CaptainGimp Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I purchased an Elite on Friday after weeks of deliberation. I know its not the best but it does appear to be the cheapest way of connecting a PC to a layout. Having paid my £160 I got it home and fired her up, it seemed to be all OK, although for some reason the power button only turned the unit on- the power cord had to be disconnected as the off button did not shut it down.I had bought mine from a reputable model shop and it appeared to have been in stock for a while as the Firmware needed updating. I read the instructions online regarding shutting it down and holding the stop button whilst powering back up etc, etc. However, as soon as I connected the USB cable the screen started to ink in every place it could and the lights on the right of it started to flash erratically. I disconnected both USB and Power cord and it never worked again!As there is no stock left in the shop they have had to re-order from Hornby and they apparently aren't expecting any in until 06/02/2012. Not the best start to my hornby experience!Has anyone else had similar issues? I'm worried about now connecting the USB to the next unit, although the model shop have agreed to try it before I take it away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 In the manual it says the Elite does not have an on/off switch. When upgrading the software I have read that you should remove all other USB cables from your computer. (Don't know how you would do that if you have a USB mouse/keyboard.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevecamden Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'd give it another go! Do you have a different USB cable? Does it work without the USB cable attached? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Looks like the shop has it now and have sent it back to Hornby Steve, so he can't try again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregd99 Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I have found that I have pushed the USB cable into the adjacent xpressnet RI12 connector by mistake. Could this have happened? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainGimp Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 No, at the time I connected it was only to update the Firmware, there was no layout connected so I had complete manipulation of the unit and could see exactly which socket I was connecting.In answer to the other questions, after it light up like an xmas tree it turned off and never turned back on. Completely dead. The shop tried it on return and still dead. They kindly gave me a basic loan controller as I had bought my first dcc sound loco too. Perfect timing for the elite to die!! No point in trying another USB as after it failed- there was no power at all, with or without USB. The USB cable in question did work another device with no bother so can only assume it was fine. The shop has returned it but they don't know whether it will be replaced or repaired. I work in quality and have a wide experience of items manufactured in china. Lets just say they keep me in a job!! Consequently, I have a biased opinion on their production abilities!What tops it all off today is that due to 'a payment issue' my £450 bill at the model shop was charged twice, once the payment was sent and the second causes cash to be 'reserved' so my available balance is reduced by the same amount- £450. Just what you need on the 1st of the month when direct debits are due and 2 weeks from payday! An expensive hobby gets more so if you have to ensure you have double the amount available all the time!! Apparently this does occur and the merchants can hold a reserve of funds for up to 7 days. Not my fault, not the banks fault as they blame the shop, the shop contact their 'gateway' provider and they claim there is no reserve. Round and round in circles I go, much like my train may have done if everything had worked!I would cry but I can't afford tissues! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevecamden Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Well look on the bright side - you'll soon have a nice new Elite, the sun is shining, and you have a job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainGimp Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 'You have to have bad days to know when you're having a good day'A Bloke at work today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 @CaptnGI presume you paid with a debit card. If using a credit card you are protected and would have been able to contact them and get them to sort it out without any associated costs being penalised upon you. Its not your fault the shops system b*ll*xed up the payment so why should you suffer.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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