HELP. Select controller won't communicate with the chip..

[ARTHUR-1239499]

Select controller won't communicate with the chip. The red neon flashes 8 times instead of 7. Have tried resetting the unit but still no response to the LA.

Any ideas please.

[Chrissaf]

First of all, what type of decoder [chip] are you trying to configure. A Loco Decoder or an Accessory Decoder?

Brand and model number of the decoder would also be very useful information to know, and essential to know if not Hornby.

Secondly, what is the firmware revision number of the Select. This is the very first number to briefly appear on the Select screen when it is powered up? This firmware number is very important to know given the type of query you are raising.

To reply use the "Reply Text Box" at the bottom of the screen and not the "Blue button with white arrow".

[ARTHUR-1239499]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. The decoder I am trying to configure is a locomotive factory installed decoder by Hornby.

I actually have 2 Select controllers, both are failing to connect with the loco.

One displays the number 11 when powered up, the other one displays the number 10.

Thank you

[Chrissaf]

Factory installed Hornby decoder infers that it could be a TTS decoder. The TTS decoder is not fully supported by Select controller with firmware revisions less than 15 (version 1.5).

Your Select showing 10 is firmware version 1.0 and the Select showing 11 is firmware version 1.1.

The 1.1 version has a serious bug that damages R8247 Accessory Decoders, so this Select should have its firmware updated for that reason alone, even if you are not currently using R8247 products.

The current firmware for older Select hardware is version 16 (1.6).

This version not only gives full support for Hornby TTS decoders it totally transforms the features and functionality of the Select and provides support for writing to all decoder CVs in the 1 to 255 range. Something your current Selects can not do.

The upgrade is a 'return to Hornby' upgrade and costs approximately £15 plus your sending postage costs. You need a 'returns number' from Hornby Customer Services before sending the unit off.

Once upgraded, the 'user interface - how you use it' is completely changed. So you will need to download the Select 1.5 User Manual and the Select 1.6 Addendum manual from the 'Support' section of this website.

Hornby Digital – Hornby Support

There is no guarantee that an upgraded Select will resolve your issue as it may be caused by something else, for example a faulty decoder or the method you are using. But having the latest current firmware will give you a stable baseline to work from and give the best chance of your system working. And is an essential upgrade to support TTS decoders.

[ARTHUR-1239499]

Hi. Many thanks for the information. I appreciate your help. Kind regards.

[Chrissaf]

I assume you will following the firmware upgrade advice. Other members who had a similar issue to you (when using TTS decoders) reported that all was well when they got their Select back after the 1.6 upgrade. Upgrade turnaround should be less than 10 working days.

You didn't confirm whether your decoder is a TTS one.

[96RAF]

Select V1.0 can only operate F0 to F4. V1.1 can only operate F0 to F8, so you will get very limited response to sounds from your TTS decoder or indeed any other sound decoder.

You need to be at V1.5 to have access to all 29 functions. V1.6/2.0 improves the Select capability even more as already stated and is well worth the updates fee. You should save on postage by having both done together.