a blue tooth device for Lionel

Using "blue tooth"?  THat sure sounds interesting.

Lionel hasn't said anything - however the company developing the technology for Bachmann has plans to market it to O gauge modelers - in fact, their initial tests were in O gauge locomotives. 

More can be found here:  http://bluerailtrains.com/

Scott Mann made an announcement at York during the OGR group meeting about a product he will be releasing that I think is a Bluetooth add-on to the Lionel TMCC system. Not sure of the details.

There was a huge thread about this exact subject some months ago. You may want to do a search and wade through it if you're interested.

Waiting patiently for an update....

https://ogrforum.com/topic/bluetooth-trains

Wow, watching this technology I feel like my trains are old and outdated. 

I'm running Lion Chief and I love the system, but this blue tooth technology is the future of model railroading. I hope the top brass of Lionel is seeing this and is contemplating this new technology for their trains. This is better than what I'm running now. The only reason I can see why Lionel wouldn't develop this system would possibly be the elimination of their own control devices with this system. But it would push Lionel in the forefront for O Scale technology.

Wonder if someone from Lionel would jump in on this post and let us know if there is functionality that Legacy is capable of that blue tooth technology is not?

For starters, I see the Bachman blue tooth strictly communicating to the locomotive while Legacy can interact with other electronics on the layout.

I expect that each system will have limitations.

It's just another sparkly to dangle in front of the consumer's nose.

Quite frankly, if a person is going to get bored running a train with a traditional hand held throttle, they're going to get just as bored running a train with a blue tooth device or cell phone app eventually.

Rusty

In my humble opinion, Bluetooth totally pulls the carpet out from under Lionel and similar companies.  I think Lionel is afraid of Bluetooth direct to the loco technology and Bachmann is being rather careful with the launch of their Bluetooth.   Just my 2 cents!

Take care, Joe.

I do think you have a point.  For me most of the enjoyment comes from watching the train on the layout.  The control interface is secondary to that for me.

I agree--remote, phone, ipad, Bluetooth--who cares if they all accomplish the same thing? To me these fancy devices are only beneficial when you have people over to see your layout and save you from having to have x number of remotes to pass around as everyone will most likely have their own cell-phone, etc.

I can just see this happening at an open house or modular display---someone taking control of a consist and wrecking havoc without anyone knowing until it's too late.

--Greg

What I like about this technology though is I can visit my fellow Detroit 3 Railers and not have to bring my remote, and when people visit my layout there will not be a shortage of remotes to run my layout.

Assuming they use class 1, you could theoretically control everything within a ~330' circle. However, depending on things like tunnel construction, and the total interference of other household items (walls, ducts, etc.), it could pose an issue to direct communication with the locomotive. We use it to track peoples cars for traffic studies, but generally we have good line-of-sight and minimal interference. 

-The other Bobby

Just spoke to Bachmann about the future of blue tooth in o scale trains. Just coming out with blue tooth for their ho engines, it's a wait and see how successful the product will be. We could see this technology for their o scale trains in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6aANfiMC78

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...m9Pzm6BcSLccAj3NtmzU

"I can just see this happening at an open house or modular display---someone taking control of a consist and wrecking havoc without anyone knowing until it's too late. "

This can't happen with EZ-APP. The locomotives need to be disconnected from the user's device before another device can pair with that loco. The best thing about this technology is it's simplicity. If you have a smart device that supports Bluetooth 4 the only thing you need to acquire is a locomotive. You download the App for free, place the loco on the track and your off to the races. Yes it is only available in HO at the moment because that is the largest segment of customers in model railroading. Another interesting aspect of Bluetooth control is that since it is an RF signal it does not conflict with track born signals from other control "systems" thus the Bluetooth loco can coexist on a layout with other control systems.

Hi Jack,

    Thanks for posting those links!  I am looking forward to this in O gauge.  Perhaps Bachmann could also do a Bluetooth AC transformer/controller (with whistle and bell features) for those who want to run their old AC stuff from a smart device without any modification to the old equipment.

Take care, Joe.

I guess I am clueless on this subject.

This would apply only to TMCC, Legacy etc operated trains?

I can't for the life of me see how a cell phone can take control of a ZW transformer running a postwar or any conventional engine, BUT I remain open minded.

Hi Aussteve,

    I can't speak for Bachmann, but what I am thinking about is a Bluetooth controlled transformer, so your smart device can vary the AC voltage to the track for old conventional runners.

Take care, Joe.

Hmmm . . .

I kinda like the feel of that silky smooth bakelite ZW handle in my hand.

The crackling ozone from the brushes on those pullmor motors.

The burn out of throwing a full throttle into that poor steam engine.

Going round and round the track looking for that perfect smoke ring blown out of the smokestack.  Back then I never had any gremlins that locked out my control.

Just thinking about it makes me drift back to a happier time in the mid to late 50's.

Whoops, sorry, don't know where that came from.

I never wanted any type of wireless remote control, until I tired it.  I think some device that can sit between the ZW and the track that is Bluetooth controlled to vary the AC voltage (and deliver the DC off-set for bell and whistle) to the track would be the best of both worlds.  I'd never give up transformer control, but you can have both at the flip of a switch.  I envision the whole control panel dual wired for manual and Bluetooth control, but we'll have to wait to see what products are eventually produced for us DIY guys and gals.

Take care, Joe.

It will require installing a receiver inside a locomotive - should be far simpler than the electronics they use for the past 20 years.  The HO receivers they are using are quite small.  

Obviously this tech is targeted at a younger  generation of modeller - hence moving with HO first.  There is a small segment of younger modelers entering O - many of whom dont subscribe to the "thats how wreve always done it mantra."   For these individuals, entry into the hobby comes with the major hurdle of cost.  Systems like Legacy / PS3 are way too expensive when alternative technologies exist which could be utilized in multiple scales.  the technology theyarde utilizing is out-of-date - however, they continue to utilize it so there  models continue to function interchangeably.  It's a good short term business plan - which makes sense considering the current market - but it ain't much of a draw for Gen X - Millennials

Therefore, the largest market for Bluetooth in O is the resale market - particularly the late 90s - 2000s market.  Lots of PS1 - TMCC - Conventional - PS2 flooding the market today.  A smart buyer can pick these locomotives up anywhere from $70-125.  Many of these are scale models - albeit with less detail.  Motors are good and usually DC -  pull the boards and install the hopefully soon to be available Bluetooth reciever and you've got a Bluetooth loco with DC power.  Want to run AC?  Install a means of converting it.  No big deal.  

Bluetooth is here!!!!!   For can motors up to 2 amps!!!

I feel like blue tooth would have been great for the ACELA and avoided a lot of control problems. Would be great to retro-fit. I admit I have limited knowledge but think it would be a great boost.

At the end of the BlueRail video you posted, it shows future boards that will be available, and among others shows "O Gauge AC!"

If I understand correctly, provided you are under 2 amps and somehow converting the AC to filtered DC, these first releases can work now in O gauge (can motors).

Take care, Joe.

Most modern O gauge is DC - the AC is filtered to DC via the internal electronics.  Looks like this board could be used on a DC O gauge layout.  I guess I'll be investigating this further - might be just what I've been waiting for.

We announced it at York:

3rd Rail: Bluewave TMCC Train Controller.

It is a Dongle that attaches to the RS232 port of your CAB-1 command base. And our App will allow you to run any TMCC model train or accessory train with your phone or tablet. Coming in 2016.

See our ad http://www.3rdrail.com/images/3rdrail-bluewave.pdf