Williams by Bachman big game changer-BYOD

 Good point. Some will definitely not want to do it themselves, but a tech would likely be more than willing to plug a few boards in, and snap in a few mounts.

  Not a repair, a mod like that should take 10 min most of the time. 

 Collectors wanting "mint" only, don't have to have mods done. The only thing lost is some minor bragging about something they will never see work anyhow.

 Others would actually downright enjoy adding it themselves.(me,me,me. I don't want it, but I'd build for others & enjoy them for 5min. all with a big smile) 

Why not?

Although they haven't done it with Legacy, Lionel licensed TMCC to Atlas, Weaver, Sunset/3rd Rail, and previously to K-Line.

A bucks a buck, and at this point Bachmann makes very little scale products.  I don't see folks dumping their scale 3rd Rail, Atlas, Weaver, Lionel, or MTH engines so that they can run Bluetooth on Williams by Bachmann engines. 

Licensing might bring in extra revenue, and pave the way for scale operators to move towards future Bachmann products in the did decide to venture into the scale arena.

Jim

Because the “licensee” doesn’t normally do the “allowing of other license”.  That is usually done by the “licenser” (as in owner). 

This was not about what may (or may not) happen (or be happening); it is about who would normally be doing the “allowing”.

Bob

Actually in my post, if you make the Lionel correlation, then Bachmann would be doing the licensing and not BlueRail.  Its a moot point anyway, as there are several different ways that Bachmann and BlueRail both could still benefit by selling to DIY'ers or other manufacturers.

Jim

This has gotten far too complicated.

Are you saying that this setup uses a smart phone to talk to a receiver inside a locomotive, and all you need is the receiver and a constant 12 volts on the track?  No telephone signals hooked in to the track?

If so, and if inexpensive enough, isn't this the ideal setup for battery power?

The BlueRail plugin boards are supposed to have a connection so you can power them by battery (if desired).

The simple part is that you can use a smartphone or tablet computer as a "remote".

The complicated part is that you would have to install electronics inside the locomotive to (a) receive the Bluetooth wireless transmission from the phone/tablet, (b) decode the commands being sent, and (c) provide drive power to the motors, lights, and anything else you might want to control remotely. At the moment it is purely speculative whether this product will ever become available to DIY hobbyists, nor is it certain such a product would be less expensive than currently available command/control upgrade kits for O gauge locomotives.

If your question "No telephone signals to the track" is a reference as to whether or not any part of this control system needs to be wired to the track - the answer is no. All communication occurs wirelessly, directly between the "controller" (i.e. your smartphone or tablet) and the locomotive.

I have been following and working on Direct Bluetooth Train Control for over a year and a half.  My opinion is that the first available OEM boards are most likely to be O gauge.

Bob

Not using OEM the right way here.  What I mean by OEM is available to upgrade existing locomotives.

Bob

Like most products, there is a niche market.

I have both DCS and TMCC at a cost of hundreds of dollars.  While I think those systems have lots of good features, I don't take advantage of most of the capability. I have a relatively small layout which precludes using some of the features. For the number of features I actually use I am not sure these systems are worth the $$ (for me).

I would love an inexpensive system with basic features. A big plus would be if you could upgrade older engines.  That would be a game changer for me.

I can't wait to see how this plays out.

Note - This is not a dig on MTH or Lionel's systems.  The features they offer are amazing.

Ed

It might be possible to use BlueRail Bluetooth boards designed for the HO product in some smaller O gauge items (handcars, speeders, trolleys) that don't need more than 1.5 amps.  That's what I am waiting for, but at a good/fair price comparable to HO DCC boards.  I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

It would be nice if we could get some info from the horse's mouth on this.  I don't think it would violate any forum rules for an official reply from BlueRail Trains.  It would put an end to all the speculation and misinformation.  Somehow rumors turn into facts.

Take care, Joe.

Hi Wowak,

    I just bought a $20 Bluetooth speaker from WalMart (PopDrop) and ran it around on a flatcar.  With my remote control Android app running and the speakers playing from the same Android cheap tablet, I had no problem with sound cutting out.  Haven't done a full testing yet, but at least the speakers played and stayed connected to the Android tablet as the flatcar traveled around the loop.

Photo below:

Take care, Joe

I think it's a great idea and a wonderful product idea. Simple and to the point is the future of model railroading.

My only question is will it work with multiple engines and can you write a script for switches and other such applications?

Controlling switches with this system would certainly be possible... if Bluerail were to design and market the required parts to allow remote control of switches. However, there is currently no indication Bluerail is being designed for any application other than remote control of locomotives.

Traditional bluetooth had 7-8 max connections, but Bluetooth Smart has no defined limit on the max number of simultaneous connections. So in theory it is an unlimited number of locos simultaneously. If there is a limit, it would be a result of your smart device.

Technology for DBTC Accessory-Controller?

Some pictures of a Bluetooth 4.0 on a breakout board ($30 for 3, delivered!)

[IMG]http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/attachment.php?attachmentid=69440&d=1423765053[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/attachment.php?attachmentid=69439&d=1423765052[/IMG]

Oh, but this isn’t just Bluetooth it is also:

•32 bit processor

•128 bit AES HW encryption

•256kB flash & 16kB RAM

•Programmable Peripheral Interconnect

•Digital interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART

•10 bit ADC

This highly integrated chip exists because of the existing and anticipated growth in high-volume Bluetooth applications.

Bob

Hi Folks,

    A very good explanation by Jack Lynch from Bachmann about the Bluetooth, starts at the 13:46 mark.

   It is from the TCA Open House Spring 2015.

Take care, Joe.

Some good information for hobbies that are interested in the future scalability of DBTC for use on large scale layouts.
[This is a large PDF and may take a while to download] https://www.csrsupport.com/download/...DC-CSRmesh.pdf

Once I see an OEM solution with sounds in the loco I will start paying attention. Battery options would be fantastic as this could finally move people away from the 3rd rail. Sending the audio to an under table subwoofer like Broadway Limited is doing in HO would be the icing on the cake IMHO.

BTW... If you haven't seen BLI's new "Rolling Thunder" system you can check it out here:

http://www.broadway-limited.com/rollingthunder.aspx

Very interesting!  They have apparently discovered a unique way to send sounds to a wireless speaker without using an open-interface.  This is good for them and for hobbyist that like what appears to be limited to one (or a few selected) companies.

Bob

Yep. A Bluetooth system like the one Bachmann is developing could do the same thing if they choose to. We shall see.

SO basically from my office at work, I can use my iphone to open the garage door, set the alarm, turn on the security cameras and run my trains from work! (i guess I would need a blue tooth to WIFI)

GOing to be hard to get  work done these days!!

I'm fairly new to the various controls systems in 0-Gauge, but I have no doubt that this (or a variation of this) is the future.  In a world where everything is getting unplugged from old systems and plugged into portable devices there really is no need for expensive control systems when everyone already carries around a far more capable computer in their pockets.   When apps can be upgraded at-will, no one has to worry about buying a system that might be come obsolete.

For those who prefer a more physical interface, I'm sure that at some point there will be a bluetooth compatible controller with throttle levers, switches, etc but it might be something with a smartphone port.

I didn't read all the posts, but just saw this this morning:

http://bluerailtrains.com/

Those of us who signed up to be contacted received an email this weekend announcing the HO boards - msrp around $75 - for 2 amp dc service.  They state in the email that now that they are over the initial design hump, it will be simple to redesign these for other scales including O gauge AC.  Since their initial design was for O gauge AC (which they told me up front), there is no doubt that they are working on this and a product is coming soon.

Their initial boards for HO look excellent with design options for both battery power and for future sound upgrades at a price point below the RC/ Bluetooth options from other manufacturers. This is very promising.

I'm running a 3amp board in my battery-powered R/C steamers right now, of course all I have is headlight and backup light and 1 out of 8 steamers has a sound card.  As it is I'm getting over 2 hours of run time off either 9.6v 2000Mah Nimh battery packs or 11.1v 2200Mah LiPo packs.  Smoke units would surely add more load, but I can't see O scale needing more than a 5 amp board, but if they can give us more in a small package that would be ideal.

Not sure what kind of load having 2 dc motors would put on it, but the motors I have draw less than 3/4 amp.

I don't have an Ipad or even a fancy phone (just a Walmart special, not even a flip phone at present).  What happens if you're using an app and you get a phone call???

It goes to voicemail?

After all, what could possibly be more important than running your trains...

Rusty

Bob - you will need a smart phone or tablet with Bluetooth 4 to operate.  

Operating while a call comes in shouldn't be a problem.  Modern smartphones have a hidden wall of open apps - this is where apps go when you receive a call.  The app will continue to operate even while a phone call is on-going - most androids have a button at the bottom which allows you to access this hidden "Wall", even while talking on the phone.  

Where it gets tricky is when you have bluetooth speakers connected - I listen to you tube while I work on the layout - when a call comes in, it automatically goes to speaker phone. 

The Email from this weekend:

Hello from BlueRail Trains!

I'm happy to report the first of our line of plug-in boards is nearly ready for prime time, and I can give you some details on it. You can watch a video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrokc9KQOHA

We've spent the last months supporting the release of the Bachmann bluetooth trains (which should be available the second week of November). We also put some extra effort into enabling our boards to drive the loco motors at an ultrasonic frequency (for super quiet operation).

I know we are slightly behind schedule. Our commitment to simultaneously launch Bachmann's new train control system has forced us to up our game, and we have been meticulous in our effort to bring you the simplest and most effective train operation that will both live up to expectations and offer added features for years to come.

I'll list the features of our first BlueRail plugin board below. Our goal is to get those in your hands by end of December (or early January at the latest).

Dimensions:        58mm x 28mm
Max Voltage:        24 volts DC
Max Stall Current:    2 amp
Accessories:        4 lights (or accessories)

Other Features:
battery connection (for dead rail or power backup)
wireless firmware updates
expansion port (for future on-board sound options)
9 pin NMRA connector
100+ ft range

This board dimension is suitable for an HO tender, but can be utilized any way you see fit (including larger gauges that match the spec). We will release a narrower version of the same board (more suitable for HO diesels) shortly after board one.

Our target price is $75 per board. We will finalize and confirm the price in the next few weeks.

In addition to use with a DCC-ready train, these boards can also be wired into any non-DCC train within spec. As in the spec, our boards have 2 connection points where you can add wires and connect a battery of your choice. This can serve either as dead rail or as a "support battery" (for bad sections of track). We do not support battery charging at this time.

The free BlueRail iOS app will be in the appstore at release time (and will be compatible with the Bachmann E-Z App). Once the product is released, we anticipate a 2 month effort to release an Android version of the app. I will send more detail on the control app and features as we get closer to release.

What’s next? After completing boards for HO (or any DC-powered trains near that size), releasing boards for larger gauges (with larger amperage needs) is fairly straight-forward.  N scale might have been considered an impossibility a year ago, but recent reductions in bluetooth module size have introduced some amazingly small options which are following up on. All boards BlueRail releases do have an expansion port in anticipation of onboard sound add-ons. There is also interest in adding bluetooth control of DCC as well as increased layout control (all of which are on our list).

If you are interested in the Bachmann E-Z App trains (with built-in bluetooth support) please checkout the following URLS:
http://e-zapptraincontrol.com/
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez-app.php

If you have received this email, you are in our contact database and will be the first to know the details and given first opportunity on these boards. I will send a follow-up email in November in which I will confirm pricing and specs, as well as a firmer release date.

Thank you for your interest in model train technology.

David Rees
BlueRail Trains

This really sounds promising.

I hope they give serious thought to sound, and most importantly, speaker placement.

If I'm going to have it, I'd rather have sound (than smoke/steam) coming out of the cylinders and stack, instead from the tender, only smaller speakers can give us that.

David,

Does “DC” mean that extra hardware will be needed to power this board from “DCC”?

Bob