Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know about the HM7000 Control System.

It is understandable to have questions regarding the HM7000 Control System, which is why we have put together a selection of questions and answers to help understand how it works and what you'll need to upgrade your set-up.

If you have any further queries, our team will be happy to help.

General

What is the difference between HM DC and HM DCC?

HM | DC is Hornby's new analogue app control system, whilst HM | DCC is Hornby's new digital app control system.

How is HM7000 different from existing wireless controllers?

HM7000 connects directly to the decoder fitted into a locomotive, meaning we no longer need to communicate through the rails. This means a much faster, more responsive and consistent control system.

Why are some decoders more expensive than others?

In order to facilitate sound in our decoders, we require more processing power. This means more expensive chips!

Which transformers are compatible with HM7000?

Please be aware that when using one of the HM7000 sound decoders you need to use the correct transformer for the country or region, as per below:

UK: P9100 (15V~1A), P9300 (15V~4A), P9600 (15V~1.2A)

EU: P9101 (15V~1A), P9301 (15V~4A), P9601 (15V~1.2A)

AU: P9102 (15V~1A), P9302 (15V~4A), P9602 (15V~1.2A)

US: P9103 (15V~1A), P9303 (15V~4A), P9603 (15V~1.2A)

Apologies as some of the above transformers are currently out of stock on our website, please bear with us as we rectify this situation.

Upgrading

How will HM7000 improve my model railway?

The Hornby HM7000 system is a revolutionary step forward in digital model railway control. Bluetooth® technology enables fast, wireless, and consistent control of locomotives. For example with HM7000 you can change a locomotive's settings while it is running on the track, something that is not possible with other DCC systems. Furthermore, it will be possible in the future with app updates to add additional features to the locomotive’s decoder as the system progresses.

Is it better to use a legacy dongle or upgrade to HM7000 only?

Hornby's new HM7040 - Legacy Dongle is a fantastic way to upgrade your previous fleet of decoder fitted locomotives to HM | DCC app control. You can also use HM7000 decoders in parallel with the Legacy Dongle and your DCC controller.

I already own a DCC ready locomotive, what do I need to upgrade?

You can upgrade your DCC Ready locomotive by fitting the correct Hornby decoder to suit your model. If you are still unsure which decoder you need, please get in touch with Hornby Customer Care prior to making your purchase and they will be happy to offer advice.

What if I already own Non-BLE decoders?

You have the option to purchase the HM7040 - Legacy Dongle that can be plugged into your Elite / Select controller. This will allow for HM | DCC app control of all your previous non-Bluetooth decoders.

Compatibility

Why is there more than one decoder?

The type of decoder you need depends on the locomotive. Hornby produces 6, 8, 18 and 21 pin decoders. Check your model for the correct decoder required or contact or contact Hornby Customer Care if in doubt.

Can I run HM7000 on an analogue layout?

Yes, the HM7000 can be set to 'DC Analogue' mode; however, this is not always recommended and it is better to remove the HM7000 from your locomotive and swap it with a blanking plate for analogue control.

My locomotive is not DCC ready, can I use it with HM7000?

Unfortunately, only 'DCC Ready' or 'DCC Fitted' locomotives can upgrade to HM7000. Analogue only locomotives will not be able to fit an HM7000 decoder.

I run a DCC Ready 4-pin socket, is it compatible with HM7000?

Unfortunately, the HM7000 will not fit 4-pin socket locomotives. There is a method of taking the Orange, Grey, Black and Red wires from an HM7000-8 and converting them to fit a 4-pin locomotive. Methods on how to safely do this can be provided by Hornby Customer Care.

Can any decoder be added to any locomotive?

No, assurances must be made to choose the correct pin system for your locomotive and select the correct decoder. Also, ensure that the chosen decoder will fit your locomotive.

Can I still use a standard controller and switch between the two?

HM7000 will work on standard DCC controllers in 'DCC mode' and 'Bluetooth mode'. You can easily switch between the two by altering 'CV12'. Tutorials on how to do this will be provided on your YouTube channel.

What if I have an older set-up?

Providing the chosen locomotives have a 6-Pin, 8-Pin, Next18-Pin or 21-pin socket and the layout runs on 15V, a HM7000 decoder will function accordingly.

Set up

How is HM7000 powered?

The HM7000 is powered via a 15V power supply. You can power your HM7000 using an existing DCC controller featuring a 15V power supply or you can pair your 15V power supply with a HM7020 - Power Supply Adapter (R7324) (Bluetooth control only).

Can I still control my locomotive on a track in another location?

HM | DCC allows for untethered control of locomotives up to 45 metres. In fact, you can go even further providing you have an HM7000 or other Bluetooth 'node' in between for a max of 225 metres in plastic-bodied locomotives. (A 'node' in this instance is any Hornby HM Bluetooth device. For example, an HM7000 decoder).

How do I add a sound profile to my locomotive?

Ensure that you have connected your HM7000-TXS decoder to the HM | DCC app. From the HM | DCC app, you will have the option to select from multiple locomotive 'Profiles' for each decoder. On selection of your chosen profile, you will be required to download the profile onto your decoder. Once the download is complete and after a power cycle, you will have the new sounds, optimised running profile and function lists ready to use.

How do I add my locomotives to the HMDCC app?

You can add locomotives to the HM | DCC app by plugging in an HM7000 decoder and then following the initial setup phases after app download. This will allow you to set up and name your locomotive as you wish.

Control

Can I control more than one locomotive at a time?

Absolutely. HM | DCC allows for control of a very extensive number of locomotives providing you have the hands, track power and a phone or tablet powerful enough. For reference: An iPad Pro (2022) 6th Gen can support up to 60 locomotives on the Control Screen at once time. The HM | DCC app allows storage of many more locomotives on 1 phone or tablet in the Engine Shed and can be easily called upon when needed for control.

Do I need an internet connection to control my locomotive or use the app?

You will require an internet connection to download the application, update any firmware or be logged into your account. But yes, you can control your locomotives once set up without an internet connection.

Can I operate more than one locomotive per circuit?

Yes, you can control multiple locomotives per circuit independently.

Are the sounds emitted from the app or the locomotive?

Sounds are emitted from the speaker driver connected to the HM7000-TXS decoder or speaker connected to the locomotive board.

Settings

What are CV settings?

CV settings refer to the configuration information which is stored in “data slots” and are often referred to as “Configuration Variables". While they come with basic "factory default" values, most users will want to customize the decoder address, motor control, lights, sound, and other functions to meet their specific needs. You can do so by editing the CVs, or Configuration Variables, in the decoder.

How long does it take setting changes to reach the decoder?

Reading and writing of CV (Configuration Values) are instant for HM7000 decoders running on the HM | DCC app. For reference: CVs are the settings of the decoder to alter the way your locomotive functions.

Can I save my own default settings?

You can save your own default function lists within the application by creating profiles that can be remembered. Settings altered in the main app settings will be remembered.

Can I manually change the cadence of a sound profile?

Sound profiles are FREE but cannot currently be altered in any form.

Will the connection be lost if the smart device goes into sleep mode?

Settings within the HM | DCC application can be altered so HM7000, HM7040, HM6000 and HM6010 stay connected providing the control phone or tablet is powered on. Turning off the phone or tablet will lose connection to the HM Devices. However, if the respective phone/tablet is powered back on, once the HM | DCC app is opened, the system will auto-reconnect to all available HM devices.

Does the locomotive keep moving if the app disconnects?

Settings within the HM | DCC application can be altered to allow for the locomotive to keep moving if the app disconnects from the HM device or it can be set to stop the locomotive on disconnect.

Data

How will my data be used and stored in the app?

In order for HM | DCC to function accordingly. Various permissions will be requested that must ALL be accepted. We will track data within the HM | DCC app to provide the best experience possible with future updates. Note: Permission for location data is requested but is in no way tracked by Hornby Hobbies Ltd - it is necessary for full Bluetooth control.

Can I opt out of my data being used?

Yes, on IOS you can ask HM | DCC not to track. Please note that HM | DCC will still require granted permissions to function accordingly.