Hornby4 Function DCC Decoder, Medium

Easy to fit, I use the polythene pouch (cut down) to encase decoder board as isolation from any other parts inside train. Easy to programme using the Hornby Elite controller.

I'm just upgrading my Hornby locos to DCC and these decoders are perfect for the job. I have to cut off the 8 pin connector as the locos are not DCC ready. Not all are suitable for the upgrade. It only needs a little soldering skill and some heat shrink sleeving and double sided sticky pad and the job is done! Connected LED lighting front and rear and it really does make a difference. These decoders are good and reliable if respect for electronic components is taken. Very pleased!

Some people do like to expend effort talking down low-end hornby products, but I've installed 6 of these and my direct experience has been positive.There are the basic features needed in the product for lights and control, and although the top speed of the loco cannot be set the acceleration rate can.Each model has a different top speed becuase of the way it is built physically, it's not always accurate, but my Virgin tilting train obliges by going 2-3 times faster than my Tornado (these two models both hornby).If you currently inclined towards the "I want to get it up and running" end of modelling rather than the "adherance to protocol" end, these can be just the ticket.I also had a basic bachman decoder, which I'm now having to replace (yes, with a hornby one) because it won't respond to any commands when the "zeros are stretched".[the stretched zeros feature was intended to allow control of one analogue loco on a DCC circuit, but I would not recommended that for any length of time! I use it to drive dimmable lighting in the carriages instead.]Oh, and don't stress the wires. Two things you can do to help the life of these decoders;1) put a cable tie (or just a piece of [insulate] wire) around all the wires from the decoder board. This will keep them in a bundle and help prevent you from breaking the solder joints on any one wire.2) wrap the decoder board in insulating tape as soon as its unpacked so you don't fry it with static from your fingers.

I secured the wires from the decoder with tape upon arrival - meaning that wires will not become dislodged when being worked with. The decoder is functional, responsive and entirely effective at it's job and honestly, there's no need to spend more - providing you secure it in such a way that prevents it from being knocked around within the chassis!

East to fit and simple to work with

Quick delivery well packed and was easy to hard wire into my old lima 08 have ordered more t hard wire into an old lima deltic and hornby railroad class 06, easy instructions to let you know which wire goes where for hard wiring or can be plugged into an 8pin socket, well worth the price if your starting out in dcc like me. Just received third one arrived next day top service again thank you will order from these again

Does exactly what is says on the tin. Easy to install and works perfectly. Suitable small size too for my Bachmann class 08 which has very little room for a decoder of any significant size!

when arrived all the pins are bent and the outer packing broken