Elite Controller with 1.41 Firmware Upgrade

[GordonBigBoy]

Over on the Hornby website forum there has been mixed feelings on the Elite. I know many are using it successfully and are forgiving of the Elite's past shortcomings.

About 10 days ago the Elite v1.41 Firmware Upgrade appeared as a download http://www.hornby.com/downloads/hornby- ... d-drivers/
I wondered if members of this forum had any experience of the 1.41 upgrade? The new instruction manual is extensive with many apparent changes in the ease of operation of the Elite together with new features. Also Hornby have told me (by email) that previous 64 bit compatibility issues have been rectified in Win7.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about how the Elite is operating after the 1.41 Firmware upgrade?

I am due to purchase an Elite in 4 weeks time (UK shopping trip) so this is pretty critical for me. Thanks.

[Flashbang]

Hi
I would suggest you look at other non train set manufacturer DCC controllers before you finally decide to buy one.
There are some really good quality units available and some are less then the Elite sells for too!
Consider during your visit going to a couple of specialist DCC suppliers and try them and don't part with your money until you're fully satisfied with the feel and performance of the DCC unit.

Look at for example at....
NCE PowerCab. While this has less track power as sold than the Elite (Typically 2.0Amp compared to 3.0Amp of the Elite to track*) it can be upgraded with a booster to 5Amp if thats ever needed.
MRC / Gaugemaster Prodigy Advanced. 3.5Amp to track as supplied.
Digitrax various currents to track but typically between 3mp and 5.0Amp or higher


* Note - While the Hornby Elite has a 4.0Amp power supply, 1.0Amp at 15volts dc is reserved for accessory power feeding. Therefore 3.0Amp is available to the rails.

[Flashbang]

Hi
I would suggest you look at other non train set manufacturer DCC controllers before you finally decide to buy one.
There are some really good quality units available and some are less then the Elite sells for too!
Consider during your visit going to a couple of specialist DCC suppliers and try them and don't part with your money until you're fully satisfied with the feel and performance of the DCC unit.

I would suggest you might like to look at as an example....
NCE PowerCab. While this has less track power as sold than the Elite (Typically 2.0Amp compared to 3.0Amp of the Elite to track*) it can be upgraded with a booster to 5Amp if thats ever needed.
MRC / Gaugemaster Prodigy Advanced. 3.5Amp to track as supplied.
Digitrax various currents to track but typically between 3mp and 5.0Amp or higher


* Note - While the Hornby Elite has a 4.0Amp power supply, 1.0Amp at 15volts dc is reserved for accessory power feeding. Therefore 3.0Amp is available to the rails.

[stevegant]

Over on the Hornby website forum there has been mixed feelings on the Elite. I know many are using it successfully and are forgiving of the Elite's past shortcomings.

About 10 days ago the Elite v1.41 Firmware Upgrade appeared as a download http://www.hornby.com/downloads/hornby- ... d-drivers/
I wondered if members of this forum had any experience of the 1.41 upgrade? The new instruction manual is extensive with many apparent changes in the ease of operation of the Elite together with new features. Also Hornby have told me (by email) that previous 64 bit compatibility issues have been rectified in Win7.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about how the Elite is operating after the 1.41 Firmware upgrade?

I am due to purchase an Elite in 4 weeks time (UK shopping trip) so this is pretty critical for me. Thanks.

I have the Elite and am running with the V1.41 firmware. To be honest, 1.41 does not add very much indeed. The version 1.4 upgrade however was a massive leap forward - especially around the area of function selection which makes a hugh difference if you're running sound equipped locos. I did my update to 1.41 using an old netbook (32Bit) running Windows XP so cannot comment on updating via a 64bit PC. I am actually quite happy with the Elite although many suggest the NCE PowerCab as a better alternative. Given that I bought the Elite about 3 years ago I paid a lot less than the current RRP and I was happy with the value offered especially when I get 3 AMPs to the track and the USB interface as standard so that I have the future option of computer control.

[GordonBigBoy]

I have the Elite and am running with the V1.41 firmware. To be honest, 1.41 does not add very much indeed. The version 1.4 upgrade however was a massive leap forward - especially around the area of function selection which makes a hugh difference if you're running sound equipped locos. I did my update to 1.41 using an old netbook (32Bit) running Windows XP so cannot comment on updating via a 64bit PC. I am actually quite happy with the Elite although many suggest the NCE PowerCab as a better alternative. Given that I bought the Elite about 3 years ago I paid a lot less than the current RRP and I was happy with the value offered especially when I get 3 AMPs to the track and the USB interface as standard so that I have the future option of computer control.

Thanks Steve. After many weeks of deliberation I have opted for the Elite. The fact that I already have a Select from an unopened DCC Mixed Freight train set was probably the deciding factor. It's very reassuring to see another confirm successful operations after the 1.41 firmware.

[saslord]

I updated My elite using a 64bit PC running windows 7 and had no problems. It worked just the same as with XP.

I do use it with computer control from time to time and it also works great.

I agree that the 1.4 upgrade was a massive leap forward and has massivly improved the use of functions.

I have had mine since the very begining and although their were some initial bugs, it works great now.

I have also susessfully used it with a select as a walkabout.

[ERMick]

My Elite packed up completely about a fortnight ago. No idea what happened, one minute it was working fine, with a train running on my layout and I had been changing a few points, then suddenly it just stopped working completely.

I phoned Hornby who suggested I just send it to them with a covering letter, which I did, and lo and behold they sent it back, working again, no charge, AND they upgraded it to 1.41 as I hadn't gotten round to it yet.

A rather unconventional and long-winded way of upgrading I'll admit, but I got there!

Still a bit concerned as to what happened to make it stop working so suddenly but also very impressed with the turnaround, and of course, the repair being done for free. I bought it pretty much as soon as it was released so there's no way it's under warranty.

I read mixed reactions to Hornby customer service - bt I certainly don't have any complaints, particularly with regard to my Elite.

[Peterm]

I don't use any Hornby control gear, but I can certainly vouch for their service when I've had problems with Loco's or rolling stock.

[GordonBigBoy]

I updated My elite using a 64bit PC running windows 7 and had no problems. It worked just the same as with XP.

I do use it with computer control from time to time and it also works great.

I agree that the 1.4 upgrade was a massive leap forward and has massivly improved the use of functions.

I have had mine since the very begining and although their were some initial bugs, it works great now.

I have also susessfully used it with a select as a walkabout.

Very reassuring SAS, thanks for posting. My UK trip is getting closer and my overdraft getting bigger .... lol