Will King Charles Class 66 R30238TXS run on DC

[Lardenr]

Hi,

A friends son has just had delivered this product, but they are still running analog at the moment, but will be looking to move to DCC. Will this run on an analog system still, and if so would you have to fit a blanking plug. Thanks in advance.

https://uk.hornby.com/products/coronation-his-majesty-king-class-66-06523-king-charles-iii-club-exclusive-r30238txs

[P-Henny]

This loco has a Hornby TXS decoder. This means that the ability to run on DC Analogue has been disabled at the factory.

You would need to amend CV29 using a suitable decoder controller device to enable 'DC Running', but even if you did that the decoder would be incapable of making any sounds.

Assuming that the current DC Controller is on the approved list then it would be feasible to power the loco as an Analogue loco but control it using the HM7000 APP on either an Apple IOS or Android device. Noting that in that scenario the DC Analogue controller would have no control over speed and direction, but the APP would provide full movement control including sounds.

In all honesty, the most robust solution would be to remove the decoder and replace it with a blanking plate as you mention it as an option, as the number of approved DC Analogue controllers that can successfully power the TXS is relatively small and not really recommended even if on the approved list.

However that said, as the intention could be to move to DCC control then there is scope to bring that project forward and use this loco as an opportunity to trial digital control, not by using DCC, but by using the HM7000 (TXS) Bluetooth wireless control system (which is not strictly DCC). If this was adopted as a control system then no expensive DCC Controller is needed, just a pure DC (15 volts recommended) connected to the track and TXS fitted locos controlled by the APP which is a FREE download. Subject to the number and type of existing DC Analogue locos, they would each, if suitable, need to have a HM7000 Bluetooth Decoder fitted.

[Fishmanoz]

Mods, could you please amend this title by deleting “this product” and inserting “King Charles Class R30238TXS” in its place.

I have a particular aversion to titles which are mysteries. I like them to say what they mean and they also allow for easier finding at a later date.

And just an addition to Paul’s reply - while running a TXS decoder on DC is possible, setting that up is a little complex, the control isn’t very good, there are no sounds and it’s not recommended (see the manual on TXS decoders). Much better to go the blanking plate route or update using the app.

[96RAF]

To get the best out of the new loco read all the blurb on the Shop - HM DCC HM7000 page including the how-to guides in the documentation section.

You can run it from the app but be careful of how the track is powered. Using the speed control of an analogue controller turned up high is definitely not recommended. If you stick with DC power then bypass the controller and use an adapter to put the PSU direct to the track.

[Lardenr]

Great, many thanks for all of the replies, sorry, will make sure next time to mention the actual product.