Great video and couldn't have come at a better time! It's my Birthday in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking of switching from a Select to a Prodigy Express - I'd like the more advanced features, so I think I'm going to go for it. I love seeing your layout, but I do get a tiny bit jealous with all the space you've got!
I had a Hornby Elite. It was very clunky and had no end of trouble so sent it back and got the Prodigy. Although both units here are described as beginners kit, the Select is far more restricted in functionality. You make some valid points about the Prodigy, I think the stop button should stop everything and needs to be higher up the unit rather than its current position.
Anybody starting out in DCC for the first would need to watch this as a great guide to what is out there for controlling a layout, very informative, I have a Ecos and at the moment is the only controller I have. but any one of these would be a good back up if anything should go wrong with the Ecos thanks for sharing regards Tony
Great review of these controllers , I have an Elite now and use the Select as a walkabout unit with a lead connected to the Elite . I do occasionally get the problem of a remote loco setting off when one shorts going over a point and it is usually the TTS loco's that set off . Thanks for doing this video ......Peter
I use a prodigy advance. What you can do on that is hold the stop button for two seconds then it turns all track power off and doesn’t carry speed steps. I think you can use this trick on the express too.
Very good review, you can’t see the screen so easy on the Gauge Master while showing the demo, but was clear on the Hornby Select Controller. I use my Select for my test track, nice easy and simply to use. Never got my hands on a Gauge Master to get a feel for it. I would be interested on a review on the Gauge Master vs NCE Power Cab in the same price bracket. Great UA-cam clip.
Uhlenbrock 'daisy wheel 2' for home use and the red button stops everything. My favourite is the Z21 on the club layout, 5 running loops with up to 15 trains running on a good night. Small red button stops one train on controller whilst the larger red button turns off all trains. As it it all wireless control all 5 members have access to both buttons on smart phone/ pads.
Good helpful review Richard. I'm set on using the gaugemaster prodigy 02 when I'm up and running. I have to budget for the meantime as I'm about to blow a huge amount on money on points / motors / track and wiring so was looking at buying a cheap select just to get things moving before I finally invest in the progidy 02.. so for now the select will do. Tim
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering . The select isn’t great. I would get the prodigy advance 2. If emergency stop buttons are a problem then add a kill switch/ button
ShortSet37. Cheers the short term plan was just to buy a cheap second hand select until the funds come available to get the advance 02 (eye watering cost).. nothing worse that getting all the track down then having to wait a while until I'm able to power it up..
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering . True but the hornby select can’t operate anything but solenoid point motors in case you wanted to use slow action ones
Great comparison video. I started out with the select. Then went for the elite but eventually sold them both and bought an NCE power cab. Price wise the powercab (2020) runs about £180. I went for the powercab because it got great reviews, is upgradeable and the accessories decoders are cheaper. For instance a switch 8 which can control up to 16 stall motors. Hate to think how much 16 Hornby accessories decoders would cost!
Hi loving the channel keep up the amazing work. Went to my local model shop and picked up a Hornby intercity (HST I think) OO gauge power car and dummy car all in working condition for £5! It's got working lights as well. Can't wait to see another video. Bye!!
NOT USED THE PRODIGY , BUT THE SELECT WAS MY STARTER ONE IN DCC ...worked good , bit of a pain using different commands ...and running more than one at a time ...dave
I recently got back into model trains with my lad, using a Power Cab. Same issue as with the Prodigy when you need to stop more than one train in an emergency. Power Cab also doesn't come with a convenient programming track output. My way around both of these points is to run the track feed via an on/off switch, Off for just programming and On for everything including programming, which is a siding in the fiddle yard.
My z21 (not Z21) also doesn't have a programming output so I use a siding that I can isolate with a double pole switch to change between the main layout and the siding.
Morning Richard, would agree with the durability of the Gaugemaster express as I own one which I use for testing. I also have its older brother the DCC prodigy advance. They both are excellent controllers and far more superior than the hornby select. Their were rumours they the select was incompatible with a few other dcc decoder manufacturers which had put me off from purchasing one, very good video once again. Stewart woodfield junction.
Great review, I have the older gauge master and if you hold the stop button down for a second or two it cuts power to the track output so stops all trains. You only need to hold it briefly so is fairly fast and then holding it again starts the system going again.. this means you can stop just one train or the whole layout. I have never had the problem with random locos starting on there own. not sure if that is just an isolated issue with yours or all new versions. that would be annoying. I have never used the Hornby controller so that has been helpful. Cheers, Rich.
Thank you for doing this video always very helpful. Although, I had the prodigy advance and I found all the same things that you did. Yes it does have some great functions and features, but I got soo fed up with it. But then, strangely it died on me. Gaugemaster were great, repaired it and sent it back. It lasted ONE HOUR and died again. Gaugemaster did, although somewhat reluctantly did repair it free, but that was it. Sold it and got a Z21. My only thing with that was on the white one the track voltage is set to 15v. Ok for OO, not great for N. (Esp sound locos). Had to get black, where it’s variable. I do have a hornby select as a backup, but if you get the opportunity try Z21 it definitely beats the prodigy and the select hands down. I am currently selling my white one, as I explained above. Message me if you fancy it. Definitely no pressure there.
Very useful as I was thinking of upgrading from select to prodigy express so you’re review has shown me that the express should work fine on my small shunting layout. Chris
I think we’ll see a gradual move to app based controls. It should lead to a more user friendly way of manipulating the controls. It’s going to be interesting to see what reception the new Hornby analogue app based controller will fair when released this year and hopefully it will be followed up with a DCC alternative. Great in depth review 👍🏻
Something I've noticed in your video, is that with the Select it is possible to feel the position of the throttle due to the white bump on the knob. On the Prodigy, the only way to check power application level is to physically look at the screen each time, when really you just want to watch the trains. I didn't realise this before!
The Hornby Elite will act as a base-station, allowing the Select to act as a walk-around controller, with just one cable connecting to the base station. So even if you don't use the multiple controllers, it does allow a multiple collection of Stop buttons, that stop everything.
Thanks for this, I think based on your really helpful information I willdeffo get he hornby controller becasue I intend of letting kids play with my layout, having a universal stop button that is big and easy to reach is going to be vital!
I use the Roco system now , and although Ive got wireless functionality through a tablet hook-up , prefer using their superbly tactile Multimaus controller , I think its a bit of German design flair, that anyone any age enjoys picking up. I started with the Hornby Select , which although clunky introduced me to digital . I really think Hornby after all these years should re-design this for the smart phone generation.
matt slade it’s the connecting track points somewhere are not properly connected there for the controller can’t stop because there isn’t a solid track to pass thru
I have a gaugemaster Prodigy2 with no issues. I have never had any locos move unless I have asked them to. The Prodigy2 is better as it has a higher amp output. A chap mentions problems Consisting with the Prodigy, there are none, you just have to know what you are doing. The reason I can think that you have locos move without asking is because they have the same control number and whole of your track is live.
I haven’t had any of the problems with the Prodigy that you mention, definitely never had a loco start on its own. I think you also have to remember that the prodigy is a cab control and not aimed at running multiple locos at once, the Hornby is a base station, albeit a basic one. The only issue I’ve had with the Prodigy which tends to be a problem with a lot of controllers is using consists. The best bet for an E-stop would be to connect in a couple of separate buttons to kill the track power and stop all locos. As the Hornby is a base station with track power fed from it directly I expect that’s what it’s doing.
Hi mate great and informative video . I have used the prodigy from switching to dcc and never had the same problem as you when i have a short to the system it just crashes and i have to unplug to get it to reset . Having never used the select can you use higher than 10 on the function keys for all your sound locos like you can with the prodigy . As always great video and keep em coming .
interesting comparison.I started off with the Hornby select about 6 years ago,but am thinking about an upgrade,as I have had problems with some decoders and would like to put 4 figures to identify locos.Saying that I have found the Hornby Select to be satisfactory on my garage based layout.
Like the video. Probably suggest more that for first timers Select is the best introduction, and for modellers with a little bit more experience then the Prodigy is best. But as said very interesting and enjoyable video.
My first digital controller was also the select but then i got my HO scale Roco Multimaus DCC controller which also works great with my DCC trains and does more functions so now i can do function 10 by pressing 0 on my Multimaus it is a little difficult programming a loco because u have to press a few buttons that are a little separated from each other but its still great because i can set up my DCC trains speed especially my bachmann class 20 DCC sound that went unrealistically fast so now i slowed it down with command from the Multimaus, the train now goes slower because its now been programmed to do that which I couldn't do on my select. Great video and layout. I have a small question, are you planning to add an automated level crossing to the layout? I hope you upload more videos from your amazing layout!
Great comparison between the two DCC systems. Great job on the video. 👍👍👍thats odd for the fact that the prodigy’s emergence stop button only works for the train that your operating with. That’s not good. The Emergency bottom should cut the power to the layout like the hornby controller. I 100% agree with your points about the prodigy, perhaps you should look into another controller. DigiTrax, MRC (looks very much like your prodigy) or maybe something like the ECoS2. I strongly recommend the ECoS. I know it a bit expensive but the features you get are unbelievable. Really it’s a high powered DCC computer system that can run and controls you layout. Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting video Richard, thanks for posting. Regarding emergencies I have installed a "Kill Switch" which is located in an easy to reach position and when activated everything on the layout shuts down and I mean everything. Cheers Greg
On the Prodigy Advance, if you simply press the red button, just the selected loco will stop, as you indicate. However, if you hold the red button down for two seconds, everything will stop. Granted, a lot of badness can happen within those two seconds. But the red button can disable all locomotives with a single long press.
I have the Hornby DCC Select and its absolutely fine, but it bothers me that you have to manually turn horn / whilstle sounds on and then off again.... really takes the fun out of things. What kind of controller would i need for "bursts" of sound?
Good review have you considered the NCE PowerCab it is about the same price as the prodigy and is a far better controller and has more features such as the ability to control points and signals from the handset hope that helps thanks Nick
I have the gauge master I am sure the emergency stop button can stop all the trains I can’t remember if you double press it or hold it down. If not then I apologise
I have the Prodigy Advance 2 and find it ok. The thing I don't like about it is the function 2 button, as it's momentary instead of latching. Also for some strange reason I can't double head with it. Spoke to Gaugemaster and they can't figure it out either. So luckily I've kept my Bachmann Dynamis controller which works perfect in every way for running trains. I only purchased the Gaugemaster system due to my Dynamis Pro Box failing and I couldn't change cv's etc. I'm now considering the ESU ECoS system but can't justify the price tag at the moment lol
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering Yes the 02 even has a doubleheader button, but for some reason the controller fails to accept it. I think Gaugemaster gives a lifetime warranty with all their controllers, do I have the option of getting it repaired/exchanged.
MrChoochoo Yes I have been looking at the lenz system.. I was happy enough with the Dynamis system until the pro box failed, and meant buying the Dynamis ultima as the pro box is no longer available.. I did have the option to send the pro box back to Bachmann for repair, as long as it was repairable. I ended up buying the Prodigy Advance 2 system, Rails had it on offer.
Kirkton Road Junction I’ve got the Advance 2 and like you always presumed double header button didn’t work. Garry at Cheekytek did a video on double heading with his Prodigy- helped a lot and mine isn’t broke after all !! Worth checking it out. Jon
The latest firmware revision of the Hornby Select allows individual CV programming. If a short is detected it will automatically carry out an Emergency Off, where ALL track power is cut.
I got the Prodigy express for Christmas and at first all was great, but now I’m having the same problem as you with random locos just starting off occasionally. Having a small layout with lots of locos in close proximity to each other, that’s not good.
I'm using Hornby Elite with Railmaster, it's running running well, for being portable I use the iPad connected, so I find this suitable for my small layout. I run 2 locos at one time. I do have a NCE controller, which I use for programming. I found running 2 locos on a a single loop track awkward. It's horses for courses!
Super vidéo, Bonjour, les deux commandes que vous montre son compatible, on peut les utiliser au mème moment, tantôt l'une tantôt l'autre la Gaumaster peux donne plus grands nombres d'autres que la consolée Hornby ???. Merci d'avance.Cordialement Raymond
Great video thanks. I was looking for a comparison between the select and a higher end DCC controller. One question though, are you able to reduce the volume of the intro and end music? It's a lot higher than the video audio and often leaves me running for the remote so I don't annoy the neighbours. 😃
A note for the un-initiated. I purchased an older second hand Hornby controller and discovered it doesn't work with sound. I did some searching and discovered that I need to send it back to Hornby for an upgrade to Firmware v1.5 to get the sound functions.
I have the prodigy advanced 2 and I have never had any issues with it, when I brought it several years ago, pound for pound there wasn't a better option.
Very nice comparison. I do know, on older Selects, the functions are only 0 to 9. If you can show you purchased it new Hornby will upgrade it to 0 to 29 functions for free, if bought used they charge £15. I am sure all new Selects should now come with 0 to 29 functions...Simon
So if you have more than one loop you must have more than 1 controller. I read som ewhere that once you change from DC to DCC all the points become self-isolating and you must use the clips to make each point live as it were. If you tell me I don't need them I'll remove them, fiddly as they are !
@@opensesame525 So I guess you are using insulfrog points. With electrofrogs you wouldn't need those, but you might need isolating fishplates on the switch rails. You could use bus wires either side of the insulfrogs though to get around the point clips , insulfrogs are ideal for DC but not so great for DCC.
@@joshholloway4799 Look at the JMRI web site. The software is free so all you need is a compatible DCC controller (I use z21). I think you can even use a Raspberry Pi or a cheap Sprog.
The false starting was you iam affraid to say is not the controller you have not wired all your track up to the bus withh dcc its pretty essential that you do this and your frogs on your points tiume to get soldering .you might like it even more now lol one thing your layout is bloody brilliant the detail is amazing your moddeling skills are very good in deed
The prodigy is same price as a used or even new elite. If you want a cheep basic DCC go for the £20 Bachman one that can control 10 locos and basic lights. Can you do a review on the next level up aka point control signals lights etc. I hear the merg is good but it’s in kit form. I also like the railmaster but it’s not that only controls function you can get on hornby so only 2 aspect signals(any make) and the like.
I like the select as it is a console based controller rather than hand held orientated one, the next good console based one is way out of my price range.
I have the prodigy but i use it with the wifi app on my phone the app i use is Engine driver you just have to buy the wifi bit from Gaugemaster for a round £100 then you can drive 3 trains at once. Jason P.S. you just need to hold down the stop button for 3 sec and all the power is cut off on the Prodigy. Jason
hi, interesting video. I have a prodigy advance and a select. Select ideal for running a second circuit and for setting trains up when converting. But be aware anything less than the latest version, 1.6 I think, ( version flashes on bootup ) IS NOT NMRA compliant and will not talk to all the chips on the market. Caused me a lot of stress when installing Lais Dcc chips, till one vendor stated the obvious. Hornby will update the select to the latest version for £15 inc return postage, but not till Covid is over. hope that helps someone.
A good review but for me it's the gauge master every time..re the stop button I agree it is rather small but does the job. When pressed it does only stop the loco that has been selected, held for 2 seconds everything stops.
Très bien explique, Bonjour, j'un sélect, mais je ne peux pas utiliser que fonction 9 sur 16 avec la commande manuelle, j'aurai la possibilité d'utiliser toutes les 16 fonctions. Merci d'avance. Cordialement raymond. Very well explains, Hello, I a select, but I can’t use only function 9 out of 16 with, the manual control, I will have the ability to use all 16 functions. Thank you in advance. Regards raymond
I suggest you not have any locomotive set to the default address 3. Also when some DCC systems are powered on they put the full voltage on the track and then add the DCC signal a couple seconds later. If CV29 is set to operate on a DC layout, then since there is full power, the loco will take off. Better systems do both steps at the same time. As a result, DCC loco that have CV29 set to operate on a DC layout do not take off. Therefor it's best to set CV29 to NOT operate on a DC layout to eliminate this issue during power on. This could be your problem. Change CV29 to see if this resolves your issue.
@@NewJunction oh okay thanks! So you put it in sound mode the press the numbers? Also to connect to the track could you use the hornby DCC track connector for both? Am moving to DCC in the next couple months hence all the questions sorry!!
I am new to DCC as I only have small exhibition layout. However I have wanted to experiment so I got a Hornby Select controller and I think it is crap. I am going to buy a Gaugemaster. Their DC controllers are far superior to anything I have used from Hornby. I have just bought two Hornby TTS locos and both have the same fault, so I am sending them back for a refund. Hornby technical support said they would respond I two weeks! Seriously? I have cancelled my Hornby pre-order. The service is dreadful and the quality testing is non-existent.
New Junction okay thanks for the help! By the way this is my UA-cam account I’m the annoying guy who bombarded you with questions yesterday aha. Thanks again for the help, Ollie
New Junction 😃 stay safe mate - looking foreward to the garden railway and the new new junction! That grand central class 90 looks so crisp - I think they’d look awesome in real life with their own mk5 coaches and whatever goes on the end of the nova 3 set but in GC livery - doubt it’ll happen though
I have the Hornby Elite. Total waste of money. It has a mind of it’s own. Select for e.g. no 4 loco and sometimes it will pick another loco no. The acceleration dial slips about so trying to run two locos on the same track is nightmare. Or trying to stop/slow a loco through a station.
@@NewJunction the reason I'm asking is because it doesn't work with a dapol imperium chip. I've heard their also not fully NMRA compliant and as well as that there are often incompatibility problems. Also the decoder works with a Bachmann EZ command
Great video and couldn't have come at a better time! It's my Birthday in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking of switching from a Select to a Prodigy Express - I'd like the more advanced features, so I think I'm going to go for it. I love seeing your layout, but I do get a tiny bit jealous with all the space you've got!
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I had a Hornby Elite. It was very clunky and had no end of trouble so sent it back and got the Prodigy. Although both units here are described as beginners kit, the Select is far more restricted in functionality. You make some valid points about the Prodigy, I think the stop button should stop everything and needs to be higher up the unit rather than its current position.
Anybody starting out in DCC for the first would need to watch this as a great guide to what is out there for controlling a layout, very informative, I have a Ecos and at the moment is the only controller I have. but any one of these would be a good back up if anything should go wrong with the Ecos thanks for sharing regards Tony
Great review of these controllers , I have an Elite now and use the Select as a walkabout unit with a lead connected to the Elite . I do occasionally get the problem of a remote loco setting off when one shorts going over a point and it is usually the TTS loco's that set off . Thanks for doing this video ......Peter
Richard if you add filters to each end of your DCC bus wire it will iron out the track short from resetting the controller.. 👍
I use a prodigy advance. What you can do on that is hold the stop button for two seconds then it turns all track power off and doesn’t carry speed steps. I think you can use this trick on the express too.
Good video, I have had the Hornby Select, I now have the ECoS but, it was expensive. The Gaugemaster looks great.
Very good review, you can’t see the screen so easy on the Gauge Master while showing the demo, but was clear on the Hornby Select Controller. I use my Select for my test track, nice easy and simply to use. Never got my hands on a Gauge Master to get a feel for it. I would be interested on a review on the Gauge Master vs NCE Power Cab in the same price bracket. Great UA-cam clip.
Uhlenbrock 'daisy wheel 2' for home use and the red button stops everything. My favourite is the Z21 on the club layout, 5 running loops with up to 15 trains running on a good night. Small red button stops one train on controller whilst the larger red button turns off all trains. As it it all wireless control all 5 members have access to both buttons on smart phone/ pads.
Good helpful review Richard. I'm set on using the gaugemaster prodigy 02 when I'm up and running. I have to budget for the meantime as I'm about to blow a huge amount on money on points / motors / track and wiring so was looking at buying a cheap select just to get things moving before I finally invest in the progidy 02.. so for now the select will do.
Tim
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering . The select isn’t great. I would get the prodigy advance 2. If emergency stop buttons are a problem then add a kill switch/ button
ShortSet37. Cheers the short term plan was just to buy a cheap second hand select until the funds come available to get the advance 02 (eye watering cost).. nothing worse that getting all the track down then having to wait a while until I'm able to power it up..
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering . True but the hornby select can’t operate anything but solenoid point motors in case you wanted to use slow action ones
Great comparison video. I started out with the select. Then went for the elite but eventually sold them both and bought an NCE power cab. Price wise the powercab (2020) runs about £180. I went for the powercab because it got great reviews, is upgradeable and the accessories decoders are cheaper. For instance a switch 8 which can control up to 16 stall motors. Hate to think how much 16 Hornby accessories decoders would cost!
Great vid this is a comparison that helps as i was going to get the gaugemaster eventually for my layout
Hi loving the channel keep up the amazing work. Went to my local model shop and picked up a Hornby intercity (HST I think) OO gauge power car and dummy car all in working condition for £5! It's got working lights as well.
Can't wait to see another video. Bye!!
NOT USED THE PRODIGY , BUT THE SELECT WAS MY STARTER ONE IN DCC ...worked good , bit of a pain using different commands ...and running more than one at a time ...dave
I recently got back into model trains with my lad, using a Power Cab. Same issue as with the Prodigy when you need to stop more than one train in an emergency. Power Cab also doesn't come with a convenient programming track output. My way around both of these points is to run the track feed via an on/off switch, Off for just programming and On for everything including programming, which is a siding in the fiddle yard.
My z21 (not Z21) also doesn't have a programming output so I use a siding that I can isolate with a double pole switch to change between the main layout and the siding.
Morning Richard, would agree with the durability of the Gaugemaster express as I own one which I use for testing. I also have its older brother the DCC prodigy advance. They both are excellent controllers and far more superior than the hornby select. Their were rumours they the select was incompatible with a few other dcc decoder manufacturers which had put me off from purchasing one, very good video once again. Stewart woodfield junction.
Great review, I have the older gauge master and if you hold the stop button down for a second or two it cuts power to the track output so stops all trains. You only need to hold it briefly so is fairly fast and then holding it again starts the system going again.. this means you can stop just one train or the whole layout.
I have never had the problem with random locos starting on there own. not sure if that is just an isolated issue with yours or all new versions. that would be annoying.
I have never used the Hornby controller so that has been helpful. Cheers, Rich.
Thank you for doing this video always very helpful. Although, I had the prodigy advance and I found all the same things that you did. Yes it does have some great functions and features, but I got soo fed up with it. But then, strangely it died on me. Gaugemaster were great, repaired it and sent it back. It lasted ONE HOUR and died again. Gaugemaster did, although somewhat reluctantly did repair it free, but that was it. Sold it and got a Z21. My only thing with that was on the white one the track voltage is set to 15v. Ok for OO, not great for N. (Esp sound locos). Had to get black, where it’s variable.
I do have a hornby select as a backup, but if you get the opportunity try Z21 it definitely beats the prodigy and the select hands down. I am currently selling my white one, as I explained above. Message me if you fancy it. Definitely no pressure there.
Very useful as I was thinking of upgrading from select to prodigy express so you’re review has shown me that the express should work fine on my small shunting layout. Chris
I think we’ll see a gradual move to app based controls. It should lead to a more user friendly way of manipulating the controls. It’s going to be interesting to see what reception the new Hornby analogue app based controller will fair when released this year and hopefully it will be followed up with a DCC alternative. Great in depth review 👍🏻
Something I've noticed in your video, is that with the Select it is possible to feel the position of the throttle due to the white bump on the knob. On the Prodigy, the only way to check power application level is to physically look at the screen each time, when really you just want to watch the trains. I didn't realise this before!
The Hornby Elite will act as a base-station, allowing the Select to act as a walk-around controller, with just one cable connecting to the base station.
So even if you don't use the multiple controllers, it does allow a multiple collection of Stop buttons, that stop everything.
Thanks for this, I think based on your really helpful information I willdeffo get he hornby controller becasue I intend of letting kids play with my layout, having a universal stop button that is big and easy to reach is going to be vital!
I use the Roco system now , and although Ive got wireless functionality through a tablet hook-up , prefer using their superbly tactile Multimaus controller , I think its a bit of German design flair, that anyone any age enjoys picking up. I started with the Hornby Select , which although clunky introduced me to digital . I really think Hornby after all these years should re-design this for the smart phone generation.
I have recently had my Hornby Select upgraded by Hornby service department to the latest firmware and it can now programme CVs.
i have the Gaugemaster Prodigy and i do like it. i have it over 2 years. iv never had that problem with mine. dont know what is going on there
matt slade it’s the connecting track points somewhere are not properly connected there for the controller can’t stop because there isn’t a solid track to pass thru
I have a gaugemaster Prodigy2 with no issues. I have never had any locos move unless I have asked them to. The Prodigy2 is better as it has a higher amp output. A chap mentions problems Consisting with the Prodigy, there are none, you just have to know what you are doing. The reason I can think that you have locos move without asking is because they have the same control number and whole of your track is live.
I haven’t had any of the problems with the Prodigy that you mention, definitely never had a loco start on its own. I think you also have to remember that the prodigy is a cab control and not aimed at running multiple locos at once, the Hornby is a base station, albeit a basic one. The only issue I’ve had with the Prodigy which tends to be a problem with a lot of controllers is using consists. The best bet for an E-stop would be to connect in a couple of separate buttons to kill the track power and stop all locos. As the Hornby is a base station with track power fed from it directly I expect that’s what it’s doing.
Hi mate great and informative video . I have used the prodigy from switching to dcc and never had the same problem as you when i have a short to the system it just crashes and i have to unplug to get it to reset .
Having never used the select can you use higher than 10 on the function keys for all your sound locos like you can with the prodigy . As always great video and keep em coming .
interesting comparison.I started off with the Hornby select about 6 years ago,but am thinking about an upgrade,as I have had problems with some decoders and would like to put 4 figures to identify locos.Saying that I have found the Hornby Select to be satisfactory on my garage based layout.
Like the video. Probably suggest more that for first timers Select is the best introduction, and for modellers with a little bit more experience then the Prodigy is best. But as said very interesting and enjoyable video.
My first digital controller was also the select but then i got my HO scale Roco Multimaus DCC controller which also works great with my DCC trains and does more functions so now i can do function 10 by pressing 0 on my Multimaus it is a little difficult programming a loco because u have to press a few buttons that are a little separated from each other but its still great because i can set up my DCC trains speed especially my bachmann class 20 DCC sound that went unrealistically fast so now i slowed it down with command from the Multimaus, the train now goes slower because its now been programmed to do that which I couldn't do on my select. Great video and layout.
I have a small question, are you planning to add an automated level crossing to the layout? I hope you upload more videos from your amazing layout!
Extremely informative. Thank you
Great comparison between the two DCC systems. Great job on the video. 👍👍👍thats odd for the fact that the prodigy’s emergence stop button only works for the train that your operating with. That’s not good. The Emergency bottom should cut the power to the layout like the hornby controller.
I 100% agree with your points about the prodigy, perhaps you should look into another controller. DigiTrax, MRC (looks very much like your prodigy) or maybe something like the ECoS2. I strongly recommend the ECoS. I know it a bit expensive but the features you get are unbelievable. Really it’s a high powered DCC computer system that can run and controls you layout. Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting video Richard, thanks for posting. Regarding emergencies I have installed a "Kill Switch" which is located in an easy to reach position and when activated everything on the layout shuts down and I mean everything. Cheers Greg
Bought pendolino set second hand with select 4 years ago , good since , actually have elite but not out of box yet
On the Prodigy Advance, if you simply press the red button, just the selected loco will stop, as you indicate. However, if you hold the red button down for two seconds, everything will stop. Granted, a lot of badness can happen within those two seconds. But the red button can disable all locomotives with a single long press.
Great video I like both controllers look nice
Very nice review and comparison. Have you ever used either the NCE or the Digitrax systems?
I've used NCE 👍🏻
I have the Hornby DCC Select and its absolutely fine, but it bothers me that you have to manually turn horn / whilstle sounds on and then off again.... really takes the fun out of things. What kind of controller would i need for "bursts" of sound?
Good review have you considered the NCE PowerCab it is about the same price as the prodigy and is a far better controller and has more features such as the ability to control points and signals from the handset hope that helps thanks Nick
I have the gauge master I am sure the emergency stop button can stop all the trains I can’t remember if you double press it or hold it down. If not then I apologise
Hi! Does the Gaugemaste Prodigy works well with hornby and DCC Concepts ZEN decoders?
I have the Prodigy Advance 2 and find it ok. The thing I don't like about it is the function 2 button, as it's momentary instead of latching. Also for some strange reason I can't double head with it. Spoke to Gaugemaster and they can't figure it out either. So luckily I've kept my Bachmann Dynamis controller which works perfect in every way for running trains. I only purchased the Gaugemaster system due to my Dynamis Pro Box failing and I couldn't change cv's etc. I'm now considering the ESU ECoS system but can't justify the price tag at the moment lol
Kirkton Road Junction. Assuming the 02 should be able to double head and yours has a fault?..
The-scrap-line Model railway weathering Yes the 02 even has a doubleheader button, but for some reason the controller fails to accept it. I think Gaugemaster gives a lifetime warranty with all their controllers, do I have the option of getting it repaired/exchanged.
MrChoochoo Yes I have been looking at the lenz system.. I was happy enough with the Dynamis system until the pro box failed, and meant buying the Dynamis ultima as the pro box is no longer available.. I did have the option to send the pro box back to Bachmann for repair, as long as it was repairable. I ended up buying the Prodigy Advance 2 system, Rails had it on offer.
Great channel
Kirkton Road Junction I’ve got the Advance 2 and like you always presumed double header button didn’t work. Garry at Cheekytek did a video on double heading with his Prodigy- helped a lot and mine isn’t broke after all !! Worth checking it out. Jon
The latest firmware revision of the Hornby Select allows individual CV programming. If a short is detected it will automatically carry out an Emergency Off, where ALL track power is cut.
I got the Prodigy express for Christmas and at first all was great, but now I’m having the same problem as you with random locos just starting off occasionally. Having a small layout with lots of locos in close proximity to each other, that’s not good.
Food for thought
I'm using Hornby Elite with Railmaster, it's running running well, for being portable I use the iPad connected, so I find this suitable for my small layout. I run 2 locos at one time. I do have a NCE controller, which I use for programming. I found running 2 locos on a a single loop track awkward. It's horses for courses!
Super vidéo, Bonjour, les deux commandes que vous montre son compatible, on peut les utiliser au mème moment, tantôt l'une tantôt l'autre la Gaumaster peux donne plus grands nombres d'autres que la consolée Hornby ???. Merci d'avance.Cordialement Raymond
Great video, but please what is the difference between the Gaugemaster and the very similar looking NCE Controller?
Hi I have got both the Hornby controller stays in the box. But yes1 thing I don't like is when the gaugemaster resets however I've got use to it.
Richard, very good review.
Could you please do a more in depth video on how to use the gaugemaster prodigy and how to use its functions if possible
Great video thanks. I was looking for a comparison between the select and a higher end DCC controller.
One question though, are you able to reduce the volume of the intro and end music? It's a lot higher than the video audio and often leaves me running for the remote so I don't annoy the neighbours. 😃
A note for the un-initiated.
I purchased an older second hand Hornby controller and discovered it doesn't work with sound.
I did some searching and discovered that I need to send it back to Hornby for an upgrade to Firmware v1.5 to get the sound functions.
I have the prodigy advanced 2 and I have never had any issues with it, when I brought it several years ago, pound for pound there wasn't a better option.
Very nice comparison. I do know, on older Selects, the functions are only 0 to 9. If you can show you purchased it new Hornby will upgrade it to 0 to 29 functions for free, if bought used they charge £15. I am sure all new Selects should now come with 0 to 29 functions...Simon
What about comparing the Prodigy with the Elite?
I couldn't see if you use point clips or not which is my learning part at the minute. Are they a MUST HAVE with DCC 00 Gauge or can have ?
Not at all, non of my points use them :-)
So if you have more than one loop you must have more than 1 controller. I read som
ewhere that once you change from DC to DCC all the points become self-isolating and you must use the clips to make each point live as it were. If you tell me I don't need them I'll remove them, fiddly as they are !
@@opensesame525 So I guess you are using insulfrog points. With electrofrogs you wouldn't need those, but you might need isolating fishplates on the switch rails. You could use bus wires either side of the insulfrogs though to get around the point clips , insulfrogs are ideal for DC but not so great for DCC.
Hay nice video. Just wanted to ask can you run an analouge train on a digital controller and how many trains can you run on that controller
I meant the hornby controller sorry. And can you reccomend some computer software that would be good for the network i am planning to build?
Don’t think so mate, try Marklin’s DCC
@@joshholloway4799 Look at the JMRI web site. The software is free so all you need is a compatible DCC controller (I use z21). I think you can even use a Raspberry Pi or a cheap Sprog.
Great video I want to try Dcc one day but it costs a fair bit
The prodigy express is appealing but without accessory power output i would surely need to buy a separate PSU to points? that would be extra costs.
The false starting was you iam affraid to say is not the controller you have not wired all your track up to the bus withh dcc its pretty essential that you do this and your frogs on your points tiume to get soldering .you might like it even more now lol one thing your layout is bloody brilliant the detail is amazing your moddeling skills are very good in deed
Thanks John, not sure what you mean regarding my wiring, its all DCC?
The prodigy is same price as a used or even new elite. If you want a cheep basic DCC go for the £20 Bachman one that can control 10 locos and basic lights. Can you do a review on the next level up aka point control signals lights etc. I hear the merg is good but it’s in kit form.
I also like the railmaster but it’s not that only controls function you can get on hornby so only 2 aspect signals(any make) and the like.
I like the select as it is a console based controller rather than hand held orientated one, the next good console based one is way out of my price range.
I think if you press and hold the Stop button for 2 seconds it kills the main track output, therefore stopping everything, but have never tried it.
I have the prodigy but i use it with the wifi app on my phone the app i use is Engine driver you just have to buy the wifi bit from Gaugemaster for a round £100 then you can drive 3 trains at once. Jason P.S. you just need to hold down the stop button for 3 sec and all the power is cut off on the Prodigy. Jason
How do you remeber what function is what button for each train ?
With regard to 12:00, you should install functioning catch points!
hi, interesting video. I have a prodigy advance and a select. Select ideal for running a second circuit and for setting trains up when converting. But be aware anything less than the latest version, 1.6 I think, ( version flashes on bootup ) IS NOT NMRA compliant and will not talk to all the chips on the market. Caused me a lot of stress when installing Lais Dcc chips, till one vendor stated the obvious. Hornby will update the select to the latest version for £15 inc return postage, but not till Covid is over. hope that helps someone.
you can press a button to make the emergency stop do all running locos.. Prodigy is better by far
thanks for the information..I love British trains..
A good review but for me it's the gauge master every time..re the stop button I agree it is rather small but does the job. When pressed it does only stop the loco that has been selected, held for 2 seconds everything stops.
hello, will i be able to control a horby 08 tts sound loco with the gauge master prodigy express package?
Yes :-)
Bonjour, j'un sélect, mais je ne peux pas utiliser que fonction sur 16
Good review mate :-)
Très bien explique, Bonjour, j'un sélect, mais je ne peux pas utiliser que fonction 9 sur 16 avec la commande manuelle, j'aurai la possibilité d'utiliser toutes les 16 fonctions. Merci d'avance.
Cordialement raymond. Very well explains, Hello, I a select, but I can’t use only function 9 out of 16 with, the manual control, I will have the ability to use all 16 functions. Thank you in advance.
Regards raymond
Emergency stop is always the secrete to DCC
funny is that gauge master dcc control looks like my MRC Prodigy Express DCC controller unless there the same company
I suggest you not have any locomotive set to the default address 3. Also when some DCC systems are powered on they put the full voltage on the track and then add the DCC signal a couple seconds later. If CV29 is set to operate on a DC layout, then since there is full power, the loco will take off. Better systems do both steps at the same time. As a result, DCC loco that have CV29 set to operate on a DC layout do not take off. Therefor it's best to set CV29 to NOT operate on a DC layout to eliminate this issue during power on. This could be your problem. Change CV29 to see if this resolves your issue.
Hello new junction may I ask how many locomotives can each controller take
The Hornby Select is not fully NMRA compliant. simple. the Elite is, the Select isn't, it doesn't work with all DCC decoder chips
If you press and hold the stop button for a couple of seconds then it will cut off all there power
The Prodigy controller is a lot like the NCE Powercab.
What's the song in your intro
Can either co troll DCC sound? If not which is the most basic for DCC sound
Both can do DCC sound but the gaugemaster is a one touch feature. 👍🏻
@@NewJunction okay thanks what is a 1 touch feature?
@@olliep7360 pressing a function activates the sound I.e press function 3 a horn sounds, release the button it stops.
@@NewJunction oh okay thanks! So you put it in sound mode the press the numbers? Also to connect to the track could you use the hornby DCC track connector for both? Am moving to DCC in the next couple months hence all the questions sorry!!
@@olliep7360 ask away! 👍🏻 both controllers can handle sound and generally speaking to turn it on you press function 1. 👍🏻
how do you connect the wires to the track
You can use a hornby power track , clips or a pair of peco power rail joners which connects to a wire to the controller
I am new to DCC as I only have small exhibition layout. However I have wanted to experiment so I got a Hornby Select controller and I think it is crap. I am going to buy a Gaugemaster. Their DC controllers are far superior to anything I have used from Hornby. I have just bought two Hornby TTS locos and both have the same fault, so I am sending them back for a refund. Hornby technical support said they would respond I two weeks! Seriously? I have cancelled my Hornby pre-order. The service is dreadful and the quality testing is non-existent.
Hello, Can you double head with the Gaugemaster?
Yes
New Junction okay thanks for the help! By the way this is my UA-cam account I’m the annoying guy who bombarded you with questions yesterday aha. Thanks again for the help, Ollie
@@learningoogauge3452 my pleasure Ollie 👍🏻😆
New Junction 😃 stay safe mate - looking foreward to the garden railway and the new new junction! That grand central class 90 looks so crisp - I think they’d look awesome in real life with their own mk5 coaches and whatever goes on the end of the nova 3 set but in GC livery - doubt it’ll happen though
I have the Hornby Elite. Total waste of money. It has a mind of it’s own. Select for e.g. no 4 loco and sometimes it will pick another loco no. The acceleration dial slips about so trying to run two locos on the same track is nightmare. Or trying to stop/slow a loco through a station.
Does the select work with all decoders?
As far as I'm aware! :-)
@@NewJunction the reason I'm asking is because it doesn't work with a dapol imperium chip. I've heard their also not fully NMRA compliant and as well as that there are often incompatibility problems. Also the decoder works with a Bachmann EZ command
I mean the decoder is NMRA (I think) but the select isn't incase it was confusing
@@ILikeTransport That's a question for Hornby, I'm yet to find a chip it dosent work with.
Why Do I Think Your Name Is Dave?!
It's not but I've been called worse
For this pricepoint multiprotocol Marklin MS2 beat them both! Try .)