Hornby HM7000-21TXS: Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder
Hornby HM7000-21TXS: Bluetooth® & DCC Sound Decoder (21-pin)
Over 15 free unique Hornby sounds per profile download
Fully compatible with existing Hornby DCC controllers
Choice of Bluetooth decoders with or without sound
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Locomotive Sounds | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 2 x 16 cm; 98 Grams |
| Model: | R7322 |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Colour: | White |
| Batteries Required: | No |
| Age: | 14 years and up |
| Assembly: | No |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 2 x 16 cm; 98 Grams |
| Material: | Plastic |
I have installed 2 of these and the associated Dongle and with current firmware (April 2024) everything is working as expected. The same for my HM7000-fitted TT:120 locomotive. I can only speculate why other users are having problems but it could be the result of poor installation. I have used Kapton tape to eliminate the possibility of contact with any live parts of the locomotive circuit. It could a be poor power supply. I use an old Hornby Elite controller but any standard DCC supply will work. It could be slow broadband. It takes me less than 10 minutes to change or update a profile. It could be dirty track as that always causes problems. It could be a lack of knowledge on how to set up DCC CV values. The app helps with this. I honestly do not know what it is.
All I can say for certain is that HM7000 is working for me, and reliably so. The app is easy to use and gives the easiest way of setting up CV values that I have encountered, and I have used JMRI as well as my old Hornby Elite. The firmware is easy to update. The sound profiles are easy to update. It can take a bit of ingenuity to fit the optimum speaker enclosure but there are some good video examples from the usual online sources.
There are better sound profiles out there and better synchronised steam “chuff” sounds, but at a price. You will have to decide if it is worth the extra cost. When properly installed and set up, the HM7000 decoders in my experience are excellent value.
One of Hornby’s better ideas of late. Knocking off a star as it turned up faulty with no sound function. When they do work they are a great, cheap sound decoder and entry into the world of DCC. The app works well on an iPhone and is straight forward to use. It’s viability long term remains to be seen, will the Bluetooth controller replace the more usual likes of NCE, Lens, ESU etc; I’m not convinced. But good on Hornby trying, only yet down by the usual poor quality control
I’ve fitted loads of TTS decoders which are pretty decent in my opinion for the price to get sound on my locos.
I’ve been wanting to try one of these new decoders since they came out and took the plunge when Amazon had an offer on them.
These decoders are a true game changer for me with the ability to control the locos with my phone and truly access all the sounds easily and fast. Also the auto sound feature is great as it randomly put different sounds on while I do other things.
Sound quality is also a step up from TTS in my opinion and while not as good as top end decoders are fine for me.
The biggest problem no comes as did changing to TTS originally I want to have more of these fitted into more of my locos as I’m finding it such a pleasure to operate my layout now
This 21 pin decoder with sugar cube speaker works great. The WiFi option works very well too. I have fitted two one to a hornby loco and one to a Bachmann without problems The sound is very good