DCC ready loco: Which chip?
 

hi there, we have a couple of Hornby loco's which are DCC ready, which chip do we need and what is CV? Are there any advantages to getting the more expensive sapphire as apposed to standard? Thanks

The only real requirement for Hornby's DCC ready models is that the decoder has an 8 pin plug to fit the socket (you could rewire the loco, but that's a lot of effort to go to), I have found Hornby's R8249 decoder (£11 each or 6 for £52 from Hattons atm) to be fine for all Hornby's recently released models.

Many modellers will get the more expensive decoders from other, specialist companies, but they are all simply preference according to what they want. It doesn't necessarily follow that more expesive is better, but as a general rule I am led to believe that is true, I have been happy with the basic decoders though.

CV's (Control Variables) are what tell the decoder how to react to instructions from the controller. If you are happy with how a loco runs you do not need to change them. Every decoder has a number of CVs that can be changed, they are normally listed in the decoder instructions. The number that can be changed or read will also be determined by the controller you have.

The Standard Hornby Chip seems to work fine in Hornby locos and many others. The only problem might be with Heljan locos which can draw more current. In which case the Trainsave Chip from Gaugemaster at £11.50 might be a good bet.

I am about to fit one to a Heljan Class 27 and will report back.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Thanks, have purchase a couple of R8249 under recommendation £10 from CPS Services.co.uk thanks.