Run your trains from you Android Phone

Here's a new version 1.4 that will change the number keys to there function when an engine is selected.  Enjoy.

 

 

Thanks Bob, my grandson thanks you as well.   He's a real tech junkie, and being able to run from the phone really floats his boat!

 

Looking forward to trying this version.

 

I downladed this app, and it looks easy to use.

 

However, I do not have a BT/Serial converter to actually use it.

 

Will it be possible in the future to use this app over WIFI with the LCS WIFI module?

I prefer to make calls from my phone.

I run trains with a throttle.

 

Hello?

 

 

You can buy the module for a few bucks, they're cheap.

 

I finally got my TMCC set up with the BT adapter installed. 

Brought my Android tablet out to the layout and guess what?

 

IT WORKED!!!

 

It was awesome!

I love this app. 

It's pretty slick, no?  I downloaded the DCS one that was talked about here, but the operation of that one is considerably more complicated and I don't have the compatible adapter.

John,

 

Where's the DCS one that was talked about here?.... interested...

 

Ed

 

I don't remember the guys handle, and I can't find it now.  I did get the early version, but I wasn't willing to spend the $80 for the BT adapter to make it go.

 

Hi guys, got a new version for you.  No bluetooth changes, but the new version will also work with the new Lionel LCS WiFi box!  This is the same WiFi box that Lionel uses to control trains with the IPad.  So once its available, you can control your trains with Apple or Android stuff!

 

It is set to default to the WiFi box, so you will have to go to settings and select bluetooth if you are a first time user.

 

(Sorry about the blank post above)

Thanks John.

For those of you going to York, my Android app will be available for demo at the Lionel booth showing off LCS.  Stop by and check it out.

 

Met Bob. 

 

He he is one of the 3rd parties Lionel was looking for to develop for the LCS system. His android app looks pretty exciting.   

This is great to see I'll have to try it out in a few weeks. Great to see the dev is progressing so quickly. I just looked up the LCS wifi module. Is the MSRP really $180? Is it just for wifi or is it part of a bigger set?

The Android TMCC app works well for me, and given that the BT adapter cost only around $12, it was cheap to give it a spin. 

 

If Lionel actually does release the interface specifications for Legacy, maybe Bob will upgrade it to handle the full Legacy capability.

Bob has already got this going at least in the non released prototype. Rudy from Lionel introduced him to me.  I asked specifically about Legacy both Bob and Rudy said YES!.  Bob is one of the 3rd party folks Lionel is working with.  I'm sure once Lionel release it's WiFi adapter Bob's App will follow.

John, do you have a link to the adapter you got?  I'm hoping to get an old TMCC command base this week, and would love to try this app.  What versions of Android does it run on, and will it work on phones and tablets?  I hope phones because that's why I haven't looked into command yet, the remotes are stupid big.

Here's the one I'm using.  I needs a power supply, but I have tons of little bricks that supply 5V, so I just used one of those.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sinclair,

 

This is the link to the one I bought on ebay. Under $15 with free shipping (takes a while to get to you)

 

It worked right "out of the box" and continues to do so.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arduino-DB9-RS232-Wireless-Bluetooth-Module-Slave-Serial-4Pin-DB9-Male-Female-/160799222877?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2570616c5d

 

Ed

 

added while John was adding his post

Now he has choices.

 

Once things settle down, I will look at adding some of the legacy features for engine control.  Guess I better get a legacy engine so I can test it out.  No timeframe for that yet, I have lots of fires to put out.

 

Enjoy what there, it took a lot of effort to get this far.

 

Thanks guys.

Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

Any guesses as to how many people have downloaded and using your app?

No, downloads have not been monitored.  But the app is now available on the Google play store (as bluetrain), so I will be able to monitor downloads there.  All future updates will be through the play store.

One here.

 

I received my Arduino adapter today and hooked it up inline with my TMCC command base and a temporary 2 AA 3V battery box setup.  Then I paired it with my 2 year old Samsung Stratosphere Galaxy (running Gingerbread) and it worked the first time - just as advertised.  Next up is to add an on/off power switch and button up the installation.  I can see my grandkids waiting in line to try this out!

Bob - you've done a super job on this. Thanks a lot. I really appreciate your efforts.

GRJohn - thank you also for your many inputs throughout the thread - it helped a lot in understanding how to set it up, including adding the switch.

Keep up the great work!

 

Jim

Will the bluetrain app and serial-bluetooth adapter work with the CAB-1L?

 

If so, will the CAB-1L offer any kind of enhanced operation for TMCC locomotives? 

I can't imagine why it wouldn't work, it works with a TMCC BASE1 and the Legacy base.  I have it here, pretty slick little app.

 

Currently I use my android tablet with my Base1. It works great and I like it. I have no Legacy engines.

Would there be any advantage for me to upgrade to a Base1L?

Probably not, except the lack of that ungainly antenna on the remote.