Q. What is DCC?
A. In simple terms, DCC allows separate control of more than one locomotive on the same circuit at the same time.
Q. What is the maximum number of functions that the controllers have?
A. The Select controller supports 9 functional outputs, and the Elite controller supports 13.
Q. What is the size of the R8215 Decoder?
A. The approximate size will be 10mm x 14mm x 3mm. When sold as a solo item, it will be supplied complete with an NMRA-standard plug, which can be directly attached to the socket that appears in many of our newer locomotives.
Q. What output do the controllers have?
A. The Elite controller has a 4 amp output. Both Select and Elite support 3 amps to the track and an additional 1 amp to the auxillary power socket.
Q. What protocol does the Hornby product support?
A. The Hornby units support XpressNet ('protocol' is the physical method of transferring data between parts of a digital system).
Q. Does the R8215 Decoder support “Feedback” control?
A. In simple terms, yes! The system supports a controllable feedback function and will compensate for undulations. 'Feedback' allows the locomotive to run at a constant speed whether travelling on the flat or up and down gradients.
Q. Is the Hornby DCC system be available outside the UK?
A. Both the 'Select' and 'Elite' units will be available to purchase in Mainland Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand - the 'Elite' unit will support five languages - English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Q. Does the Hornby system support 'Inertia' control?
A. Yes! Both the 'Select' and 'Elite' have this function. Inertia control means the control of the locomotive can be adjusted so that it automatically speeds up, or slows down, at a pre-programmed rate.
Q. Do the Select and Elite systems support Consisting?
A. Both Select and Elite support Basic Consisting where the command station maintains the list of all locomotives held in the consist. Smart Consisting is not supported.
Q. How do I reset the decoder to factory default settings?
A. To reset the R8215 Decoder to factory default settings, simply program CV 8 to "8". When the programming procedure is complete all settings will restore to factory defaults (including the locomotive address).
Q. Can I 'double head' (run two locomotives together) with the Hornby DCC system?
A. The Elite controller has the facility to 'speed profile' different motors. This means that when two locomotives are programmed for 'double heading', and each locomotive contains different motor/gearing characteristics, the software in the controller will recognise the differences, and when accelerating/decelerating, will compensate and command the locomotives to perform at similar speeds.
Please note, the installation of an advanced decoder to each locomotive is required before it is possible to 'speed profile' motors.
The Select controller does not have the facility to 'speed profile' motors. However, if two locomotives have been pre-programmed for double heading with the Elite controller, the Select can handle simple acceleration/deceleration functions.
Q. Can I run non-DCC equipped (analogue) locomotives on a DCC circuit?
A. Although it is possible to run one locomotive without a decoder, on a DCC circuit we would not recommend this as damage may occur to the motor.
Q. Can the Hornby DCC system be used with Hornby Live Steam?
A. In theory, the electronics of the DCC system have been designed to support Live Steam; however other connection and control elements are not yet in place for full integration between the two systems. Live Steam should still be controlled using the dedicated controller and transformer and standard operational procedures still followed.
Q. How many XpressNet devices do the Select and Elite systems support?
A. Select supports 9 external XpressNet devices (in addition to the built-in hand controller). The Elite supports 30 external XpressNet devices (although in practice this may be limited by the power supply and power consumption of the controllers.
Q. How many locomotives can be controlled at one time using the 'Select' controller?
A. In theory, the 'Select' can drive up to 10 locomotives at one time, but the power unit supplied with the controller (one amp) will limit this to two or three locomotives, dependant on the size and weight of the rake being hauled. However, the power unit supplied with the 'Elite' is rated at four amp. This can be purchased separately and can be used safely with the smaller 'Select' unit. It would then be possible to control 10 locomotives via the smaller unit.
Q. How many speed steps does the Hornby system support?
A. Both units support up to 128 steps - each can be programmed for 14, 28 or 128 steps to top speed.
Q. I would like to interface my 'Elite' unit to my PC - do I require a separate interface device to ensure that the ExpressNet link remains live?
A. No, the separate device that is required to keep the link alive is built into our 'Elite' unit. A standard USB lead is required for the interface to a PC. This is not supplied with our product, but readily available from most electronic stores.
Q. Is it true that all suppression should be removed from the loco and track to successfully use DCC?
A. Locomotives will run in a smooth and controlled fashion with suppression capacitors left in place. There is no need to remove them.
Q. Is the Hornby system compatible with other systems?
A. Yes! It can be integrated with other similar systems currently on the UK market, i.e. Lenz and Gaugemaster, for instance.
Q. The Hornby Decoder supports four functions - what are they?
A. The functions can be:
Please note that forward and reverse of a locomotive does not require the use of any of the four functions.
The 'Select' unit will support accessories with up to eight functions, but of course, an eight function decoder should then be fitted.
Q. What addressing format does the Hornby DCC system use?
A. The Select unit uses two digit addressing, whereas the Elite unit uses four digit addressing.
Q. What features do the 'Select' and 'Elite' units have?
A. Both units have an extensive array of features suited to all modellers. Some of the Select unit features are as follows:
The Elite has many more advanced features: