Hornby HMDC or digital control?

[iker-1207234]

I'm starting at this hobby and I don't know what to buy HMDC or digital?

Thanks

[Chrissaf]

The HM | DC system seems to offer a good half way house between analogue and full digital.

The only weakness I can see in the HM | DC system is the limited number of HM6010 Accessory interface modules the current APP software can support. This limitation is three modules each supporting 4 ports. This means that if your proposed layout has more than 12 points that require individual control via HM6010 modules then your layout is probably not suitable for the HM | DC system. You can of course operate more than 12 points & accessories through traditional analogue methods and just relegate the HM | DC system to just operating your analogue tracks (maximum of 8 powered track circuits).

Something else to consider with the HM | DC system. You need a fairly recent mobile device to load the APP onto. The stated specifications from the product page are:

1. Phone or tablet that supports Bluetooth 4.0.   
2. A phone or tablet that is updated to at least IOS 10 (Apple) or Version 8.0: Oreo (Android).
3. A phone or tablet that has at least 2GB RAM. It is advised to have a phone or tablet with at least 3GB RAM. 

A full Digital DCC system can technically support up to 9,999 locomotives and 2,048 accessories. Of course, in reality, the full technical maximum capability is way beyond what would be required for a home domestic layout.

The cost differential between the HM | DC system and a full Digital system is significantly more for digital, as is the digital operating complexity if technology is not your forte or in your comfort zone.

[GMD]

Hi

Great hobby! If you are just dipping a toe in the water, or expect to have more modest sized layouts, then I’d suggest the excellent new HMDC system. It is genuinely exciting to see Hornby bring this to market.

If on the other hand you are already prepared to invest quite heavily and have the goal of a large and full featured layout, then by all means head for DCC. It has the added advantage of being already well established.