The future of Model Railway is here, with the latest and best Hornby Digital Command Control System. The new Hornby system differs from the conventional type of 12v controllers in as much that it is the individual locomotives that are controlled internally rather than the controlling of a locomotives speed and direction by varying current to the track.

Using the keypad that is on both the 'Select' and 'Elite' Units locomotives can be "called up" individually and operated just like the real thing. Imagine a busy marshalling yard where the locomotives are positioned close together and where by using either of the Hornby Digital Controllers, Hornby digital locomotives can be manoeuvred from one place to another without having to worry about the complexities of having to connect metres of wiring to a bank of switches and isolating sections and hoping the whole thing will work!

The "Elite" Controller

The Hornby “Elite” Digital Controller is more than capable of answering the needs of most railway layouts – twin control with press dial function, 17 button alpha numeric keyboard, wide function LCD screen, four amp power, as well as having the capabilities of registering 254 locomotive addresses as well as 255 solenoid powered accessory addresses (including point control), plus a USB portal for linking to a Personal Computer.

The Hornby “Elite” unit is an ideal way for the enthusiast to take their train control to a new and advanced level.

The "Select" Controller

The Hornby “Select” unit is an ideal way to enter the digital age of controlling a model railway.

• Controls up to 10 trains simultaneously, provided the necessary power is available.
• The 1 amp power supply included allows for up to three locomotives (providing power is available) to be running at any one time.
• Supports a maximum four amp power supply (3 amps to the track, 1amp to the accessory outlet) available separately.
• Incorporates 128 speed steps for smooth control of locomotives.
• Can programme locomotives with up to 99 levels of acceleration / deceleration.
• The “Select” Unit supports up to nine functions per locomotive if required.
• Able to programme up to 59* locomotives or other items containing a locomotive decoder and 40 points or other items that rely on a solenoid for operation. Eg. Electrically operated signals, electrically operated uncouplers and point motors.
• It should be noted that items containing a locomotive decoder should always be programmed between† 1 - 59. This will ensure that the locomotive will function as expected. All items connected to Accessory Decoders should be programmed between 60 – 99.
• The “Select” accommodates decoders that incorporate a functioning feed back system.
• Supports XpressNet protocol.
• Uncontrolled 15V DC analogue accessory outlet.
• 2 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 which has an RJ12 socket).
• Up to 9 “Select” units can be connected together for individual control of 9 locomotives providing power is available.
• The “Select” can be used as a Walkabout Unit when connected to the Hornby “Elite” Digital Unit.

The Locomotive Decoder
The decoder is already plugged into the locomotives that are included with the Select based train sets, however they do have to be fitted to all locomotives that are intended for use with the Select or Elite digital unit. Many of Hornby's locomotives have a socket positioned internally to accommodate the decoder, however some do not and the basic instructions are included with the Select as well as the Elite which go someway to illustrate how to fit the decoder to those locomotives that do not have a decoder socket. The decoder is capable of "picking up" the signals from the Select and the Elite and converting them into actions which includes moving forward and reversing at the determined speed, stopping and starting and in some instances if fitted, switching the locomotives lights on and off. The decoder is also capable of keeping the locomotive running at a set speed no matter what gradients the model encounters.

Also available to upgrade exisiting analogue locomotives is a Decoder chip, that is capable of "picking up" the signals from the 'Select' and the 'Elite' digital units, and converting them into actions which include moving forward and reversing at a determined speed, stopping and starting, and in some instances switching the locomotive's lights on and off.

Find more information on our DCC FAQ's page >>>