Musings about bluetooth and MRRing

[tstage]

I was poking around on eBay today and saw one of the Bachmann "Bluetooth" F7s for sale.  That got me to thinking, with the proliferation of smartphones these days, whether MRRing will begin moving more and more in that direction for throttle control.  While I can see some advantages to that, I also began to muse whether there was a downside to it.

My thoughts then took me to a train show environment.  Given that one can easily acquire a DCC locomotive using a DCC throttle, what keeps someone (with malicious intent) from "secretly" acquiring a locomotive(s) and causing all sorts of havoc on a train show layout?  I'm guessing with Bluetooth some sort of password protection could be utilized as a firewall against this sort of thing?

Perhaps the concept is a bit far-fetched...but perhaps not.  Someone showing up to a train show with a particular brand of DCC wireless throttle in their pocket (and NOT part of the club layout) would tend to stand out - i.e. if they were doing that sort of thing.  OTOH, someone with a ubiquitous smartphone (and the right software) could stand off from a viewable distance watching the entire scene unravel; yet be difficult to detect.

At least that's how I see it.  I know, I know...Too much time on my hands...

Tom

[Motley]

Never even heard of a bluetooth controlled from Bachmann? Hmm have to research it.

Yes the bluetooth devices can use a password for pairing. In my car I have bluetooth, and enter a password to authenticate it with my phone.

[gmpullman]

My nephew visited a few weeks ago and I mentioned the "smartphone throttle" to him and he was instantly curious.

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/withrottle/UserInterface.shtml

He downloaded the necessary app and got to one of the setup screens, found my network but then needed my network password in order to complete the "handshake". Once this was complete we had a train running in no time.

Oh, it was interesting but not exactly my cup-o-tea. I'm not in with the twitter/smartphone crowd but for those so inclined it is certainly a valid option.

I have run trains using a laptop and Decoder Pro's throttle. This can be super handy for making speed curve and sound adjustments.

I also use a Sprogg in the workshop which has its own set of advantages/disadvantages.

Still, amazing technology that we have at our fingertips!

Happy Railroadin' Ed

[Steven S]

gmpullman

Still, amazing technology that we have at our fingertips!

 

And then there's the open-source DCC systems being developed using low-cost Arduino boards.   You can get into DCC for the cost of a DC power pack.

 

Steve S

[DigitalGriffin]

Most blue tooth devices require some sort of pairing. This is done usually with a button press on small devices....like a train. I imagine the bachmann is no different.

[jrbernier]

Bluetooth in my car requires 'pairing' to lock together my cell phone and the car. Not sure what security features are in the Bachmann product. New Bluetooth technology has much greater range than the 6' to 30' range of my car. I have heard that reliable connections in the 30' to 60' are normal, and multiple channels are supported.
The JMRI cell phone support uses 'WiFi' technology via a wireless router to a computer running JMRI. The cell device needs an 'app' like 'Engine Driver'(Android) or 'WiThrottle'(iPhone) so it can 'talk' to JMRI. These throttles have become very popular with operators as the side mounted volume controls become your 'throttle'. I was skeptical 5 years ago, but I have been using my Samsung smart phone as a throttle for over 3 years, and it is quite nice for switching at operating sessions.
I gave a clinic on JMRI and the cell phone throttle at a NMRA regional clinic 2 years ago. A lot of the younger attendees were downloading the 'app' as I gave the clinic. And a number of 'senior' modelers just did not get it. I am 66, but I spent my entire working career in computer technology(IBM). I fear many of my modeling friends are on the other side of the 'digital divide'...

Jim

[gregc]

I think there are at least two different bluetooth/wifi/wireless applications in modeling.

As Jim described, using a smartphone as a wireless controller to a DCC command station (e.g. JMRI) can certainly save money and incorporate the technology into the hobby.

The other wireless application is direct control of locomotives with a wireless decoder.   This can be combined with battery powered locomotives allowing dead rail.   But since most modelers have many more locomotives than throttles, I think the more complex wireless capabilites of a decoder will be a more expensive solution when you have more than a few locomotives.   Still haven't seen an official price for a Bluerail decoder.

of course cost is less of a concern for techy DIYers.

[Steven S]

gregc

Still haven't seen an official price for a Bluerail decoder.

 

$75.

[TheWizard]

Steven S

 

gmpullman

Still, amazing technology that we have at our fingertips!

 

 

 

And then there's the open-source DCC systems being developed using low-cost Arduino boards.   You can get into DCC for the cost of a DC power pack.

 

Steve S

 

Do you have any links for this stuff?

[richg1998]

The Bachmann site has a E-Z App forum with info, company reps and a link to BlueRail.

Google Bachmann forums.

Info at the MRH forums also.

Rich