Hornby Elite Firmware Update

QUOTE As a matter of interest what are people supposed to do if their chosen DCC controller (of any make) requires an update & they are not on the www ? Not everyone is, & we find that quite a few people that have access to the www do not have their own PC & rely on work, library, friends PC's.

Manufacturers generally make it clear what the process is and what the charges might be and customers can decide which provison is most convenient for them. It could be a return to factory, a return to stockist, or a USB port PC download.

Good point though and something that prospective buyers should ask about when looking at digital control kit.

I have noted that Hornby have placed this in their Customer Support section. To increase awareness it may have been a good idea to have had a news story and to include information about this in the Hornby Digital section of their website.

In saying this I don't know what instructions about this come with the packaging however I soon will!

Happy modelling
Gary

QUOTE (Doug @ 2 Apr 2007, 08:07) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>How this happens is that the product was made at least a month ago. It has taken a while to get to Europe by container ship.

In the meantime, the developers have been doing last minute updates to the software - perhaps fixing bugs that have been reported from users of the pre-production samples.

I'm glad that at least you can plug the device in and upgrade it. Better than having to send it back to the factory for a fix.

Just a warning regarding firmware updates. If you disconnect the unit from the power when it is updating, the unit's software will be messed up and will not restart. Don't disconnect the unit when it is updating - even if it takes a while. If you do, you will have to send it back to the factory.

I think it's great that you can download and update the firmware!!
I have the NCE Powercab, I'm waiting for the postcard to tell me there is an update available, then I have to pay for the new chip to install.

The download upgrade is much better IMHO.
It would be even better if they did actually say what bugs it fixes or if there are more functions added, if it's bug fixes this would be good for Hornby as most users would then not need to contact them.

Ian

QUOTE (royz @ 2 Apr 2007, 21:43) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>it dose not come with a usb lead good thing is the one on my printer fits.
USB cables are standard so any old USB cable with these two plugs should work:

QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 2 Apr 2007, 15:58) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>As a matter of interest what are people supposed to do if their chosen DCC controller (of any make) requires an update & they are not on the www ? Not everyone is, & we find that quite a few people that have access to the www do not have their own PC & rely on work, library, friends PC's.

I have an NCE Power Cab which is upgraded by changing a chip inside the throttle. NCE supplies the chips as updates are released ( for a small cost) and will also supply an updated manual, if required, depending on the nature of the upgrade ie not required for a bug fix but would be required if the upgrade enabled additional functionality.

The downside of this is that a small cost is involved with supplying the upgraded chip but on the positive side anyone with the NCE system can upgrade regardless of access to a computer and the internet. Since you can't please all of the people all of the time it's probably not a bad way to go.

Anyway just the thoughts of a happy NCE user.
Glenn.

Why put something up, then withdraw it?

I've asked Hornby for more info.

I am now a live real time guinea pig!

The size of the download suggests the entire software was overwritten by the entirely new version and that it was not simply a patch. This will probably be the case with all downloads as the console may not be sophisticated enough to integrate patches into its memory bank and simply deletes, downloads and reboots. It is a common procedure adopted by companies and I operate several programmes on my PC that are subject to entire replacement builds every so often.

Well it seems to work although there are many features I have not yet utilised. I guess I'll just wait for the next download.

Or shall I offer my version of the Elite as a limited edition V1.1 never to be released again example on eBay?

Not a chance!

Did Hornby actually put this page up on their public website or was it a page in preparation that was accidently discovered?

I can see how this news might be a concern to those who are less technology minded. From my perspective I think its exciting as I am curious to see if there is any difference between my "unofficial" Elite and a "proper" one!

Happy modelling
Gary

In reading many posts. it seems that some DCC systems require a PC to upgrade a control unit just like Gary has done. Now OK, we all have PC's coz we are using it for this forum.
But what happens to modellers who do not have a PC, how do they get advised that an upgrade is needed & then how do they do it?

Ron

QUOTE (Sol @ 5 Apr 2007, 01:09) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>In reading many posts. it seems that some DCC systems require a PC to upgrade a control unit just like Gary has done. Now OK, we all have PC's coz we are using it for this forum.
But what happens to modellers who do not have a PC, how do they get advised that an upgrade is needed & then how do they do it?

Ron

You would have to take it back to the shop. If they can't help, you would have to send it in to the service department. Same as any electrical device that has firmware updates - mobile phones, WiFi equipment etc.

I would say that it is in the interest of the shops to offer this service if they can. It would save time and some cost and would make the customers happy in the process.