For a simple and uncomplicated shift to wireless control, consider the new SoundTraxx Blunami.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I see it has promise but what about synchronized puffing smoke and operating couplers? I don’t see these addressed yet and the 2 amp stall is cutting it too close for all but smallest starter set single motor engines.
Pete
Over the many years that I have experimented with various wireless systems, I have found that wiring OGauge dual motor engines in series will work OK in many cases with 2amp modules. A 4amp version of Blunami is most likely to come soon.
@Norton posted:I see it has promise but what about synchronized puffing smoke and operating couplers? I don’t see these addressed yet and the 2 amp stall is cutting it too close for all but smallest starter set single motor engines.
Pete
I am pretty sure once the decoder is installed and the software program run it does a simulation running through various speeds and timing the chuff rate with that automatically.
John
"will work OK in many cases with 2amp modules"
And if it doesn't work OK, then you're out a $179 decoder!
@Craftech posted:I am pretty sure once the decoder is installed and the software program run it does a simulation running through various speeds and timing the chuff rate with that automatically.
John
Chuff sound yes but will it drive a fan motor and open electro couplers without added circuitry. The idea is great but at a $179 price tag its falls far short of an $200 MTH PS3 upgrade kit that will drive any O scale motor and provide pretty much all features without added expense. I will wait and see for what comes next.
Pete
Where are people coming up with a “$179 price tag”? I thought the MSRP is $169 which would put the retail price around $145-$150. Are there retailers out there listing the price at $179?
@3RaylFan posted:Where are people coming up with a “$179 price tag”? I thought the MSRP is $169 which would put the retail price around $145-$150. Are there retailers out there listing the price at $179?
Correct... $169 MSRP and my LHS is offering at $149. Can't speak to sync chuff but if Blunami board is like the BlueRail board, you can use the wires to fire proto couplers.
Attachments
Images (1)
Oh well, not for me. 
Attachments
I wonder what the Blunami IOS app looks like compared to the DCS app? I am not a fan of the DCS app...
Dale
The Blunami app is the latest and most advanced version of the BlueRailTrains app which has been available for over 5 years. You need to try it out to fully appreciate its capabilities.
@Ron045 posted:Can't speak to sync chuff but if Blunami board is like the BlueRail board, you can use the wires to fire proto couplers.
If memory serves me, it takes more than 100 ma to fire an electro-coupler. 6 controllable features is a little short, 8 to 10 would be nice.
Attachments
Images (1)
It takes a LOT more than 100ma to fire any of the Lionel or MTH couplers!
This is all Greek to me. Guess I'm a little behind the times. LOL.
I do gather that this newfangled thing, whatever it is, may not be able to handle electrocouplers, one of my favorite features, so I won't get it while it has that deficit.
Hey Kids,
If any of you bothered to watch the videos, you will know this 2amp version released is the sister of the Tsunami TSU-2200 and is made for HO Scale.
The O Scale version will be released later and is the sister of the TSU-4400. On the TSU-4400, output on FX3-FX8 is 12v. An MTH PS2 or 3 coupler needs 5v to fire.
I use PS couplers on all of my Railpro outputs which operate the same way.
Ron
@Ron045 posted:Hey Kids,
If any of you bothered to watch the videos, you will know this 2amp version released is the sister of the Tsunami TSU-2200 and is made for HO Scale.
The O Scale version will be released later and is the sister of the TSU-4400. On the TSU-4400, output on FX3-FX8 is 12v. An MTH PS2 or 3 coupler needs 5v to fire.
I use PS couplers on all of my Railpro outputs which operate the same way.
Ron
The TSU-4400 outputs has a rated current of 400 mA... that's questionable if you should be using it to run a coupler. You might still be a little short on power and a little too close for comfort for me. Depending on voltage, my amp meters show more draw than what those outputs can provide. Plus, they still need to have more than 6 controlling functions, sacrifices will have to be made especially when using this in modern diesels.
The TSU-4400 is selling for $200, and adding Bluetooth will raise that price. A PS3 Upgrade kit runs $200 (will probable go higher considering inflation and part shortages) with more onboard controlling functions and provisions for Smoke & quilling whistles. One could go the Blunami route and sell the PS3 equipment to recoup the expense.
Can I still run conventionally on AC power with a Blunami board?
@H1000 posted:Can I still run conventionally on AC power with a Blunami board?
I can run AC on my existing BlueRail board. In the video they mention DC, DCC and battery. But I do not know if their larger board will include AC or not.
Couplers require amps. Do the math. MTH PS2 couplers are 4 ohms and are driven with 5 volts so over 1 amp. Likewise Lionel couplers are 8 ohms driven by 12 volts so 1.5 amps. They both may open with slightly less current but not reliably.
I am looking forward to the day when someone comes up with one of these devices with three rail in mind. User configurable is the key for me. No plans to replace any Lionel or MTH command control electronics but for upgrades of conventional and broken engines this would be my first choice.
Pete
@Bob posted:"will work OK in many cases with 2amp modules"
And if it doesn't work OK, then you're out a $179 decoder!
TrainWorld has Blunami's priced at $135.99
https://ogrforum.com/topic/163461606054666501?reply=163461606111593359#163461606111593359
@Ron045 posted:I can run AC on my existing BlueRail board. In the video they mention DC, DCC and battery. But I do not know if their larger board will include AC or not.
Ron and I have just been discussing that Blunami won’t run on straight AC. Just the square wave AC from DCC power supplies.
This upsets my plans for my AEM7 and other conversions, such as a Williams scale GG1.
@CentralFan1976 posted:Ron and I have just been discussing that Blunami won’t run on straight AC. Just the square wave AC from DCC power supplies.
This upsets my plans for my AEM7 and other conversions, such as a Williams scale GG1.
According to Dave Rees at BlueRail you would need to add an AC/DC converter. Email from Dave below....
If you wanted to run a Blunami on AC power, you'd need to put an AC-DC converter just before the power enters the decoder. Its not expensive, but they take up a little space. You would also have to be cool with the fact that the Blunami won't respond to DCC through-the-rails if you put a converter in.
Here's an article where Bob Walker talks about how to do that. Diagrams and parts list:
http://bluerailtrains.com/runn...rail-ac-track-power/
@CentralFan1976 posted:Ron and I have just been discussing that Blunami won’t run on straight AC. Just the square wave AC from DCC power supplies.
This upsets my plans for my AEM7 and other conversions, such as a Williams scale GG1.
For your AEM-7 you could still do it the way I did and use the BlueRail board and separate sound decoder. The Blunami app will run it.
Ron
