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I've recently converted my layout to DCC (using the Hornby Elite) and inserted Hornby 4 function decoders to 3 of my locos.

One of the three locos has lights (Hornby's recent class 60). Despite following the instructions carefully (including aligning the 'orange wire with the number 1 pin socket') and getting the locos moving OK, I cannot get the lights to work - they worked fine prior to conversion.

Can anyone help please?

Many thanks.

 

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QUOTE (Madkitten @ 12 Sep 2008, 21:51) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hiya,

Dont know if i can help much but i work for a model shop and we have nothing but problems with hornby dcc - your problem is a very common one. Some people seem to have no problems atall and others get so annoyed they exchange there entire controller etc in for either Gaugemaster or bachmann units instead. Are you having the light problem on hornby locomotives or on locomotives from other manufacturers ? I seem to remember some one saying that you have to turn the chips the opposite way round in some locomotives with hornby chips - but dont quote me on that!!! I think that richard Johnson might be the best person to ask as his knowledge of dcc is very very good.

nikki

Hi Nikki

Thanks for your prompt reply - very interesting information. I'll try switching the chip around and take it from there.

Regards

Steve

 

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QUOTE (wiggy25 @ 12 Sep 2008, 22:40) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Are these the 'old' Hornby decoders or the new NMRA ones?

I've got some locos converted and any lights fitted work fine using the Elite.
I don't have any locos chipped with the Hornby chip that has lights fitted.

It may well be the decoder!

Which function number are you using to turn the lights on/off?

Try using different function numbers just in case!

Hi - Thanks for your reply. The decoders are the new type. I've swapped them over, switched them the opposite way around and tried different function numbers. Still no working lights, though!

I may have to contact Hornby.

In the meantime many thanks to you and Nikki for your advice. Any further suggestions will be welcomed.

Cheers

Steve

 

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QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 14 Sep 2008, 05:11) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>***There are two indications that the plug is in the wrong way. One is that lights do not work, the other that the loco will go in reverse when the controller indicates forward.

As you can't see the lights yet, orient the plug so it goes forward properly.

I note you are new to DCC - Sometimes even the simple things are not made all that clear because of weak instruction manual content.... Its perhaps a silly question, but did you turn the lights on with the controller?

Lights need to be turned on and off with DCC, although they are usually deafulted to reverse automatically once on.

Function zero is the light on/off function button.

Instructions for light control are not really shown at all in the Elite instruction book, however function control in general is shown on page 18.

Regards

Richard

BINGO! Thank you Richard. I had tried all the things mentioned already, apart from the function zero (the decoder instructions suggested they were at functions 1 (front) and 2 (rear)). Many thanks indeed for your advice and to everyone else who have taken the time to help.

EXCELLENT!

Regards

Steve