HM | DC vs Inverter
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
HM | DC
Control your model train DC layout wirelessly using Bluetooth. Manage multiple circuits, locomotive speed, braking, sounds, and accessories like signals and lights. Plan your track layouts with an integrated builder.
- 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
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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 Hornbyβs 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 βEmergency Stop & Resumeβ 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 βliveβ 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 β’ Controls 2 circuits* β’ Speed control β’ Includes 18 individual locomotive sounds β’ Track builder *Control up to 8 circuits β additional HM6000 controllers required.
Inverter
Monitor and manage your GivEnergy inverter(s) with this straightforward application. It allows for independent control of up to three connected inverters. Resetting IP addresses is easily managed through the iOS Files app.
- Monitor inverter status
- Control inverter settings
- Connect up to three inverters
- Independent inverter management
- IP address reset via Files app
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This simple app allows you to monitor and control your GivEnergy inverter(s). They should have static IP addresses, set either in the inverter itself or in your router. Up to four inverters may be connected, but the app treats them entirely independently, not as a 'plant'. To force the app to request the IP address(es) again open the iOS 'Files' app, select 'On your iPad/iPhone' then 'Inverter' and delete the file inverter.dat. For more information visit https://www.bbcbasic.co.uk/inverter/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Inverter at every 10 days against HM | DC's every 9 months. Inverter also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 70%). HM | DC's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HM | DC ships an update every 9 months, Inverter every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HM | DC | Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | 92.6% of reviews β better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 10 days β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 β better | 15.6 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hornby Hobbies Ltd | Richard Russell |
Customer experience
HM | DC
Inverter
In-app purchases
HM | DC
No in-app purchases
Inverter
No in-app purchases









