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. Can I use a high frequency track cleaner like the Railco unit on my DCC layout?
A. Under no circumstances should you use a high frequency track cleaner on a dcc layout. to do so will cause damage to the locomotive and possibly the controller.
Q. Can I run my Digital locomotives on an analogue powered layout?
A. Initially Hornby had intended for their locomotives fitted with the Hornby Decoder to be suitable for running on analogue sets. However it has soon become apparent that because of different types of analogue controllers, that mixed forms of control would be experienced, which would result in customer disappointment. Hornby have therefore decided not to recommend the use of DCC fitted locomotives with analogue controllers.
Q. What is the size of the Hornby Decoder?
A. The approximate size will be 17mm x 10mm x 3.5mm. 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 axillary 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. Will the 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. Will 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. Will 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. What DCC decoder can I use in the new Hornby Class 31?
A. A ZTC 4002 decoder fits snuggly into the new Class 31 from Hornby. As this decoder is already shrouded, there is no need to use the additional covering supplied with the locomotive.
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 will the Hornby system support?
A. Both units will 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. We cannot answer this at present as the units are under test to ascertain the requirement. As soon as we have definitively answered this query, further details will be published here.
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:
- Lights on/off - this could be the first function
- Horn on/off - this could be the second function
- Fan on/off - this could be the third function
- Additional Loco Accessory on/off
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:
- drive 10 trains simultaneously, provided the necessary power is available.
- supports a maximum four amp power supply.
- incorporates 128 speed steps.
- can be programmed for up to 99 inertia steps.
- supports accessories with up to eight functions.
- supports (by programming) 60 Locomotives (or other products containing the loco decoder), and 40 accessories (using an accessory decoder). It should be noted that products containing a loco decoder should always be programmed between 0-59 to ensure that the product functions as expected. All products containing accessory decoders should be programmed between 60-99.
- supports XpressNet potocol.
- 15V DC uncontrolled accessory outlet.
- two digit LCD display.
- external boosters can be supported through the XpressNet port. (A standard RJ12 six-way cable can be used to connect the 'Select' to a booster with an RJ12 socket).
The Elite has many more advanced features:
- will drive 10 trains simultaneously, provided the necessary power is available.
- can support a four amp power supply.
- external boosters can be supported.
- incorporates 128 speed steps.
- up to 255 inertia steps.
- can support locos/accessories with up to 8 functions.
- can support 255 locomotives or other products containing the loco decoder) and 255 accessories.
- supports XpressNet protocol.
- includes interface for use with a PC (to support upload of new firmware and use of third party applications).
- includes an uncontrolled 15V DC accessory outlet.
- LCD screen can support programmable alpha numeric input.
- the 'Elite' unit is 'Railcom'(®Lenz Zyztems) enabled.
DCC Glossary
A helpful guide to the world of Hornby DCC
Acceleration Delay
The delay between the locomotive being stationary and reaching the desired speed. Deceleration Delay
The delay of a locomotive slowing down to a standstill.
Accessory Decoder
An electronic decoder designed for use with track side accessories such as points or signals.An accessory decoder is not for use in a locomotive. Address
A number used to identify a locomotive or accessory that is either equipped or linked to a Decoder.
Feedback (Load Compensating)
This allows a locomotive to remain at a constant speed regardless of loads being pulled or incline being negotiated.
Bus
Technical term for wires that carry electrical signals around a model layout.
Command Station
The Command Station is the ‘brains’ of a DCC system.A Command Station is in essence a micro-computer/controller that communicates with the decoders that are located either in a locomotive or connected accessory. The computer transmits signals to the decoders instructing them what to do,such as accelerate,decelerate,brake or switch lights on or off.
Configuration Variable (CV)
A technical term referring to the operating information of the particular locomotive or accessory that is stored on the specific decoder.This information will remain “set” until changed using the Command Station.
Consist/Consisting
Consist is an American term,but in the UK it is known by Double or Triple Heading.This is where two or more locomotives are brought together and function as one. There are three types of Consisting (1) Basic consisting where the locomotive decoders in the Consist have the same address.(2) Universal Consisting where the Consist information is stored in the Command Station. (3) Advanced Consisting is where the Consist information is stored inside the decoder.
DCC
Digital Command Control.The application of computer technology to control the movements of locomotives.Each locomotive is fitted with a decoder (or ‘chip’) which is uniquely programmed and recognises its own identity and responds only to those control signals which are addressed to it. DCC also allows a wide range of extras including controllable lighting and on-board sound.The accepted standards have been laid down by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) an American Association.
Locomotive Decoder
A small PC board which contains a ‘chip’ that stores control information;normally fitted in locomotives. The Command Station sends coded information to the decoder which can then control the locomotives speed, direction and any operating functions that the locomotive may have e.g lights. Locomotive Decoders can be fitted to accessories that have a motor as a drive for example the R8131 Hornby Operating Conveyor or the R813 Hornby Tipper set.
Occupancy Decoder
A unit that can detect the presence of a locomotive on a specific section of track and can provide the appropriate information as ‘return’ data. Power Bus
Copper strip or wires that can relay power from a Power Booster to the track. Power Booster/Power Station
A Power Booster or Power Station is as the name implies, there to provide a boost of power to the track. This can occur if a larger than normal quantity of locomotives are required to be running on the track at the same time. If the transformer already fitted cannot handle this number then it will be necessary to section the layout and fit a Power Booster. This Booster will not only provide more ampage to drive the locomotives but also boost the signals to the Decoders. All Boosters fitted must still be connected to the Power Station.
Programming
The process of assigning an Address to a locomotive or accessory (points or signals).The process of programming sends a signal containing a numerical identifier to the locomotive being programmed. Programming Track
A section of track isolated from the main layout purposely for programming locomotives. A Programming Track negates the requirement of removing other locomotives from the main layout.
Speed Steps
A variable voltage increase used to control motor speeds. Decoders can set the output power for each speed step.
Stall Current
Stall Current is the maximum current draw in amperes that a locomotive is capable of when stalled.If the armature of a motor is prevented from turning and the maximum voltage is applied the current draw of the motor is known as the "Stall Current". Throttle Notches
Determines whether a locomotive is controlled with 8,14, or 18 speed steps.
XpressNet
A high-speed communication protocol used for connecting Digital input devices together.
XpressNet (XBUS) Input Devices
Devices using the XpressNet protocol to control a digital layout