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How it works

The Hornby 'Select' and Hornby 'Elite' digital units when connected to the track pass not only a constant 15v AC along the rails, but also information signals to all locomotives that are on or are connected to the track. Each locomotive that is DCC controlled must have fitted internally a small micro processor based receiver called a Decoder. This Decoder is capable of "listening" for information or messages which refer to the locomotive that the decoder is fitted to.

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 maneuvered from one place to another without having to worry about the complexities of having to connect meters of wiring to a bank of switches and isolating sections and hoping the whole thing will work!

Hornby Digital Command Control (DCC) Features

• Multiple train control on all parts of a model railway layout with minimal wiring

• Independent control or double heading control

• Coaches with lights stay lit even when the train is stationary

• Realistic train movement with each model being able to be given levels of 1-99 acceleration/deceleration settings

• LED display shows at a glance which locomotive is under control and with the Hornby 'Elite' even more information is available

• Locomotive decoders are simple to code and program

• The keyboard is straight forward to use making assigning a locomotive simplicity itself.

• Point operation means fewer wires than with a conventional control and no switches!

• Facility on the Select for a larger 4amp power pack. More power means more trains running at one time!

• Designed to be NMRA compatible

• The Hornby 'Elite' supports RailCom ID detection� Lenz Systems

• Both the 'Select' and 'Elite' support 14, 28 and 128 Speed steps

• Xpress Net socket for layout development

• The 'Select' may also be used as a Walkabout companion to the 'Elite'

The Entry Level 'Select' Unit

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

The following are some of the many features and benefits that the Hornby Select digital Control has to offer:

• 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 'Elite' Premium DCC Unit

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 following are just some of the many features and benefits that the Hornby �Elite� Digital Control has to offer:

• Controls up to 10 trains simultaneously, provided the necessary power is available.

• The 4 amp power supply included allows for up to nine locomotives (providing power is available) to be running at any one time.

• The four amp power supply allows for 3 amps to the track with 1 amp to the accessory outlet.

• Incorporates 128 speed steps for smooth control of locomotives.

• Can programme locomotives with up to 99 levels of acceleration / deceleration.

• The �Elite� Unit supports up to nine functions per locomotive if required.

• Able to programme up to 254* locomotives or other items containing a locomotive decoder and 255 points or other items that rely on a solenoid for operation. Eg. Electrically operated signals, electrically operated uncouplers and point motors.

• The �Elite� accommodates decoders that incorporate a functioning feed back system.

• Supports XpressNet protocol.

• A PC interface socket allows for the upload of new firmware and the use of third party applications.

• Uncontrolled 15V DC analogue accessory outlet.

• An LCD screen supports alpha numeric information input.

• External boosters can be supported through the XpressNet port or by direct connection to the booster outputs. A standard RJ12 six-way cable can be used to connect the Select to a booster which has an RJ12 socket).

• Up to 8 �Select� units can be connected to the �Elite� 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 �Elite� unit is Railcom� Lenz Systems enabled. This communication (occupancy detection) method between a locomotive and controller will not function until the necessary software becomes available. This exciting development enables messages to be sent back to a PC via the XpressNet port. Railcom allows communication from the locomotive to the controller. Occupancy detection and the relaying of location information to a controller and from a controller to a PC will require occupancy detection hardware and a change to the specification of XpressNet and Railcom.

• Separate Programming Track Outlet

• The �Elite� is capable of speed profiling locomotives for �double heading�.

Locomotive Decoder

Also available to upgrade existing 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.

The Decoder is also capable of keeping the locomotive running at a set speed no matter what reasonable gradient it encounters.

* 10 x 17 x 3.5mm

Points Decoder

The Hornby Digital System is based on the XpressNet protocol and therefore other XpressNet devices produced by alternative manufacturers maybe suitable for use with this Hornby Points Decoder.