Which DCC system is Better, Hornby Elite or Bachmann Dynamis

[cyllabranch]

Hi all,
I have just begun building a new attic layout based on a large station and a mainline in post privatisation days. The problem is that it looks like I’m going to have to go DCC. I have been looking at two main controllers, but I can’t decide which one to get. They are the new Dynamis DCC controller from Bachmann and the Hornby Elite controller. I would like your help for me to decide which system I should get. I have around 30 locos, many of which are multiple units and around half of them DCC ready. I also have several sidings, which are quite small. I have quite a few points as well. I would like your help before March 11th if possible.

Many thanks,

Jamie

[rwaceyw]

I've been told by a lot of people to avoid Hornby DCC at all costs - and from personal experience I can agree. Don't touch anything Hornby DCC...unless you're moving it out of the way

Dave

[leviathan1949]

The Hornby Elite makes a good door stop!.

[Desiromad]

I couldn't really comment, as I have bought a Hornby Select DCC unit, and that is when I began the transition into the world of DCC. However, knowing what good quality Bachmann stuff is, I would dearly like to try out the Dynamis system, to see which is better, but I should image it will be the Dynamis that wins hands down. If I were you, I would spend that bit extra money, and get the Bachmann Dynamis system, but like I said, I can't comment indefinately as to which one is better!

HTH
Tom

[leviathan1949]

If you can get to Brighton Model World on Friday 15th February then we will have a Bachmann Dynamis on demo on our DCC Workshop.

Pricewise the Hornby Elite is more expensive than the Bachmann Dynamis.

[cyllabranch]

Cheers for the help so far guys I just had a thought though, Even though the Bachmann at the minute is looking the better system so far, all of my points are hornby and have Insulfrogs. With the Hornby dcc they sell point wires or something to make the points live. However with the Bachmann DCC they don't sell them as Bachmann (and Peco) points are electrofrog.

If I did decide on the Bachmann controller, would I have to use the Hornby point clips on the Hornby Points to make the DCC work, and would having Hornby DCC mixed with Bachmann DCC effect anything, and as mentioned earlier in the post, I read in DCC books and phamblets that you have to have the whole layout live.

Hope this makes sense and cheers for the help

[NickBrad]

It should all work together as there is a set standard for all DCC equipment, (can't think of the name of it off my head now I want to, lol,) so buy the Bachmann Dynamis and just get the hornby point wires to convert them.

[BR7MT]

The Hornby Select is a big no-no if you want to use other DCC equipment, but the Elite is ok as it now has the NMRA conformance certificate (for the latest firmware release version).

Regards,

Dan

[BR7MT]

How about using the Raildriver unit to do DCC?

http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/in ... topic=4605

Regards,

Dan

[leviathan1949]

My grandson has been using the raildriver on his DCC layout via his computer and a Lenz LI101F interface for over a year. Zimo have included a USB interface on their control unit which makes it a whole lot easier to use.

[OliverNo11]

Well I dont know mutch about the UK bachmann but over here it works lovely, theres even a computer program that can store and create a working time table and automaticaly control every aspect of the layout right down to whistling at tunnels and crossing...so its your call.