SteveM6

The heatshrink issue is, in my experience, unproven. For a start many aftermarket decoders I've used are wrapped from the factory and I've not had an issue. Equally, I've routinely wrapped TTS and TXS with no issues (yet). I admit that my locos are not submitted to extended operating sessions although they spend hours sitting on a 'live' layout with the sound on. I do use a very thin, clear heatshrink, so maybe that helps.

It works the other way as well. Plenty of instances where the user's default position is to immediately blame Hornby. "A bad workman etc" Reality is likely somewhere in-between.

As you haven't indicated what the problems are I can only suggest that you try working through the troubleshooting guide and load the latest profile version from the app. BVCa beat me to it.

I'm in agreement with you. I know from feedback from Hornby that the majority of decoder failures they have investigated for failure can be traced back to finger trouble from the user. Not in every case, but definitely in the majority. In my own experience of 30+ HM7K decoders there has only been one failure - it's back at Hornby Towers being investigated and I fully expect to find it was down to me. I just hope they break it to me gently.

Cheeky.😉

I've been told that it is in the next update which is due imminently.

@Jon-1296662 I use Halfords primer - pick the primer to suit the top coat. Grey is the most used but use white under yellow and red under red/maroon. Light coats or you will swamp the detail. Any sanding is done with P500 or finer wet and dry abrasive sheets used wet to stop scratching and clogging. I find that using a good primer negates the need to key the plastic but if necessary the same method of wet P500 can be used. Practice on an old or scrap body first.

Yes they are pre-loaded with the correct profile but you will find that those profiles were loaded when only version 1 was available. Early bugs and glitches have now been resolved and we are now up to v4. Even if you plan to only use DCC it is recommended that you update to the latest version to benefit from the improvements.

For clarification, AFC is preset with certain sounds but they can be changed by the operator. It works straight from the box in a format that will suit many users.

I suspect that notion was conflated from Hornby indicating that as they were not able to test every other third party SA on the market, their use could invalidate the warranty on the decoder. The only 'unique' part of the design (at the time of launch) was probably the plug.

Assuming you have updated the sound profile to the latest version? Is a Powerbanks fitted? It sounds like dirty track or pickups or possibly an overload tripping the NCE as you say it's ok on other controllers.

AFC (F28) is switched on from the button on page three of the function controls on the app.

It's not difficult to work out if you search for the range online.

Make sure you have updated the profiles as the original versions had this as a glitch - we're up version 4 on most. Also consider fitting a Powerbanks if not already fitted (not suitable for tt120).

It had to be the 8 pin to allow for it to be hardwired after the plug is cut off. The 8 pin also has solder pads for the capacitor in addition to the plug. All of which of course renders the warranty void.

I always use a primer on models for two reasons. Firstly it gives a key for the topcoat to adhere to and secondly it acts as a seal over what is below. The primer may still react with existing paint or printing but at this stage it is easier to sand it back with very fine wet and dry abrasive used wet. It is possible to use enamels and acrylics on the same model but there is always a risk that they won't play nicely together so it's best to test on something else first.

I have always used Rustoleum 'old iron' textured paint to replicate tarmac. I also spray some onto a sheet of glass - once dry it can be sliced off with a razorblade to make tarmac patches.

TTS is more basic than TXS. I don't believe TTS supports AFC on F28.

Carpet Boy is detached from reality. He starts off by moaning about the lack of detail/authenticity in a toy that cost him only £31. Then fits a £70+ decoder and stayalives to said toy. I noticed that he didn't show 'how' he achieved it, only posting a glimpse of the 'here's one I prepared earlier'. An almost total lack of insulation and the stayalive hung under the chassis. And on top of that he bemoans the lack of a suitable sound profile and declares the number of profiles available as poor. But then he and his acolytes seem to enjoy Hornby bashing at every opportunity, regardless of reality. Now, how do I stop the YouTube algorithm pushing his videos.😉

The volume control is not difficult to use if it's considered too loud.

I am more than happy to mix and match profiles with similar locos and am quite content to make do while waiting for something more suitable to be released. I suppose the easiest compromise would be to have an example of a 2,3 or 4 cylinder steam loco for each of the main five operators (big four + BR) with typical whistles for each. This base could then be enhanced with specific locos where appropriate. I guess a similar base set of non-specific profiles could be applied to modern era locos.

I suspect the issue is that there are many different 'flavours' of android that results may vary. I upgraded my hardware for a larger screen, and though they were both from the same manufacturer running version 13, the data didn't transfer.

Upgrading an iOS device appears to transfer all on the app including decoders etc. Android will transfer the app but not the contents. Found that out the hard way.

As I alluded to in my first post, v14 profiles had tendency to stall (even with a PB). The updated versions of the profiles have been amended to correct this.