gilbo2 Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 I'm considering getting an old (2006 era) Elite, but is that too risky? I.e. are there any failure modes or hardware changes since then that would make it a bad choice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P-Henny Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 In my experience, if not abused they are reliable. Even the earlier ones can be firmware upgraded at home to the latest version. The firmware files and instructions are downloadable from this Hornby site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 Further to Paul’s, my memory of user experience is similar and, where failures have occurred, repairs to component level have been possible. Hornby Support have carried out some but not all possible repairs. Our resident expert is 96RAF.Even firmware upgrades from very early versions have been carried out successfully. I do remember one only instance where attempting a firmware upgrade may, and I repeat may, have contributed to the Elite becoming unrepairable (Yelrow will recall discussion at the time).If firmware upgrade from 2006 has not been done, it will be necessary to make the Elite fully operational as early firmware versions contained significant bugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 The most common failures are ...Power output transistors getting very hot usually due to loose heatsinks or the paste drying out.Loss of Programming Output. Test this if you can simply by reading a decoder address. If it reads then it will write.If you can get hands on, then another test you can do is power up the unit whilst holding the Loco button. This will initiate a self test. You can then press each button and twiddle each knob to prove they work. The buttons activate a simple press contact rather than a decent tactile switch so if the unit has stood a while and a button doesn’t work then exercising it many times will usually fettle it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilbo2 Posted April 21, 2023 Author Share Posted April 21, 2023 Many thanks for the replies and useful information. It sounds like there are no fundamental issues with the old Elite's which would make getting one a bad idea. Good call to remove the back cover and check the heatsinks. Usual risks then with anything second hand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge1965 Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 I bought one on Facebook Marketplace and paid £50, as the power supply was missing, bought the Scalextric version supply for £5 and works a treat, did the firmware update.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P-Henny Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 Forgot to add in my original reply. Firmware upgrade requires a Windows PC to do it, plus a USB A to USB B printer type cable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM6 Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 I recently bought one from Hatton’s dating back to 2008. Firmware update was straightforward using the guide from @RAF96. One dodgy button on the panel means it’s currently back at Hornby for repair and a check over.Hopefully it will be ok and ready for use with the HM7K dongle in due course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 Many thanks for the replies and useful information. It sounds like there are no fundamental issues with the old Elite's which would make getting one a bad idea. Good call to remove the back cover and check the heatsinks. Usual risks then with anything second hand! Here is how to pull it apart…http://www.halton96th.org.uk/page12.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yelrow Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 i have 3 Elites, only because here in France, they do not like them. Bought 2 spare for £80 each, and rotate them regularly. So far, all excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 I bought mine in January 2009 and it's still working well. Has the latest v1.45 upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilbo2 Posted April 30, 2023 Author Share Posted April 30, 2023 I've now picked up a 2006 Elite and its working fine, heatsinks nice and tight too. Thanks for all the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brew Man Posted May 1, 2023 Share Posted May 1, 2023 As mentioned a firmware upgrade is recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilbo2 Posted May 1, 2023 Author Share Posted May 1, 2023 @BM. yes all sorted, now on 1.45 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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