modeloco It's just easy rating grabbing videos. Tatt
Great video, lots going on and nice to see you enjoying the addition of the new HM7000 plus the dongle system. I just connected my dongle to my Select as that is all I have, being a novice in the hobby too but it is so much fun with this new Hornby system of HM7000 and the dongle. Thanks again.
Outstanding review of a game changing bit of kit. Well done Modeloco (Andy) and well done Hornby. A revolutionary DCC development.
Thank You Dennis it certainly is 👍
I've gone one step further with these decoders, DCC control without any track power.
Totally self powered locos with internal batteries that give amazing results, like, NO NEED for track cleaning, NO NEED for stay alives, NO NEED for costly polarity reversers, NO NEED for isolating sections, NO NEED for complex under track wiring with costly power supplies and control systems.
So what do you get in return, you get unbelievable loco cab control, from the slowest crawl to full top end speed from your own digital hand held tablet or phone, with full on the fly decoder CV settings (no more programming tracks) and no stalling at points or poor rail contacts. Amazing sound quality from sound decoders under half the price of the competitors products and superb real life hand held cab control.
Future plans for the Hornby HM7000, well you've just seen the dongles introduced, as promised. Planned to follow on is a complete track plan train control system that will automate your own layout so that you at your leisure can operate locos independably, while having a controlled timetable of trains running in the background, with full interaction between your shunting actions and the main automatic timetable. Point and signal control from the same hand held controller as your trains in a real life, real time, real feel loco driving environment.
Wow, wow, WOW! Yes, of course. It makes perfect sense now with todays batteries being so advanced and they could then use just the track as a charger. Wow yes. Even just on certain segments to refuel and just as in real life. What you’ve achieved sounds truly incredible and in some ways so obviously simple which is always the way. 🤩 I feel truly blessed you sharing this pioneering news. Thank you so much 😊 🙏❤️
@@modeloco I'm in the middle of building a small P4 layout with handbuilt track that's is made true to real life practices, no isolated or electro frogs. It's a breath of fresh air to railway modelling.
@@rdrhouse it also seems obvious to me you must be very humble and open to allow this amazing creativity to flow through you in this way. What a gift 🎁
Very impressive. I had no idea that I could control non Bluetooth decoders with this dongle. Gotta find a 6 pin decoder for my tt 120 08 and a legacy dongle. Looking forward to this. Cheers modeloco 👍👍👍
Hi Gerry, Thank you! I’m also now doing the reverse of this in my next video to gain full control in another way so, may suit you even more.
If you’re not already using xpressnet controllers like the elite and selects definitely hang fire for that video 👍
@@modeloco thanks for the reply. I’m very new to DCC control and very much enjoying the learning experience. I tried an Nce powercab but really didn’t get on with it so got myself an elite and very happy with it and have the added advantage of toggling between app and the elite. I look forward to the next video that you mentioned 👍👍👍
Excellent video. This is a real game changer. And thanks for the positivity, sick of whinging, moaning reviewers slagging Hornby.
Thank you 🙏 so much for your positivity too 👍
I like the idea of ability to add second dongle running from an alternative device. Currently using my tablet but would like option to use my phone too.
What the app needs (urgently) is to create a backup file for your engine shed population. Firstly for security, in case of device (e.g. tablet) failure/problems and, secondly, a file that you can tranfer to another device (e.g. phone) and populate its engine shed on there (no retyping everything).
Indeed. Know there’s two updates coming 👍
Good review - thank you. I have mine and it is working just fine. This helps bring the fun back into the hobby because the system is so accessible once set up.
Couldn’t have put it any better 👍
Great video Andy. Got my hm7000 dongle up and running today. First off it was coming up as a resettable device.. but left for a while and it then let me link it up. Adding the non bt locos is a bit of a faff and i think instructions could have been more comprehensive but really it's fine once you've done 1. Hm7000 really changes a lot. Great value too, which you don't hear a lot nowadays in this hobby. Full marks to Hornby... We just need a few more sound profiles now although the recent additions are welcome
Thanks Tim. Glad you got sorted 🙏👍
Hi Andy
Do you know you can add TTS function maps to your TTS Loco's, so you dont have to manually change all the functions one by one.
If you check out the profiles section on the app you'll see all the TTS locos Hornby have added for use of the function maps.
Its currently quite tricky to do it for multiple locos, you need to import them one by one to the same TTS loco and then export them with a name, this makes it possible to then go to your other TTS locos on the app and import the specific function map.
Will save you a lot of manual editing.
Cheers
Russ
Hi Russ,
Thanks so much for this and yes, once you’ve added a good set to your liking, export and import that as you would the other. Was just so excited to try and get going. Let me know if I’m mistaken but, this seems to be how I see it
Very much appreciated
Highest Regards,
Andy 👍
Hi Andy
Yeah I currently have 15 of my TTS locos in the app and all thankfully have a corresponding function map available in the profiles section. But initially when I went to each TTS loco to change it from the default function map there wasn't any other option other than the default one (this may change in a future update?).
So what I had to do was select function map I required (lets say the A4) in the profiles section and assign it to the dongle as a device, the first TTS loco I assigned to the dongle was my Railroad Flying Scotsman so thats how it appears in the app when you assign the dongle. So what happens then is the A4 function gets assigned to my Flying Scotsman, but then from there I can export that function map and name it A4 appropriately.
Then I can assign my Flying Scotsman loco back to the A3 function map (which I exported earlier) and then go to my Mallard and assign it the A4 function map I just exported.
Like I said a very strange way of doing but hopefully Hornby will address this in an update so you can just select which function map you want for which TTS loco without this strange export part in the middle.
Cheers
Russ
You had TTS decoders in the engines ? Interesting setup and for the price it's a winner. The use is nice and easy. Thanks for sharing Andy!
Hi and Yes it’ll link up with TTS sound fitted or the original and at the time more expensive but, slightly better DCC sound fitted Locomotives. The great thing with the app is it’s so easily switchable between engines and very clear on larger iPad. Thanks 🙏
Hi Andy. Great review. You started by asking if the Elite and Select controllers had increased in value by using with HM7000, and I suspect they have. I have the eLink system and sadly there is no port for the dongle. At over £300 the Elite seems expensive for a system over 12 years old. I wonder if Hornby will bring out a ‘black box‘ that the dongle could connect to and I could use that for non Bluetooth decoders.
I’m sure Hornby will do a dongle hub at some point yes and that thought hit me straight away too but, do still like the hands on at times ie if doing a quick run, or gadget batteries get low too 👍
HM 7000, the biggest advance in train control and DCC since DCC was introduced all those years ago.
DCC Sound got me to jump back on board and this is a very exciting leap forwards. iPad and HM|DCC seem like a marriage made in heaven. Having it on the iPhone now allows that extra flexibility as it’s more easily to hand when moving about. The dongle offers this up and opens up the chance for my lad to download the app for free and join the layout on a third should he want or, just use my iPhone when he pops in to say hi Dad. Hopefully this will keep us engaged now for longer and that is a massive too 👍
@@modeloco It's an amazing leap forward in model railways and should ensure the future of railway modelling for the next generation and the next generation to come. It's now up to us 'boomers' to move with this and not dig our heels in the ground and bury our heads and hold this innovation back.
@@rdrhouse Couldn’t put it any better. You know how excited I am now sat here with the same feeling I had staring at the pages of Gratton Catalogue hoping Dad would let that Action Man tank down the chimney or staring through the Model Shop window condensation on freezing cold winter nights trying to glimpse what was behind that other one over there behind the Interceptor with the missing torpedo 👍🤪😂
Very useful video! I’m still a bit surprised that Hornby have produced such a great system!
Thank you. The app is far more tactile, user friendly and responsive than expected.
Amazing how certain things can set us off and your comment really got me for some reason but, thanks 🙏 it is great 👍
Why? They did Zero 1 yonks ago, their Select and Elite controllers were among the first on the market from a major manufacturer, they followed up with TTS, RailMaster, HM7000 Bluetooth and TXS decoders. A very innovative company.
@@eisenbau It got you too I see. The HM|DCC app is quite simply the best 3rd party app on my iPad ever and works far better than any other too. No adverts, no connection issues, no splash screens, constantly asking you to get paid upgrades and a monumental leap from Railmaster Pro app options. I didn’t know apps could ever work like this 👍
Oh dear, I didn't intend to trigger anyone with my comment. I am a fan of Hornby: I use an Elite and have more of their locos than I care to admit! I also accept that they are innovative; I am looking forward to their "smoke" generator having seen it at a show. The HM7000 surprised me as it seemed to come from nowhere, unlike other things that are announced well in advance. The system is also so well thought out, so flexible and so modestly priced that I can't help but be amazed that anyone could produce it.
I sure it's technically possible to have one blue tooth dongle and connect to more than one device. I wonder what was the limitation.
I believe this could be something to do with the controlling devices being kept under scrutiny. For example to stop any unauthorized connections at an exhibition because once connected, as with a locomotive to a controller, that connection has to be disabled before allowing another one access to it. This is set up in the same way with the legacy dongles. Even at home a trusted user could soon jump on board a layout, without Dad knowing for instance, and start up locomotives from their device in another room. Trust me, my kids would have found this hilarious some years ago. In either scenario this could easily be checked and if an issue, simply dealt with, via the lit status of dongles plugged in. As you may have seen too, I’ve added labels so I can see which dongle belongs to which gadget and unplug them, if unused or move them to another layout controller should I desire. Even a trusted and connected user, at any time can simply be unplugged now too if the layout owner so wishes without any real unnecessary disruption, which keeps the ultimate control in the hands of Dad for once 😂
My apologies. I responded to your feelings yet, it looks as if it has been lost in the ether? As far as I know the new Yamorc block sensing units via software like iTrain can resolve your issues. Would be very interesting to know your thoughts on this?
What leads do you use to connect your elite to the two selects? My dongle will not work while my select is slaved to the elite with an RJ11 twisted pairs 7m cable. As soon as I disconnect the RJ11 cable from the elite it works fine. The select slaves to the elite with said cable ok but with both on extranet the dongle won’t work. I noticed on one of your videos you had two dongles and two slaves connected to the elite. Please tell me which cables you are using? Thx
Ooo.Strange. The cable I use and link is in the video description. It’s not an affiliate link or any thing odd. Hope that resolves it but, they’re very cheap 👍
What a great review thank you I have got oo gauge in the garden i Hornby elite and HM 7000 I don’t know where you live but I wood love you to come over to my railway and show me all your skills I live in Essex my railway is called Daws Heath garden railway oo gauge I’m TH-cam thank you again for a great review kind regards Paul
Hi Paul, Yes, subscribed and watch your updates. I’m just up the road in Yorkshire 😂
@@modeloco thank you for your reply that’s a shame if you are ever down this way give me a call kind regards Paul
@@paulbarnard5636 Will do definitely. Your track must take some cleaning I’m sure. Do you cover it at all when not in use?
Very impressive system Andy. Versatile and yet fairly intuitive compared to many other dcc systems. Good to hear the positive and dulcet tones compared to some of our raucous doom-mongers. Nice one.
Thanking you Greg. Maybe something is pulling their hamstrings 🤪
I'd like this Loksound decoder fitting into the 350 so it makes the 350 unique sound. I know it will run on the Elite. However, my son wants to drive his trains using the HM7000 app. My question is, if I have the Loksound DCC decoder fitted, can I then put a bluetooth dongle into the Elite and drive it on the HM7000, and will it still make the 350 unique sound? (The 350 sound isn't available on the HM7000 app yet)
Hi Kelly, Following on then from our other Q&A’s. To clear up too. The HM|DCC app can trigger sounds and control both HM7000 DCC Bluetooth sound decoders fitted into locomotives and yes, using the dongle, can also do the same with non Bluetooth DCC sound decoder fitted locomotives, like Loksound. The important difference and where I feel some confusion could arise is that sounds Don’t come from the app itself (They only do that when using the HM|DC app) The sounds are stored on the decoders in the locomotives. The Bluetooth HM7000 sound decoders can have sounds put and changed on them, by you, using the Bluetooth signal, from the app to download any sound profiles from the app to these bluetooth antenna fitted decoders. Loksound DCC sound decoders do not have a bluetooth antenna built in so, you purchase these decoders from a retailer who then sell and pre-instal a set of sound files for you onto the blank decoder before sending out to you or fitting. These retailers and sound profiles vary in choice and quality a great deal, so you need to shop around to get the sounds from a retailer that sell the most realistic sounds of the said locomotive your son wants fitting with one. Check you tube for Digitrains and Road & Rails sounds and various versions available to hear them before you buy. Loksound decoders are of course far more expensive but, you’ll get the exact sound if not available for HM7000. It could be argued, that you could have a Hornby Bluetooth sound decoder fitted, at about half the cost and choose a sound profile nearest to the one you want on the app and wait and hope Hornby release in future as you can update these sounds at home without lots of expensive equipment and knowledge as the HM|DCC app is very easy to use in this regard. It’s why Loksound Sound decoders once fitted with the sounds, are then the sounds you’re stuck with but, yes the HM|DCC app via a Bluetooth Dongle can access these so, will indeed trigger and control once connected. You just can’t change sounds in future with the HM|DCC app. Hope this helps and let me know how you get on and if this has cleared things up👍
that's amazing. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and explain it all so clearly. I really do appreciate it. His birthday/big reveal is in a few weeks so I'll definitely let you know how it all goes. Thanks again 😊
Great video. I only started modelling with the TT120 scale last year and went straight for HM7000 control so I have neither an elite nor select controller. I love the idea of two smart device control simultaneously so I can “play” at the same time as my grandson. Is purchase of an elite controller the only way to set up the two dongles for two smart iPhone/iPad control or would there be a way of doing this without an elite unit? Thanks for any answer in advance. Once again, great, well explained video.
Hello, 🙏 thanks. You need an Elite or a Select controller with the xpressnet socket built into these, for two gadgets or, to run non Bluetooth Locos from one, yes. Before choosing which look at my Part two Addendum - Video - Modeloco ml30 which has more details on these 👍
Many thanks. Will do!
@ejm9716 on power there are some notes under that video to help too 👍
Hi, great video. Can I ask, I have found a guy who will fit a DCC sound decoder into my son's Bachmann 350. If I set up the dongle, will the actual sound transfer to the HM7000 app? Thanks
@@kellyhollis6196 Hello Kelly,
1) Could you clarify what sound decoder is being fitted and
2) if you’re running the HMDC or HMDCC app. Plus
3) if you use a dongle you will need a Hornby Elite or Select controller with an xpressnet socket to accept this. Have you got one of these controllers?
Thanks for replying. It's a Loksound DCC decoder?, we're 'trying' to run the HMDCC and we do have an Elite controller with xpressnet socket....
@@kellyhollis6196 good so what is it you want to do exactly?
Now then Andy, so let me get this right… if you have a select + a dongle, another iPad/iPhone can access the whole engine shed currently on your original/main iPad?
By adding a dongle to an Elite or Select, any one gadget linked to that dongle, can now access and add, one by one, through the dongle all the addressed locomotives programmed in advance, on the attached controller. Every gadget needs its own dongle and for both to run all the same locomotives on the same layout, all dongles need to be connected to the same Elite or Select controller. As you and I already had the HM|DCC app running programmed locos, then whatever HM7000 Bluetooth locomotives you already have on your iPad, then need addressing to your Controller before a second gadget can access them. In other words see the controller as the main engine shed where any other gadget can then cherry pick and add whatever it wants from there. The gadgets don’t see each others Engine Sheds, just gain access to the attached controller’s Roster if the loco address’s are known and copied over of course.
It can go a bit deeper too. This is where the second gadget ie my iPhone and controller can then work together without any toggling between DCC or Bluetooth control selecting within the app. The first gadget ie my iPad will still need to do this toggling bit, unless you add the same loco back as a new train into this iPads engine shed which then averts this little bit as I’ve done and then one train can be controlled simultaneously if desired, which is a bit extreme I know but, I like to play around like that, it fascinates me how it’s capable of all this at once.
Really simple and well thought through once the penny drops. I did like the TT Talk with George Waller. Very clever, focused guy it seems.
PS The original gadget used, where your HM7000 Bluetooth fitted locos live at present on your set up and have all been configured and linked for Adding the Sound Profiles and setting CV’s etc is the engine shed listing where you’ll always go back to for those finer and on the layout HM7000 adjustments via Bluetooth. The second and any other subsequent gadgets added with dongles won’t then have access to that side of course, unless you untether the loco from it and allow your other gadget to become its master which is good 👍
It would appear your HST footage is now being featured in a rather hard to swallow take about TT?
@@modeloco and a bit of yours I think? Never mind…. 🤷🏻♂️🤪
I think our audience like our positive attitude.
From what you've shown, this does look like a cracking bit of kit for managing a loco fleet.
Does the dongle system work with accessory decoders as well as loco decoders? Really interested in upgrading to HM7000 if i can manage my whole layout from a phone
It’s cracking indeed. At present it only works with the Hornby Bluetooth accessory decoders but, two updates are promised so, that’s what we’re all hoping asap 👍
Great stuff. I didn't quite get, do you have to select the loco on the elite to use that loco on the app? Or can you select the locos on the app only so I don't have to touch the app?
Hi Ashley, yes it’s rather baffling at first. The Elite houses and powers all your DCC locos and the Dongle is the link so the app can cherry pick any locos from it. Once in the app, then the app only needs the elite to supply AC power to the loco through the track and you can run your DCC locos off either regardless of the other or together.
If you have the new Hornby Bluetooth HM|DCC decoders fitted then the Elite can only take charge of those when you switch over to DCC control within the app. With these decoders too, you don’t have to have an Elite in the chain, you can use any correct power supply straight to the track, unless you want to use a dongle on your layout of course.
Does it work with Digitrax controllers?
No, these are Loconet based controllers not, Xpressnet
Does this work with gaugemaster prodigy elite 🤔
Does that controller have an xpressnet socket input built in?
I imagine the dongle only work with Hornby controllers.
Only controllers that incorporate xpressnet sockets but, yes I use Hornby 👍
can the loco sound play through the App/Ipad? or has the loco got to have a sound decoder?
The sounds come from the sound decoders & speakers fitted in your Loco's yes, not from the HM|DCC app.
That said, App Sounds do come out of the DC version, which is the HM|DC app but, that's really not what you're after here I'm sure.
Good question will have a look but 63 year old and don't have any idea about modern technology 😢😢
Picking up the thread. I’m not a Gaugemaster Prodigy user so not aware of an elite variation of that unit. A quick call to Gaugemaster would answer that for you though, regarding xpressnet capability, as I’ve always found them customer friendly. Have you got a Hornby Select or Hornby Elite controller if so the dongle will work with these.
Can you control DCC enabled points with this ?
I haven’t done it yet but, yes any accessory that’s DCC addressed and working on the connected controller because the app operates accessories in the same way under its own tab on screen and once these have been connected to it, sure 👍
I am using elite to control points at the moment but can’t seem to be able to get dongle set up any help would be appreciated thanks
@@DavidGriffiths-j9bokay. Explain what stage you’re at. Confirm Bluetooth is enabled and what your gadget is Apple 🍏 or Android ?
Have Bluetooth on and have controlled a loco with ordinary DCC chip . I am using apple . My points are numbered 1 to 8 when using elite but no joy when I try dongle
@@DavidGriffiths-j9b Thanks for getting back. Looks like we could have hit the buffers on this for now then, at least, on this current release. As Simon Kohler once said to me in a Q&A. “Andy, you’re always 3 questions ahead of where we are at present, as usual” or, words to the effect. I naturally assumed reading the information that you’d just trigger these using the buttons/slides under the app accessories tab once nominated, as you can with the HM6010 Bluetooth equivalent?
Looking awesome so much going on so you need a elite or select to work the dongles
Yes or theoretically any Controller with an Xpressnet Socket built in but, just so you know this is Not Loconet. To play safe stick with Hornby I'd say. Plus Elites can be updated via USB but, Selects need doing by Hornby so if considering buying one, I'd go for a Software Version 1.6
Great video, will loksound decoders work with this dongle ?
Yes, if it’s in a locomotive, DCC addressed and running happily on an XpressNet controller.
I’m sure the Bachmann Class 25 seen nearer the end of the review, has an ESU Factory fitted Loksound Decoder in it and that’s fine. I’ll be adding more but, see no issues at all.
Thanks, I have Railmaster elink system unfortunately it’s not compatible with the dongle even though my laptop has RJ45 port, so will have to purchase used Hornby select controller to make this work.
@@JJthrashing Yes, I had, well… tried eLink & Railmaster Pro too with the gadgets and all linked to a PC. I hope, like myself, you’ll find this a totally different experience. It’s great on the iPad Pro with larger screen if you’re into Apple 🍏
PS sure you don’t need reminding, you’ll need a compatible gadget. Some issues on Android, as there are more variables I think in the operating systems and my older iPhone 6 wasn’t compatible either. The new iPhone is. Plus, you may as well go for newest factory set software version on a Select that you can grab. V1.6 being the last one they did. Though it doesn’t specify others don’t work, it just may give a better experience, who knows and just saying. The dongle will work with Railmaster too it says but, that can only be through the Elite USB connection as dongles need XpressNet of course and eLink was a wifi connected device. 👍
What about non Hornby decoders?
The Class 25 shown running with it at the end of the video is a Bachmann and that works fine 👍
Great video
Thanks Arthur 👍
You do like the phrase "Game changing" don't you! 😉
Now now 😂 the last one was singular and this is plural and singing… in a Meatloaf voice… 2 out of 39 ain’t bad. They are… like Bachmann auto uncouplers don’t you think… well, especially here in the UK?
@@modeloco I just set up my dongle (always sounds like an opportunity for an inappropriate joke) with a couple of locos. It is cool
@damianinCanadaTT-OO Are you using Apple or Android and if Apple, iPhone or iPad. Just trying to establish if my iPhone not getting the function map for non Bluetooth decoder connection was a glitch or possibly something to do with adding that as a second gadget?
iPad 5th generation. There’s a very comprehensive text based manual on Hornby’s website. Failing that the Hornby forum has members of the beta testing team participating
THE GAPPING HOLE IN DCC !
Yes, but when are they going to tackle the GAPPING HOLE in all current DCC systems. Which is of course a direct interface between moving trains & Block Signalling systems, such as Absolute Block, Track Circuit Block and Permissive Block. As currently NO DCC system allows you to run your trains in line with the signalling rules. Meaning it is currently useless to Advanced Modellers who are aware of this gaping hole !! Indeed Fleischmann in Germany wasted £2 Million on trying to solve this exact problem 10 years ago, and went bankrupt in the process. So got snapped up by Roco, who promptly dropped the development of solving this problem.
Can this work with an NCE powercab?
Hornby say theoretically, any controller with an Xpressnet socket (not Loconet) built in. Though they also say, this hasn’t been tested like Hornby Elite & Select controllers have. The question to ask first is, does your NCE Powercab have Xpressnet input socket/s ?