Bucksco What do I like about using the Bachmann/Blurail Bluetooth app? I like the fact that the communication protocol is between my smart device and the locomotive. There is no signal going through the track thus I need no interface devices to communicate through the rails. I like the fact that all I need to try this out is a locomotive - no other hardware required. I like the intuitive interface - it is extremely easy to use. I like the online user manual that is on the homepage. I like the fact that when I place the locos on the track they show up as a roster on the home page from which I can select locos easily. I like the settings page where I can use a virtual keyboard to name my loco any way I like. I like using sliders to change feature settings instead of manipulating Configuration Variables manually. I like the fact that it is a software based system that is constantly being updated - same for the firmware in the locomotive. I like the fact that it can coexist with other locos on a DC or DCC layout and be run at the same time. I personally like the smart device interface - I like my ipad and iphone.
What do I like about using the Bachmann/Blurail Bluetooth app?
I like the fact that the communication protocol is between my smart device and the locomotive. There is no signal going through the track thus I need no interface devices to communicate through the rails.
I like the fact that all I need to try this out is a locomotive - no other hardware required.
I like the intuitive interface - it is extremely easy to use.
I like the online user manual that is on the homepage.
I like the fact that when I place the locos on the track they show up as a roster on the home page from which I can select locos easily.
I like the settings page where I can use a virtual keyboard to name my loco any way I like.
I like using sliders to change feature settings instead of manipulating Configuration Variables manually.
I like the fact that it is a software based system that is constantly being updated - same for the firmware in the locomotive.
I like the fact that it can coexist with other locos on a DC or DCC layout and be run at the same time.
I personally like the smart device interface - I like my ipad and iphone.
OK, Jack, as I said, I do like the idea of direct communication and thanks for that explaination of how it appeals to you.
First question, what happens when you have 135 locos and most run in multi unit consists - how does that menu work then? In my case, many of the sets are seldom broken up, but I would not want to loose the ability to seperate them.
Sheldon
JEREMY CENTANNI I get all the ingrained DCC guys not liking it and the people not liking phones for throttles. I don't mind something new and I'll gladly use a phone for a throttle when I go to the lub to screw around. I can use the DT402R when operating sessions or testing neew combinations out.
I get all the ingrained DCC guys not liking it and the people not liking phones for throttles. I don't mind something new and I'll gladly use a phone for a throttle when I go to the lub to screw around. I can use the DT402R when operating sessions or testing neew combinations out.
Control your railroad (not just a loco) with a phone? Those "ingrained DCC guys" have been doing that since roughly December 2009, when WiThrottle support was introduced in JMRI.
Use tablets as either throttles (too bulky, but entirely possible) or better still as wireless, touch-enabled local panels around the layout, instead of those "old fashioned" toggle/push button wired panels? Yup, been doing that for years, too.
So what Bluetooth is just now scratching the surface of, and more, the "ingrained DCC guys" have been doing for years without having to tear out their investment and starting over.
To keep this post more or less on topic:
I haven't used Bluetooth for any MRR-related stuff, but if there's ever an instance where I think it's the best solution for me, I'll go for it. Why wouldn't I? After all, I'm already using all the "new" phone/tablet stuff I mentioned above.
BigDaddy I urge you to keep people on topic, rather than let the naysayers change the topic to why Bluetooth is crap.
I urge you to keep people on topic, rather than let the naysayers change the topic to why Bluetooth is crap.
I find it somewhat amusing that those who express alternative viewpoints to and questions about something new are quickly labled and cast off as naysayers and techno-phobic. So much for being open and wanting to "discuss" new technology.
Very few if any posts in the other thread outright called BlueRail garbage. Folks just expressed why the most-recent iteration of the technology would not benefit them in their current situation. Is that being negative, or just being honest?
If one is really interested in "discussing" something - especially those who have experience, they should be willing and open to "dialoguing" rather than compartmentally labeling and castigating members who "haven't seen the light".
My to the discussion...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I started the other thread and I have used Bluerail.
Just on the Bachmann set equipped with it at a local show.
It is not the end all be all, at least not yet, but getting the thing up and running was easy.
Wait until it gets properly sorted out and it should be a very very nice entry for new people of all ages entering the hobby. That is the part that impresses me most. It is also something this hobby needs.
I think once it is more accepted/worked out, it will be a much more simple and less costly way to do what we do today with conventional DCC.
I look at it this way, most in this hobby are older not younger. Anyone here with kids can easily attest that their children can literally use the phone or tablet better than they can. So that alone makes it worth it to me if it gets new people to experience things at a new level.
Bucksco I welcome a thread that doesn't start out IN YOUR FACE confrontation. I am just getting back into MR and totally open minded.
However this is the Internet, in the 21st century. People love it or hate it and the haters have to tell everyone how much they hate it even it it has no bearing on topic. Lack of hands on experience has no bearing on anyone's opinion.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Well I sort of use Bluerail to run trains. I say sort of because I am primarily interested in the keep alive and this feature does shine in my opinion.
My phone is an Android OS, as such the app. is always behind in features or bugs correction to the iOS one, a little frustrating.
Some problems, the board is set for led. Lighting will not work on my P2K E6 with bulb. My version of the application will access only the front light, the rear light set up is not working. (I did not report the problem to Bluerail yet). The sound is an acceptable Diesel generic but a terrible steam rendering. I am as confortable to use a phone as a throttle as I am using my Digitrax and NCE hand held.
Jack W.
OK, let me say upfront that I don't use Bluetooth to run trains. Is Bluetooth essentially Bluerail?
Rather than wait to hear from others who use Bluetooth to run trains, why don't you tell us what is so great about Bluetooth. And, I don't mean that sarcastically. I just think that it would be interesting to read your point of view.
Rich
Alton Junction
Bucksco I did no such thing as suggesting that someone who wouldn't use a smart device is in some way inferior.
Not exactly, but did express the attitude that Byron mentioned.
Buckscoit is definitely something that is embraced by people who like new technology and in particular those of us who like their smart devices and use them on a daily basis.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
BuckscoBluetooth is a very cutting edge technology
Not exactly. The original work was done back in 1989. It was first called Bluetooth in 1997.
Jack. You tried to set up a user thread and it only took a couple of responses to turn it into into the other thread. Hopefully it will be more successful as time goes by. Not a user myself but admire your effort to discuss the experiences of users without having to defend the system. Hard to do though.
Let's keep this positive - I did no such thing as suggesting that someone who wouldn't use a smart device is in some way inferior. I am asking people who use Bluetooth to respond on this thread and discuss their experiences.
BuckscoThat being said it is definitely something that is embraced by people who like new technology and in particular those of us who like their smart devices and use them on a daily basis.
I am completely comfortable with new technology and use a smartphone on a daily basis for many tasks. The fact that I wouldn’t choose my smartphone for a model railroad throttle is not because I am some sort of a Luddite, as you seem to suggest. It’s just not as good a fit for me for running trains as my NCE DCC system, which works great, is menu-driven, wireless, and eliminates manually entering CVs and the like.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Jack,
On the positive side, I have said many times that I believe the future of train control does belong to some sort of direct radio system.
Maybe it will use DCC protocols and just have a reciever and better user interface, maybe it will be Bluerail, or other complete ground up new system like the Crest Train Engineer Revolution or one of the others already in this field.
http://shop.crest-electronics.net/main.sc
And even though I would never use a smart phone as a throttle, I understand the attraction for some and think any manufacturer in this market should look at offering both smart phone apps as well as more traditional throttle interface products.
But for me personally, I'm not in this hobby to keep up with what's new, or dabble with new ideas, or experiment with stuff.
My goals are very specific - build a working model railroad display with a specific set of features.
Some of those features are:
1000 sq ft room filled with 8 scale miles of track and scenery supporting both the display and prototype operation of up to 30 different stagged trains complete with CTC dispatching and working signals.
That goal does not lend itself to dabbling in what is new, it requires building what is known to work well.
I am highly focused on the goal, I do not divert resources from the goal for dabbling......
I hope Bluerail gets their stuff together and does well, I hope the others like Crest do well, I hope the DCC manufacturers figure out how to build better user interfaces.
But until some REAL revolution happens in this field, it will not happen with my money.......
I will be reading to hear how others are doing with it and how it works out.
As the subject line of this thread states - I like Bluetooth technology and use it to run my trains. I started this thread because it seemed like the other thread discussing this new technology has gone down the road to becoming a "why I don't need another way to run my trains" topic. I have run my trains with DC, DCC and now Bluetooth and I think Bluetooth is a very cutting edge technology that will continue to grow and contribute positively to the model railroading world. I am interested in seeing how many other folks out there have tried it out. I believe that Bluetooth control is the type of thing that has to be played with before you can understand why it is new and innovative. That being said it is definitely something that is embraced by people who like new technology and in particular those of us who like their smart devices and use them on a daily basis.