Hello I am hoping for some advice on rectifying a problem I have controlling Bachmann loco's (with DCC encoders) with a Hornby Digital controller. I have a Hornby Digital Select Unit DCC controller. This controller works fine with the two Hornby Engines I have. There has never been a problem changing parameters and functions, such as loco address, accelleration, decelleration etc on these two loco's. I have purchased two Bachmann locomotives with DCC on board. These locos are uncontrollable with the Hornby controller. I have replaced one of the DCC encoders on one of the engine with no improvement. The loco's "seem" to respond to the setting of the address in that they stop and the controller indicates programming was a success. That is as far as the controll of the loco's extends. The loco's consistently randomly move off from standstill and run for some nimutes, then decellerate to a stop and change directions. They are not stopped by the emergency stop button. I have spent some time trying to determine a pattern to their movements, unsuccesfully! I have been in contact with Hornby in the UK who claim the Hornby controller and Bachmann encoders should be compatible, although they dont have a loco with an encoder that is the same as mine (Bachmann 44915) to verify the claim. I am loath to purchase a new controller to discover their is some other issue at play and it does not resolve the problem. Anyone got any ideas?
Hi Brave Engineer, There's are 90% probability that the problem is with Hornby Select unit. When first released their digital waveform didn't conform to NMRA spec in that there were some severe voltage spikes and an irregular signal which could confuse and damage some decoders. I understand that the Elite unit has been upgraded but am unsure about the Select unit - about the only decoders I'd guarantee to run with Hornby systems would be Hornby decoders. Tim
Hello Tim Thanks for the reply. I did suspect it was an incompatibility issue with the Hornby controller, but was hoping it was something simpler like a filter capacitor that had to be removed. Looks like a different brand of controller will resolve the issue (and maybe create some more). Thanks Again
Here in the UK, I know of two Model Shops and one online retailer who won't stock 'Hornby Digital' for these issues. Tim's already identified the problem - don't conform to NMRA specs. Having just read this on Hornby's own website: - DCC Controller Comparison - Hornby Digital - Hornby I'm guessing you're wanting to use the loco's 4 digit road number as it's DCC address, only the Hornby Select doesn't support 4 digit addresses. I recommend you dump that poor excuse for a Hornby and get yourself a real DCC system like the NCE PowerCab - an excellent starter set that you'll have up and running in 5 minutes. It can also be upgraded/expanded as future needs dictate. Your Bachmanns will love you for it.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I guess I am comming to the realisation that I got what I paid for! Ah well, I will sell the Hornby controller on Ebay and purchase something that lives up to its claims.
