Used in speakers, smartphones, and many other devices, Bluetooth is a technology that allows electronic devices to wirelessly communicate with one another. BlueRail Trains uses Bluetooth technology to allow model railroaders to control trains using an Android or Apple iOS smartphone or tablet. I reviewed a BlueRail-equipped Bachmann HO scale E-Z App Alco RS-3 in the April 2016 Model Railroader. Since then, BlueRail has released its circuit boards for separate sale and made several enhancements to its smartphone/tablet app.
Three versions. The board measures 1.1 x 2.3 inches (28 x 58.6mm), which is larger than most N or HO scale DCC decoders. The board will fit into the tender of a medium-size HO scale steam locomotive but would be a challenge to fit into smaller HO models.
The board is available in three configurations: with a 9-pin socket, with leads to connect to a battery, and in a plug-and-play dead-rail kit that includes a protected lithium battery as well as an on/off magnetic reed switch. Each version can be used to power any train with a DC motor that doesn’t exceed 2A. The battery powered versions can run on either battery or track power, as well as both, which is useful for avoiding stalls over dirty or uneven track. Note that the batteries can’t be charged via the rails, only with an external charger.
The BlueRail board installs like a DCC decoder and requires that the motor be isolated from track power. I installed the track power version into a Fox Valley Models HO scale Milwaukee Road 4-4-2 by using a 9-pin to 8-pin wiring harness (sold separately). I also tested the board in a Bachmann 4-8-2.
Updated app. I downloaded the BlueRail app via the Apple App Store onto my iPad. An Android version is also available from the Google Play store. Both apps are free and regularly updated with new features.
The basic control and settings screens were the same as with the earlier E-Z App. Navigating the screens is easy and intuitive. In addition to choosing between diesel or steam sound sets, the settings screen allowed me to set acceleration and deceleration momentum and choose between four preset speed curves.
In the advanced settings screen I could adjust starting voltage as well as all other motor control variables. After I increased the Update Period setting to 35 milliseconds, my test engine ran reliably on a DC test track set at a constant 12V as well as our DCC-equipped layout.
Sounds. The sound effects will play through whatever device is used to control the locomotive. A Bluetooth speaker can be added for onboard sound, if there’s enough space inside the model.
While the diesel effects were the same as in the earlier release, the steam version sound effects are expanded to include the injector, a water stop, and several other effects, including three different whistles. Each effect has an individual volume control.
The chuff synchronization screen is another new addition. After placing the locomotive on a long straight section of track, I scrolled through two menus to match the speed step with the appropriate chuff speed.
I could get the chuffs to synch fairly close to the driver motion at specific speeds. However, the sounds would fall out of synch when accelerating or decelerating. Overall the effect wasn’t as close as I could achieve with a DCC decoder.
A separate panel slides out for lighting effects, which was only a headlight on my steamer. The board supports up to four outputs, useful for effects like flashing ditch lights on diesels.
A bright future. Overall I’m impressed with how far BlueRail has come since I first saw the technology. One intriguing feature of the board is an expansion port for future sound modules. It’s important to note tha BlueRail offers regular updates to the firmware and app. I think the technology offers a lot of potential for model railroaders.
Price: $75 (track power), $85 (battery power), $167 (dead rail plug-and-play system)
Manufacturer
BlueRail Trains
2540½ Foothill Drive
Vista, CA 92084-6578
www.bluerailtrains.com
