Soundtraxx announced a new decoder at the recent NMRA Convention in St. Louis.The Blunami decoder can be used with or without a DCC system and can be used on a DC only layout. No throttle or cables are necessary as all commands are given wirelessly via an app you download on your smartphone.
It can also be used with outdoor G scale layouts operating with rail supplied DC or battery power in the locomotive. A true "dead rail" system is possible with Blunami. NO, I am not an empolyee of Soundtraxx, just an old guy in the hobby since 1954 who has seen innovations come and go in train control. As a retired electronics products manager I am higly impressed with what DCC has acomplished for the hobby and I see the Blunami decoder as a real game changer for model train control. Check out the Soundtraxx web site for more information.
Is it really new? G gauge has had that style of system for years using dead rail. control by phone via blu tooth is not new either. The combination is not a surprise. Not sure it is a game changer, but I will definitelt agree DCC has accomplished alot for the hobby technology wise, and enough to get the tech orient younger generation interested.
Shane
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An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
This was discussed a month or so ago
https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/293019/3415948.aspx
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a game changer would be something that changes the experience (hopefully for the better), not simply a different way of doing the same thing. i can understand how batteries might come to mind, but they're just improving reliability and many layouts operate reliably without batteries
two examples come to mind
i think something new that could enhance the experience for some would be more accurate air and independent brakes. independent brake only affect the loco and can be gradually increase and decreased. air brakes affect the entire train and can only be increased, any decrease in brake line pressure totally releases the brakes. two brake controls would be needed
i'd also like to see sound decoders where chuff or engine noise can be suspended to simulate coasting/drifting with the throttle off allowing the mechanical noises to be heard better. less likely that locomotives are engaging power when running downhill
any other thoughts on "game changing" ideas?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Inovated yes. Game changer, no. There are too many like myself that will not be replacing already functional decoders. Perhaps someone starting out or as a curiosity would be the main customer. Wireless control we have had for decades. Computer control is still developing and may someday surpass DCC. Bluetooth is ok at best. I can't count how many times I have been in a call when the wife started the car and my phone call goes to the car radio. Or she pulls in the driveway and my sound goes to the car. It's crazy that it has that kind of range. I should get in the habit of shutting off BT but don't always do it like millions of other people.
Pete.
I think Bluetooth operation may not be as much of a "game changer" with the Blunami as is the way the decoders can be programmed via a phone or tablet. It seems like the biggest argument folks use when saying they won't use DCC is "I'm not a computer programmer, I don't want to spend hours trying to program a decoder". This new Blunami looks like it makes decoder settings very easy to adjust.
For now, it's an aftermarket thing, but it will be interesting to see how soon some manufacturer starts using them in their locomotives.
gregc a game changer would be something that changes the experience (hopefully for the better), not simply a different way of doing the same thing. i can understand how batteries might come to mind, but they're just improving reliability and many layouts operate reliably without batteries two examples come to mind DCC allowed multiple engines to operate in different directions on the same track sound made things more realistic ... others ? i think something new that could enhance the experience for some would be more accurate air and independent brakes. independent brake only affect the loco and can be gradually increase and decreased. air brakes affect the entire train and can only be increased, any decrease in brake line pressure totally releases the brakes. two brake controls would be needed i'd also like to see sound decoders where chuff or engine noise can be suspended to simulate coasting/drifting with the throttle off allowing the mechanical noises to be heard better. less likely that locomotives are engaging power when running downhill any other thoughts on "game changing" ideas?
I agree totally. Most of the innovations are actually different ways to do the same thing.
For me, who has one train op sessions generally, DCC was not even that innovative...no need to control multiple trains Onboard sound was innovative.
- Douglas
Maybe it will have an impact in the longer-term, combined with effective and efficient battery systems (for dead rail). In the short-term, the cost is likely to be a major barrier for DC users. I see little advantage for those already using DCC.
Simon
My understanding is the interface is only available for iPhones, so that would surely limit the market.
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