A fantastic video!! It puts Sam’s ignorant & negative review to shame.

Well done Jenny . An excellent explanation of the new system . Thanks particularly for demonstrating this on DC . To me this is a powerful aspect to this system, the ability to run an occasional sound loco on an otherwise DC layout . You are spot on in your observations how this could be very interesting to DC’ers without getting into the electronic techno babble Having said that this looks like a very good system and a real game changer . The ability to dabble in DCC without buying a complete system is a step forward . £70 for a sound decoder and you could be off that is a major advance . This makes model railways much more playable . By using a device I can see a whole lot more people getting interested in model railways . Good one Hornby !

What a comprehensively superb review. Even though I run a great ESU DCC control I think I shall be making use of this system. For me the main advantage (I already have a remote cab control) is the ability to set CVs on the fly as even with the best of DCC control this can be a pain in the posterior! I love my existing control cab but can see me setting up the CVs in Blue tooth mode and then over to DCC for normal running. I love the idea of this flexibility especially only having to buy one type of decoder and then downloading the chosen sound file, with the inclusion for use with DC I really can't see a downside. I haven't said this much of late but well done Hornby!

This is exactly the way to bring the younger generation into our hobby! They almost have smartphones/tablets! Great presentation of the product!👍

Such a useful video, thank you. DC modeller here, I've ordered a sound decoder and power bank for my 9F to try it out. Great job, Hornby!

Fantastic Video, Jenny…many, many thanks. As a dcc newbie, I’ve been bewildered by the vast array of options, but this review has helped me decide…….this system looks to be just want I want. All the best

Brilliant video Jenny. I'm planning a layout, something I've been wanting for decades, and with the combination of TT120 and this control system, it's now going to be a reality. Thank you for keeping us entertained and informed👍

Great review. It is impressive that Hornby have such innovation. Thanks

Well done Jen, hearing a full set of quality sounds on DC power is really weird and not possible before, but there we have it, the future has morphed into the present!!! I have a fistful of these gems en route so will be busy soon.!!! Taraaa!

An excellent informative review of the new Hornby Bluetooth technology Jenny I learnt a lot about how it works.👍😁😁😁🚂🇬🇧

Hi Jenny, yes this vid is right up to your usual high standard on delivery. You have explained everything in a very user-friendly way and certainly make this system seem like the ultimate in DCC. To be honest Hornby have been dragging the chain a bit in most areas and have needed to break away from the old "Toyish" ways of the past and get top quality products on our tracks ......... I think this might be the beginning of a new era for not just Hornby but the model railway community in general. Regards and many thanks. tones1957 ( New Zealand)

I love the automatic function. The functions being so easily available and clear is great. Tempted to buy a small tablet for the layout. Would like to see how the Legacy Dongle will work and wether it will run through my NCE Power Cab controller.

Brill video, you make it easy to follow. Just in time for my first and probably last layout. You could also add the take a photo of the engine and update the image part of the app. Well done you Jenny and well done Hornby. This will save loads of cash and wiring set up. I hope there is ABC function when a block detection is sensed or when coming up to a red light. For that set up I will use Megapoints. I’ll use DCC concepts for the level point changing, like you do. I’ll join in watching your Monday Club as usual. Thanks again Jenny

Many thanks Jenny for this thoughtful and detailed review. If folk are not going to support this it could wither and die (as illustrated by a comment down below), but I suspect having seen some other positive reviews (like Simon's Shed), this is going to take off big time. I'm very interested in looking at TT 120 because of the space advantages, but I might even be tempted to swap out sound decoders from my OO fleet for this. I could potentially ditch my Z21 system too and either just use a 15 V supply or maybe use a DCC EX system and JMRI to cover both bases. I expect this will rattle the cages of the major players in the DCC field who may have to either reverse engineer what Hornby has done or seek to licence it. This might consign some DCC users to the same dusty, dark corners as DC users because of attitude. There is a genius at Hornby, give him/her a pay rise!

Definitely something im going to try, especially for the price point. Definitely going to purchase one from my local model shop, and try for myself. Thanks for uploading the review. 👍

Thank you Jenny for answering a question before I even asked it. At this present time, I have nearly finished my first layout board. (6 years of modelling and now it is the start of YORKDALE LNER PRESERVATION RAILWAY.) I have not forgotten the parcel that was returned to me. I hope to be able to send it to you next week Martin. (Thailand).

Loved your tutorial. Received today 2x8 and 1x21 pin sound units to test. I have a number of 56 and 67s which require sound so I am going to be more units.

Very informative 👍🏻 I’m new to model railway, my family got me a set at Christmas 😊 They also got me a few extras. One was the HM6000 DC Bluetooth controller. Think the price of entering the DCC world is off putting for newbie’s but this is a realistic option and something I’m keen to try for my first layout. I found I prefer using my old iPad mini for controlling the DC app rather than the phone 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

It should be mentionned that looking at the "Reference Manual" is A MUST ! Very well documented, nicely explained and you learn IMPORTANT DETAILS about this BLE-System and how to use and fine tune total control of your engines and the app. It needs remarked - with steam engines - that the chuff is NOT synchronised but "Utilising 18 pre-set chuff rates an approximate synchronisation of chuff/wheel rotation is possible". (quote from Manual) This is in contradiction with the statement made on LIVE Q&A: Hornby TT:120 - Your Questions Answered. Does it matter ? And why did they LIE about this ? A test with A steam sound between TTS and TXS gives you the answer.

Hi. Thanks for the video. You may have seen this already but having had a quick look at the App the Plus and Minus sign above the slider is also available for speed controller. There is also an option for speed step intervals. Might be an easier option control for some people. The slider does need to be slightly bigger though.

This is the way forward this will help with me getting a TT layout without the DCC cost

Absolutely fabulous demo on this new step forward in the model railway hobby. Many thanks.

Hi Jenny. I have a large trainset with 30 locos all running through DC. It never would have occurred to me to run any of these through a DCC system until Hornby came along with its Bluetooth decoder system. I plunged in and purchased the Hornby Deltic TXS loco and an 8 pin Bluetooth sound decoder which I installed in the Hornby Hogwarts Castle loco. (Olton Hall) . Guess what ? an instant DCC system. I used the HM 6000 controller to control an inside loop for DC control and provide the power for the outer loop for my DCC system using the HM 7000. I use a split screen on my tablet to swop between the two systems. I am having so much fun with all this sound. I have a challenge for you Jenny. All my tender locomotives are 8 pin Hornby railroad with no electrical connection to the tender ( apart from the Hogwarts ). Could you do a video to show that you can cram everything that comes with a Bluetooth sound decoder into such a locomotive. Most demonstrations on KZfaq showing fitment of these decoders are done on diesels with plenty of space or steam locomotives with electrical connections to the tender where the decoder would be fitted. I had no difficulty in fitting the Bluetooth sound decoder to my Hogwarts castle locomotive which had the DCC socket in the tender. Sorry to rabbit on. I've enjoyed your videos on the TXS Bluetooth system. One final thought. The Hornby TXS Deltic is a superb bargain.

Brilliant video, will be looking to purchase this model because of the ease of its use. Well done again Jenny for your useful and very informative information, excited of this new technology. Thank you.

The additional hardware has been one of the things that has been putting me off getting into DCC (let alone modelling in general). This makes it all far more attractive.

It's totally the future. Also, with a lipo battery and suitable charging circuitry we could really simplify track wiring. Imagine a simple AC track supply that provides power just to a few of the easiest-to-wire straights in order to keep the lipos charged. Dead spots, reversing loops and switch frogs become trivial to deal with.

A really comprehensive video. Thanks Jenny.

This was a great video on the system Others I watched were spotty and disconnected One had issues getting the new boards to fit into the Locos for a number of different Engines That seamed to be his biggest issue

Pretty amazing development. Looking forward to the dongle to make my DCC controller work via Bluetooth and the app

Hello Jenny Looks promising, but I have my reservations about the range of programmability. The common programmers like ESU have a vast array of posibilities like function mapping. I hope the Hornby will evoluate like these. Greetz from Holland 🇳🇱🚂

It's going to be interesting fitting the decoders in the smaller locos like a Peckett or a Ruston....

Thanks, informative video. The Achilles heel with touch screen controls is throttle use requires eyes on so makes shunting ops especially automatic uncoupling with kaydee’s rather imprecise. A physical throttle works better for eyes off screen, ie look at the loco to check coupling position over magnets, etc. I had a Z21 but got rid of it for that very reason, too clunky using touch screen despite other advantages such as wireless cab and labelled sound functions. Apologies if this sounds a little negative, it’s just touch screen is not the best HUI for every control application (Eg car, aircraft, marine)

Wonderful video

Thats a great idea in fact this is ground breaking in terms of ease of use and it will save a lot of money compaired to other makes like ESU which are silly money , nice info vid..

Well done Jenny, a fantastic review on this new system. I am already using dcc nce so will definitely look into this once the android app is released. Always enjoy your videos so keep them coming.

Great, in -depth and informative video Jenny. Like in said with the other blue tooth decoder you reviewed, this I think is going to be a game changer. The non=Bluetooth DCC manufacturers have nothing to worry about as their market is well established. Will Hornby bring out sound files for locos they don't make models of? Doubt it. Easier to allow compatible sound files to be downloaded for those loco's in question. You still need the decoder after all so more sales. Will it be compatible with other Bluetooth decoders? It would be daft not to as it limits the use of your product. It's all going to come down to price at the end of the day. The cheaper will be the winner. Think of it as Beta Max v VHS video players. Beta Max was miles better but VHS was cheaper and won!

Hello again Jenny Discovered you yesterday I have a new P2 with 21 pin decoder, could I fathom out how to make it work!! Using an existing Dynamis Ultima system for power etc Started with Bluetooth but had difficulty getting connected and downloading sound! Discovered DCC unit needed to be connected and In running mode ‘not STOP’ as it would keep disconnecting and download etc would stop Finally got loco responding via Bluetooth and DCC but no sound? Did think socket on top of decoder not very positive connection as it was 3 pin and could be fitted to left or right of centre Following watching your video regarding ‘sockets’ I looked again at the decoder and low and behold another socket on the reverse !!!! Bingo all is great and no more hair will be sacrificed scratching my head etc Thank you so much, easy when you know how Mark

Hi Jenny, wow this looks great. I would be interested in back fitting all my locos with the Hornby decoders. I saw on the list of available sound profiles that the current list looks quite a lot like Hornbys current range (both OO and TT), and that you mentioned that more are being added every day. But will Hornby be eventually adding sound profiles for locos which they do not offer? For example will I be able to get a sound profile for my Dapol Western? Or my EFE Raill Hymek? I can understand that initially the profiles will be for Hornbys own locos, but will that always be the case? If Hornby will not offer different profiles, will there be a way to download from third parties? Thanks Ian

Nice review, thanks.

Great introduction. Very high quality presentation. I think it would be useful to early adopters if you produced - at regular speed - installation videos (for each model you have converted) as the ability to install the decoder/speaker/‘Power Bank’ could be a show stopper. I hope Hornby has plans to reduce the size of their ‘Power Bank’ (a.k.a. ‘keep alive’). To my way of thinking, Hornby has a revolutionary product here, however, they need to produce and release sound files for all of the recently produced, DCC-ready locomotives in their HO range as soon as possible. One thing that I am not sure about is if the sound files represent the specific prototypes or if they are generic files. What do you think? So, I’m not a Hornby OO operator (okay, I have a SR Q1 and some Spam cans). My models are almost exclusively HO scale Continental prototypes. I wonder if Hornby/Bachmann has the ‘we have a ‘world beater’ determination to expand into the world market as well?. Only time will tell.

Hi, great video, very informative. Please note although the Hormby Bluetooth App is only compatable with the iphone at the moment, some of the older iphones are not, for example the iphone 4 is not compatable. Hornby should be able to supply a list of iphones which are incompatable. Regards, Barry

Jenny I think this is only the beginning and that we will see much more coming out in the future concerting bluetooth controlled decoders; the European companies have not introduced any system yet and you know companies like Marklin aren't going to sat by and not come out with something of their own.

Best video ever, thank you Jenny

Thanks

Thanks for the review. I think I will be getting one to test.

Brilliant many thanks

Hi just watched you video on Bluetooth and looked good,but fills as if n gauge is being behind with hornby 120,hornby ho/oo both now sound available,cheers Brian

Well, they have a listing for a Class 08. I know for mine there's very limited space for a decoder, but that's the HO Roco class 08 and most of it's metal frame fills the body. Perhaps the Hornby 08 it's diffrent.

Hi Jenny, A very interesting presentation that opens up a ton of possibilities. Since you have presented both the Soundtraxx Blunami and the Hornby TXS Bluetooth do you know if Hornby is planning to release this complete product range to the rest of the world in due course? Have you been able to compare the two systems side by side on Weir Yard? Can either decoder be recognized by the other app? Regards Curious Bob

Great video and great info I have a NCE controlled layout I am very interested in the dongle that will Allow you to control my DCC chipped locos via Bluetooth as I u derstand 1 is that correct 2 would you be doing a review of that

Great Video Jenny. Shows just how versatile the system is. One question, are you able to run two smartphones at a time, if you have Two operators? I’m going to give this a go!!

Hello Jenny As I see it, its like this - DC the operator controls the track, (turn the power up it goes faster) - DCC the operator controls the loco but 'off the footplate' as it were (tethered to the controller) - Bluetooth the operator controls the loco but 'on the flootplate' (as if in the cab being able to change the control settings etc). Which in all consideration is a real game changer for operation, great for OO of course, however could these Bluetooth decoders be used for N gauge (or TT??). Would it be at all possible to test this out on your "new" N gauge channel please. Thank you for a very thorough review and I also wonder how long before any updates are needed to any glitches that might arise, as with any app development. Thanks again 🙂👍

One of a trio of videos on HM7000 DCC which collectively, as a DC layout person, I’ve found very useful, thanks. It’s good to see Hornby rapidly rolling out their set of sound files. One big omission in their planned list is anything for a 1st or 2nd generation DMU (eg Class 101, 110, 121, 153 etc). The sound file for the 755 Flirt probably wouldn’t suit but this model isn’t expected until ‘Winter 2024/25’ anyway. Similarly, the only Third Rail EMU sound file is for the 4-VEP which would be a curiosity in my ‘Brighton Belle’ set. What’s the chances, do you reckon please, of Hornby releasing sound files for DMUs, EMUs and lesser locos, including for other manufacturers models, albeit at an additional charge?

Hi Jenny. Many of us have a (non Hornby) DCC control system in place. Could you please do a follow up review adding the gizmo that brings in Bluetooth control of your (non Hornby) DCC controller?. Does this for example populate all the non bluetooth DCC chips/locomotives into the app? And what control do you have of these non bluetooth DCC chips? thanks.

I concur with everyone; well done presentation! My question; will this system work with G scale in an outdoor environment?

Hi Jen. Thanks for the tutorial. I can see you have put a small camera on a truck at the back of your loco to film at one point. What truck/wagon is it please?

Thankyou for the video, im wondering if these decoders from Hornby will also include Amercan loco at any stage in the future ??. I would certainly buy them for my trains its a great system.. Thanks for your efforts . Regards Chris Bailey

Thanks for sharing this video. Have you tried these decoders on other loco manufacturers?

Hi Jenny, very good review. Is the sound similar to Hornby TTS in that the "steam exhaust chuffs" cannot be synchronized with the wheel revolutions. This is my only "bugbear" with TTS

A very interesting development! So much potential for half the amount to pay for e.g. an ESU 5.0 without the bluetooth functionality. Would this also work on a lay-out with feedback decoders with automatic braking or with an automated lay-out with multiple trains running and with software like Itrain?

I’m gobsmacked. I just wonder how easy it will be to fit to my ancient Hornby Dublo and Triang Hornby locos. If it can be done, and the price is reasonable, I might just go for it. I’ve quite a collection of Hornby Dublo locomotives and I’d love to know if one of these could be fitted to say my HD 8F, 2-6-4T or City of London ? Please can you try and do one of these? Up till now I’ve never considered DCC as an option. Maybe this is for me? The question is… how much £££?

Great video thanks

Hi Jenny, great review, like to see a class 08 shunter sound decoder fitting, also what is the class 43 HST and the APT sound files like? Thanks for sharing.

Great video as usual Jenny, may be a stupid question, but have you got to be connected with the internet to use this? , I do not have a plan, simply too expensive, as many of the exhibitions I attend do not have Wi Fi..thanks..

Thanks for the video Jennifer. The jury is still out for me as to whether I want to actually control my layout with my phone, I think I prefer something more tactile, and also I want the ability to have multiple controllers for multiple people (I only have 1 phone). The bits I do like about the HM7000 though are the free sound profiles and the CV management, so thinking perhaps these decoders could be a possibility for setup and maintenance then using traditional DCC for control. Do you know if the HM7000 decoders are supporting features like block detection and ABC (automatic brake control)?

So if you already use a DCC controller , do you have to disconnect it, before using the bluetooth system, or just wire it in together.?

I need a couple of UK engines.

Crikey! This is game changing. Could you run the sounds through blue tooth headphones.

Hi Jennifer, I like the idea of bluetooth. However, I think sliders are far less useful for controling locos as a dial is. Secondly, If you are using block detection for lights/ blocks etc there seems to be no way to control a train which you want to drive automaticaly as a shuttle.

Hi Jenny. Fab video!! Can i just confirm. I have a gaugemaster prodigy DCC system. Am i right in thinking that you can run trains in DCC mode (on the prodigy system) along with trains using the HM7000 Bluetooth system at the same time. Would i need that Legacy Dongle that is advertised on the hornby website. Many thanks Steve

Really good

hola Jenny,soy español,una pregunta,¿sabes si solo serviran para las locomotoras de U.K. o tambien lanzaran sonidos para todos los paises?gracias .un saludo

Can this system fit in some of the smaller locomotives like the pug?

Hi Jennifer,I have a problem I hope you can solve for me, I am running N GAUGE and up grading a Graham Farish(Poole)made Hst 125 to Colless motor have put to two wires(orange and gray to the motor,BUT not sure where the red and black go but need to go to power,the BUSHES pick ups have been removed Can you help please,Brian

Maybe a stylus would help with the motion control slider?

Hi Jenny It looks OK with an 8 pin version. I tried to use the 21 pin version to insert into a Bachmann 21 pin DCC ready loco the socket on the loco and the Hornby chip are not compatible. Do you have any answers to the problem or does Hornby

Hi Jenny - I don't have an iPad or tablet yet, but do you know which one's are compatible with this app?

Can it take over competitors sound decoders..???

What camera do you use thank you Paul

Is the Hornby bluetooth dongle compatible with the NCE powercab system Jenny?

When does the open standard for this appear so everyone can join in - after a few years of making money out of a proprietary system... I am surprised anyone can resist measuring the voltage across the stay alive capacitor and replacing it with a feed from a battery. In the future are there going to be couplings that can transmit power, allowing the batteries to be in a carriage/wagon with more space.

Will this work on non Hornby DCC Ready locos?

Hi Jen how much are these and when and where are they for sale

Does this only work on Hornby locos, I have some Lima diesels, would it work on those?

Just a thought, dc locos won’t run without this chip so All loco will have a constant voltage12 or15v?

First!

Hi Jennifer I am in Australia I just bought this chip but I cant get the HM DCC app as I have Samsung phone and not apple when I go to play store I can only get HM DC app this don't work do you know if its out yet for Android I know you use Apple.

How's the garden railway

Hi Jennifer can anyone help me Hornby HM DCC7000 please see pics no pass code on device manager and its imposable to contact Hornby where can I get a rest code sorry but cant send pic here

cant believe how incredible this is to be honest... looks like the days of overpriced sound is coming to an end.. others will have to be heavily discounted to keep up.. Cant help thinking weve been victim of price rigging since sound came out.. bit like what bwm and audee cars do.. charge treble the price for the same thing because its got a badge on it...

Will it work with Itrain?

Yes. The future is some kind of wireless. But it has to be a standard, and it doesn't have to be bluetooth. I highly doubt it that Hornby will be the standard.

An interesting watch, however you are not correct in saying with the present systems you have to use a program track to change any CV setting, that is totally incorrect. Even Simon Kohler said with one of the Hornby DCC controllers you do not need a program track. I use a Gaugemaster Prodigy 2 and have never used a program track. I have done loads of videos showing this but I am not going to hi-jack your channel. I think this looks good, however, what happens if your phone rings and you are downloading a file ?. For Newbies it could be great. I will not be changing any of my locos, however, I can see no reason why I cannot try this out.The concern is that I may control my layout on my phone and flatten my battery. I could use my Ipad as that has Bluetooth. What will be interesting is the cost with this fitted to a loco compared to the cost of the normal DCC loco with sound fitted. This will be the deciding factor.

wow fenny you don't look old enough to have used dos,roy

Very laggy and no tactile feedback more than anything what really grinds my gears on Hornbys approach to this is the ability ALBEIT an update from the App Store to allow us multi finger users to be doing more at once. IE if you drive a car you can indicate honk the horn turn the wheel accelerate talk to your assistant and here we are what annoys me with DCC from the Hornby family and as my dream layout in my channel demonstrates m so loyal but by the time you fumble around getting functions out the playability if you will seems lost in the moment. I’m not big on automation I like to drive my trains and on the Hornby forums I’m active on a wireless solution just hoping it becomes a little more streamlined FYI I don’t mind it being in new locos and I have no intention of retrofitting. As always thanks for the content as alway highly jealous of the crazy active community you have in the uk and access to soooo many model stores. My nearest one and it’s not even a good one is an 8 hour return drive. Stay safe.

Im sorry I dont find this a game changer. Yes it comes across as good however with blue tooth you can only connect to one item at a time, Therefore if you have many locos you cant connect to them all at the same, plus you still need main controller to operate points and signal. Typical Hornby they came out with Railmaster which showed block control but never made the unit itself . So I would not buy this. It may work well for others.

Very interesting. But the app is dreadful. The Roco Z21 app is so much better.

So if you can't cut the end off because it's a Bluetooth antenna the chip is useless because that part makes it too large for all locos but new hornby . Typical hornby, total waste of time .

What about RANGE....???? Part of my set-up runs way out into the garden, and my layout is fifty foot long. Is RANGE likely to be an issue....?

I think £50 . odd quid for a power pack is rather expensive, and o eBay you can by the same spec for a fraction of the price.