Trouble converting old Lima Class 33 to DCC

[jonzo]

have you tried perhaps going up just one number say by changing from 3 to number 4 instead of a longer or higher address

I've tried reprogramming the Lenz but it doesn't want to know...

[RFS]

Yeah this thread on the Hornby forum seems to tell a similar story to mine https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/sele ... -firmware/

Apologies if cross-links are not allowed here.

This thread is from 2012 - a long time in DCC development terms!

[RAF96]

Best advice, no Hornby DCC kit, controllers or decoders. The DCC specialist makers gear is infinitely preferable.

Total rubbish.

[jonzo]

This thread is from 2012 - a long time in DCC development terms!

Not long enough though, seemingly....

Does anyone know what the latest firmware version is for the select?

[Flashbang]

This thread is from 2012 - a long time in DCC development terms!

Not long enough though, seemingly....

Does anyone know what the latest firmware version is for the select?

V1.5 ... Start up screen shows 15-30-03. 15 = Firmware Version 1.5. 30 = Hardware version 3 and 03 is address number 3.

Current V1.5 Select manual can be downloaded from the Hornby web site here... https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/downloads/ ... ex/cat/12/ Page 5 refers to start up digits.

[jonzo]

Oh dear... That's the version I have.

I have a Hornby R8249 on order for the Class 25 I need to refurb so will see how that goes.

[jonzo]

Just in case anyone else reads this thread and wonders what happened, all works well with a different brand of controller.

Don't do Hornby Select, kids! Just not worth it.

[RAF96]

Don't do Hornby Select, kids! Just not worth it.

Explain for why?

[jonzo]

With the Select you're stuck with Hornby decoders really, which in reality are not very good.

The Lenz decoders are much smoother, and really you should have the freedom to choose suitable decoders (DCC Concepts with a Stay Alive module, for instance) for particular applications without having to worry about whether the Select will refuse to control them.

The other big thing is that there's no ability to tweak CV's etc.

Sorry, but the Select is a poor product and mine will be getting sold.

[RAF96]

With the Select you're stuck with Hornby decoders really, which in reality are not very good.

The Lenz decoders are much smoother, and really you should have the freedom to choose suitable decoders (DCC Concepts with a Stay Alive module, for instance) for particular applications without having to worry about whether the Select will refuse to control them.

The other big thing is that there's no ability to tweak CV's etc.

Sorry, but the Select is a poor product and mine will be getting sold.

Each to their own opinion of course.
There are other basic controllers with just as many ‘perceived problems’ if their internet reviews are to believed.

[jonzo]

Well indeed.

I think my issue with it - as a technical person - is that the Select is probably giving DCC a bad name.

It should be a standard, and really it's not the most technically complex standard the world has ever seen, yet Hornby - one of the major players in the UK and probably the first and only name many people associate with model railways - is happily punting a product which isn't compliant and which effectively locks a user into their brand of accessories. That's damaging to the industry, and to the standard.

But what do I know.

[RAF96]

We appear to have dragged this thread well off your original topic, so I won’t post further comment. There is plenty on other forums about basic controllers and their limits.
Rob