[Makemineadouble]

I agree with this but Hornby have subsequently stated this decoder will using a 2-3 digit range. I think this is avoid removing sales from the more expencive range of decoders available from Lenz. What ever for the money it remains a good product and suitable for many smaller DCC layouts.

 

[Makemineadouble]

returning to CV1 on the new Hornby decoder as I understand it, it will be 2 or 3 digit addressing and NOT four.
If you look at the spec of the Elite which is published in their DCC promo in Model Rail I think I saw it in there. I'll have another wizz through it tonight to check on this. Not that it makes any difference to me.

 

[Makemineadouble]

QUOTE agree with this but Hornby have subsequently stated this decoder will using a 2-3 digit range. I think this is avoid removing sales from the more expencive range of decoders available from Lenz. Whatever for the money it remains a good product and suitable for many smaller DCC layouts.

Gary
QUOTE Where have Hornby said this?

I refer to this latest Hornby press release:-

Sorry for the delay: To quote Hornby, The elite can register 254 locomotive addresses IE 1-254 thats two and three digit's and that quite simply is what Hornby have stated and what their BEMF decoder will store as CV1. There's been quite a bit of mail regarding this on DCC.UK .
I don't have a problem with this at all, The elite has quite a lot of features and will cater for most users. Where this becomes a problem for me is I'm planning a layout in my Studio, and a large shunting plank in my study. My main layout will utilise the Digitrax kit I already have and my layouts have always had four digit addressing. So to step down to an Elite for me would be a problem. I would'nt be able to move stock between Layouts....as I know I would want to.
There are plenty of starter sets on the market that only have two digit addressing, and very limited programing so for most folks the Elite is a stepup in power and features. It will most certainly do what it says on the box, however I have a few reservations about the presentation on the Hornby Litrature. I think the importance of a bus and regular track feeds has been glossed over. What Hornby state is fine for a track matt layout, but anything else could have continuity problems. In summary this is a major stepup for any manufacturer. It represents quite a financial investment. I hope it will be a sucess for Hornby. But for one or two small features I might have bought an Elite. It represents excellent value for money, if I was just starting in DCC I most certainly would buy one.

For experienced users will possibly avoid factory fitted decoders, until Hornby and Bachmann change their setup to accept four digit addressing.