Lionel NW2 on DCC

Always interesting to see how well the 3 rail trains can run on DCC!

3-rail DCC is certainly doable and convenient, aside from the need for rework of one's locomotive inventory.  AC-powered Blunami loco conversions coexist with TMCC and DCS, but the complication is designing/building a proper AC>DC converter to reside within the locomotive and the current ratings of the Blunami cards.  Working on writing my guide to that interfacing.

Karl, why do you have design one? Dozens exist already for a few bucks that work just fine.

Pete

DCC is the standard for scale trains, to bad 3 rail did not use it.

As pointed out in a previous post, AC/DC converters are quite simple and have been used a number of times. The only relatively new control product that could be powered by either AC or DC was the recently introduced BlueRailDCC by BlueRailTrains in both 2A and 5A versions.

The more I convert to DCC, the more I want to convert! I have come to the conclusion that 3-rail DCC is the way to go!

One remote to run them all!

Can understand your interest. Attached is my Blunami equipped battery powered NW-2 which runs quite smoothly.

I am also leaning towards Blunami for all my diesel upgrades. It will do all Legacy can do and more and dirt simple to hook up. Steam is on hold until they add synchronized puff and chuff.

Pete

@BOB WALKER posted:

Can understand your interest. Attached is my Blunami equipped battery powered NW-2 which runs quite smoothly.

Bob,

What battery were you able to fit in that switcher?

Ron

Hi Darrell,

Thank you. It is wonderful to hear that you run DCC/JMRI for O scale. This is something I am aiming for as well.

I have one qn though. Is it possible for JMRI to control a Blunami train through bluetooth DCC [instead of track DCC]? Any controller than can achieve that?

Thanks,

Bhadri

None that I know of.  The computer has to be connected to the command station.

Thanks Darrell for feedback. I am looking to a day when there is a 'controller' that can connect to a PC/Mac with JMRI but relays bluetooth signals to trains to control them.

And the track is just powered with simple AC or DC power and carries no data/information.

Most PC/Mac's have bluetooth built in, just need a programmer to figure out the command format and write the code for JMRI I would think.

Darrell - 2nd motor; truck mounted can? Sounds are terrific!

Yes,  can in truck.  Pulled from old k line mp 15 that needs massive rebuild,  so became a parts doner.

Hi Darrell yes, could be a super low cost and elegant solution, without needing any controller. Just a PC/Mac, JMRI and a DC power supply.

Looking forward to that future.