# HM \| DC — App Based Analogue Control

> Bluetooth-enabled app for controlling DC model train layouts and accessories. (iPhone/iPad app by Hornby Hobbies Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hm-dc/id1561194436 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hornby Hobbies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/870599697)
- Category: Utilities, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 68 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-04-09
- Data updated: 2026-06-03
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hm-dc/id1561194436/reviews.md

## What is HM | DC?

App Based Analogue Control

From now on there is no need for the controller to be tethered to the track because by using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology Hornby’s HM6000 control system can operate a DC layout with consummate ease. The HM6000 system not only provides simple control of two circuits but also features inertia and braking control, loco sounds, minimum and maximum speed control plus an intuitive layout planning feature
Utilising both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth Mesh Network architecture, developed by Hornby, the HM6000 provides a stable and responsive system that becomes increasingly efficient the more a model layout develops.
The App based HM|DC system is built around two pieces of hardware which form the key elements of the set up and these are the HM6000 App Circuit Controller and the HM6010 App Operating Accessory unit.
The HM6000 is paired with the HM|DC application on a smartphone or tablet and provides control of up to 2 circuits independent of each other. Up to 4 HM6000 units can be linked to the application which consequently provides control of 8 independent circuits via one device be it a smartphone or tablet.
Similarly, the HM6010 is also paired with the HM|DC application on a smartphone or tablet and that in turn allows for the control of up to 4 accessories be they continuous current such as used for lighting or a quick burst of power used to operate a point motor. Up to three HM6010 units can be linked to the application providing control of up to twelve accessories from one smartphone or tablet.

Locomotive Control
The HM6000 DC application is simple and straightforward to use and includes many features not included in other DC controllers, for example, the HM6000 not only controls a locomotives speed and direction but also the braking of the model which can be incrementally applied.
An ‘Emergency Stop & Resume’ function are also featured to immediately halt all circuits at the touch of a virtual button, this allowing for an effective pause time to alter settings before resuming with new settings in place.


Accessory Control
The HM6010 DC operating accessory unit provides multiple ways of controlling accessories including those that require a constant current or others that function from receiving a short burst of power. HM6010 allows the user to flick between Red, Green or Off for signal lights, On or Off for street or model house lighting plus providing constant power for accessories such as turntables. Points and certain other accessories require a quick pulse of current and this too can be provided by the HM6010 App. These operations can be activated via the dedicated accessories screen on a smartphone or tablet or through using the accessory toolbar that is integrated into the circuit control screen.


Track Builder
Integrated into the HM|DC application is a very useful function that provides the facility to plan and build numerous layouts while at the same time listing the components required as the virtual layout takes shape.


Short Circuit Detection
An innovative and rapid short circuit detection system included in the HM6000 software can quickly detect a short circuit and providing that the short has been removed, the system can once again become ‘live’ with a touch of a virtual button. Such a function can prove to be very useful should a locomotive move from one circuit to another which may be operating with opposite polarities. Such an action will cause a short circuit which can quickly and easily be corrected by altering a directional button on the circuit control screen.

R7292 - HM6000 App Circuit Control
	•	Controls 2 circuits*
	•	Speed control
	•	Includes 18 individual locomotive sounds
	•	Track builder
*Control up to 8 circuits – additional HM6000 controllers required.

## Key features

- Bluetooth low energy control
- Independent control of 2 circuits
- Locomotive speed and braking control
- Loco sound and inertia features
- Accessory control (signals, lights)
- Integrated track layout planner

## Recent user reviews (10 of 10)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hm-dc/id1561194436/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Good but room for improvement

*2023-01-18, version 1.2*

This app and HM6000 box is much better than the horrible plastic standard Hornby controllers. The app has good response, no lag and generally feels good. However, the sounds could be better and as its an app, they could be customised to an exact loco as a HST sounds way different than a diesel railcar, and is possible because Hornby has the sounds recorded for their DCC sound locos and chips. They also appear to be on the upcoming HM7000 DCC version so we know hornby are yet again trying to squeeze more money out of us. The sounds also jump so when you go from idle to half speed the sound suddenly changes which is a bit annoying. It is a good app and I do recommend it but there is a bit of room for improvement. Also it would be great if you could Programm it like wait 5 sec then speed up by 20% or something like that and would be relatively easy to do as it would be entirely software based. this would make the app much more intuitive. I hope they improve this in the future but with the last update being nearly a year ago and their new focus on HM7000 I doubt it.

### 3/5 — Trackbuilder broken

*2022-05-02, version 1.2*

Have been loving this app, but since the latest update, when I try to edit my track, the app (both on my iPad & iPhone) throws a wobbler and fills the screen with spurious pieces of track all over the screen. Please sort.

### 4/5 — Excellent fun but a bit unintuitive

*2021-12-15, version 1.0*

It’s great fun to control your train-set with your phone but I found it a little unintuitive to set up. BLE worked well but, although I could ‘provision’ it, I couldn’t get Mesh to connect until I discovered that you need to go back to the settings page, open ’Device Connectivity’ and connect to the unit again. This should bring up an iOS popup as shown in the QuickStart guide. Not sure I understand what the advantage is over BLE though.

It would also be useful if it could run in the background on a phone. As it stands the moment you do something else, the trains stop.

Lastly, the app could do with some tweaking to display better on iPhone 12 and 13s with a notch.

### 4/5 — Good App

*2021-09-08, version 1.0*

This is an easy app to use and a great step in analogue control.Would like more sounds like station background noise and whistles. Good start by Hornby, but would like to see manufacturing return to UK and not made in China.

### 3/5 — Unable to double head

*2021-08-12, version 1.0*

This controller is ok. An upgrade on the sound functions would be good as the running sounds jump. Ie Iddle, then suddenly slow speed then high speed. 
Also I recently purchased both Hornby GBRf Class 20’s which in real life run together. Every time I’ve tried to double head a train with them, the track short circuits. Come on Hornby sort this out please 🤷‍♂️

### 5/5 — Very good

*2021-05-20, version 1.0*

This is excellent, though I actually think the app works better on a phone, the size is just much more manageable. Well done Hornby! Keep it up, please continue to develop it. Lots of great ideas have already begun to be suggested, such as simple routines, better sound syncing, etc. Oh, and also, well done for collecting ZERO personal data. If only more companies would follow this lead...

UPDATE
You can use a lower 12V adapter from a BT hub for the hm6000, but you need the full 15v version for the hm6010, or it’s not strong enough to throw the points. I’d guess that if you only wanted it for signals it would be fine.

### 5/5 — Very good.

*2021-05-03, version 1.0*

This new controller from Hornby has been very good, the control of the trains is outstanding. I think this will be quite popular, especially in sets. I do like the Track Builder but I would love to be able to control more from it.

### 4/5 — Loving it

*2021-05-01, version 1.0*

This app paired with the HM6000 Bluetooth controller is a great addition to the Hornby range. For many upgrading to a DCC is too costly, complex and can mean having to start a layout all over again. This could be an inbetween rout between analogue and digital. Obviously it’s not as flexible as DCC but does offer some options a purely analogue system can’t offer. I hope Hornby will go on and develop the app and not consider it the finished item. 
     In the future could it be possible for small logical programs to be written, ie timer stops loop after 30 seconds blows whistle starts again etc. So that simple stop and goes could be added to the layout. I’m hoping this will be just the beginning for the HM6000 system. I really think this could bring the next generation into the hobby. 
    The only gripe I have is the pricing. The controller is a very reasonable £29.99 but it doesn’t come with a transformer this is available at £21.99 only £8 short of the unit. This seems to be expensive for a plug in transformer. Why not sell the whole kit as one price then you may not have opened yourself up for this slight criticism.
     All in all though I would highly recommend the HM6000 I think it’s a great step in the right direction for analogue control. I can’t wait for further developments and additions..

### 5/5 — The kids love it!

*2021-04-29, version 1.0*

My kids have picked this up quickly and love it! Easy to pair up (they didn’t need my help) I’m delighted as the HM6000 was very fairly priced and has provided hours of fun

### 5/5 — Chuffing marvellous

*2021-04-12, version 1.0*

This app and the HM 6000 hardware are a monumental leap forward in model rail technology. The app is great, lots of good instructional videos for each step. But even without this, the app alone is worth having for any serious modeller for the free access to Hornby’s trackbuilder, which allows you to design a layout from scratch.

## Frequently asked questions about HM | DC

### What is HM | DC?

HM | DC is a free application designed for controlling DC model train layouts wirelessly via Bluetooth. It allows for independent management of multiple circuits, locomotive functions, and accessories.

### What hardware is required for HM | DC?

To use HM | DC, you need the HM6000 App Circuit Controller and optionally the HM6010 App Operating Accessory unit. These hardware components pair with the HM|DC application on your smartphone or tablet.

### How many circuits can HM | DC control?

The HM | DC application can control up to 2 independent circuits with one HM6000 unit. By linking up to 4 HM6000 units, you can control a total of 8 independent circuits from a single device.

### Can HM | DC control accessories like signals and lights?

Yes, the HM6010 App Operating Accessory unit, when paired with HM | DC, allows control of up to 4 accessories. This includes managing signal lights, street lighting, and powering accessories like turntables.

### Does HM | DC have an emergency stop feature?

Yes, HM | DC includes an 'Emergency Stop & Resume' function. This allows you to immediately halt all circuits with a single virtual button press, providing a pause to adjust settings before resuming operation.

### What devices is HM | DC compatible with?

HM | DC is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for stable and responsive control.

### How often is HM | DC updated?

The latest version of HM | DC is 1.2, which was last updated on January 14, 2022. Updates typically focus on improving system stability and adding new features for model train enthusiasts.

### Is HM | DC suitable for younger users?

HM | DC has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users under adult supervision. The app's intuitive interface and wireless control can enhance the model train experience for all ages.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.2 — 2022-01-14

• Improved Bluetooth MESH stability.
• General bug fixes.
• TrackBuilder improvements.
• Speed bar hitbox increased.
• Speed bar configuration options added in settings page, allowing users to enable accessibility buttons. 
• Provisioning jargon altered for a more friendly approach.

### 1.0 — 2021-04-09

No release notes.

## Apps similar to HM | DC

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [BLE train controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ble-train-controller/id1553618573) | — | Free | Utilities |
| [OVO Energy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ovo-energy/id626316021) | 4.7 (17,510) | Free | Utilities |
| [Cat Breed Identifier: Pet Scan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cat-breed-identifier-pet-scan/id1633623560) | 4.5 (766) | Free | Utilities |
| [Prayer Times with Widgets](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prayer-times-with-widgets/id1634869280) | 4.5 (11) | Free | Utilities |
| [Calculator Compact](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-compact/id1174687792) | 4.4 (42) | Free | Utilities |
| [FlightBag](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flightbag/id1509733849) | 3.3 (12) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Hornby Hobbies Ltd

- [APP RACE CONTROL (LEGACY)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-race-control-legacy/id870599694)
- [Scalextric Hot Laps Puma Rally](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scalextric-hot-laps-puma-rally/id1081759521)
- [Scalextric ARC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scalextric-arc/id1342388625)
- [Scalextric SparkPlug](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scalextric-sparkplug/id1373752588)
- [Scalextric SparkPlug Formula E](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scalextric-sparkplug-formula-e/id1587903154)

All apps by Hornby Hobbies Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/870599697

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-03.*