REVOLUTIONARY TECH | Is Installing Blunami DCC in O Gauge Trains the FUTURE?!?!

[@scpvrr]

This is exciting. I have 3 PS2 engines that ate boards, and I have 3 Williams Trainmasters that are great candidates. This is really encouraging seeing that neither Lionel nor MTH has been able to produce a digital control system for over 3 years.

[@rexxumus]

The answer is: YES! More install videos, please.

[@RetroMikado]

This is honestly the most exciting new product to come out for O-Scale in a long time, I'm very much looking forward to trying it in my brass, fantastic video Sid!

[@SidsTrains]

I 100% agree it is going to provide a great option for people. Thanks John!!!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

We hope you love it!

[@SidsTrains]

@@SoundtraxxDCC this product is definitely something I will continue to use. I hope to use it to it's fullest and push the limits in terms of features.

[@radarditti560]

That's a nice product, your a very talented young man. I will be 70 years old in December and I have trouble changing a traction tire. Keep the videos coming.

[@Audamus]

Fantastic Video Sid! Super easy to follow and something we've been needing for a long time. Love my Mogul and Cab Forward that you've upgraded for me, and I hope that this catches on and more people upgrade trains to Blunami! Keep up the good work~!!

[@SidsTrains]

Glad you love your engines and I hope people enjoy the product just as much as we do. It is definitely a great option.

[@scottstrainloft5965]

Awesome video, Sid. Thanks for taking the time to walking us through the installation process in detail. I look forward to the future video covering smoke units.

[@alanjensen4830]

It would great if you could provide a wiring diagram for integrating a smoke unit with the Blunami board. I am getting ready to install the board in a MTH Railing K4 locomotive and would like to continue using the smoke unit. I noted in your video that the Milwaukee smoke unit was working great. Thanks!

[@barry42mmr]

Super informative! Please show adding smoke units and other features to it as well. Thanks so much! Barry

[@russellvoth5161]

Great informative video on the installation and operation of Blunami soundtraxx DCC. Keep it going

[@otakurailfan]

Sid great video! This is a fantastic system for us 3 rail people, if you don't want legacy or dcs, this is the way to go. Also showing the process step by step is very helpful, I am a visual learner and this will help me tremendously for my first install! 😊

[@texaseagletrains]

Great video Sid! Thanks for showing how you do an install of Bluenami. Like I said on Johnny's video, I have been waiting for this for years. I'm glad Soundtraxx has stepped up to the plate and I hope MTH and Lionel take notice.

[@johnrakes7597]

Great video! Definitely do more videos on this product. I am looking forward to a video on hooking up an electro coupler and a smoke unit!

[@Pinkystrainsandmore]

Great Video. Very interested in this product. Yes all your videos are helpful. Thank you

[@72blazer48]

Yes, more videos please.

[@jerzeydolphins]

YOUR A MOUNTAIN OF TRAIN KNOWLEDGE SID, KEEP GOING UP AN FORWARD

[@bobconrad5632]

Yes, more videos related to wiring. I look forward to a discussion on wiring the smoke unit. I have experience with DCC in my HO products, so I have been thinking about DCC for my new 3 rail O scale layout. I really liked how you linked to Audamus for additional explanations. Great job.

[@ia2493]

Sid, please make more videos showing Blunami installations. Also detail how to make the bridge rectifier, and other circuits that are needed for O Scale installations. Thanks!

[@tomrogers5516]

A really great video, Sid...very informative and detailed! It was good of you demonstrate an actual upgrade using the Blunami system...icing on cake! I appreciated your referencing Audimus' video about Blunami, as well. I would say he gives a 'plug and play' modeller's reaction to this new technology and how it is to use. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheLEMRR]

Been thinking about Blunami for a few months now. Thanks for the video

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

If you have any questions, we are here to answer them!

[@Burmn]

I can't wait to have a reason to do this. Very cool!

[@CRIPRR]

Great job Sid, you have gave me the confidence to do my first blunami loco! Thank You for sharing this great info!!

[@ChargerusPrime]

I've been raving about the potential for this system since it came out. I've seen Johnny's video of his AC-6 and his 2-6-0 mogul that you did for him. I cannot wait to put this system in absolutely anything I can get my hands on!

[@MR_P03]

Amazing, well defined steps, good job ! This looks like a great idea for upgrading my scale williams hudson engines.

[@bernardbob]

Thanks, Sid. After mulling over a Blunami upgrade for several months, I finally bought a 4408 and am installing it in an MTH PRR K4 that, basically turned into a really good looking doorstop due to failure of the MTH electronics. I went ahead and wired a bridge rectifier and a linear regulator into the K4 and it runs great. But, no smoke, no sounds and no reversing. I reluctantly bought the Blunami board because it solves all the problems except for smoke, specifically puffing smoke with even an inconsistent synch with the drivers. So it is great that you are talking about doing a video on adding that feature but, because of several comments on this post, I don't think many people understand what that means. You can't just add control of the smoke unit to the 4408, it just isn't that simple. And the 4408 does not have enough power to directly drive a smoke unit. Among the problems to solve are 1) how do you make the smoke unit "PUFF" at a rate that is similar to the rate of puff sounds coming from the decoder? Or, 2) is there a simple way to sense (opto or magnetic sensor, flywheel hash marks???) the position and rpm of the drivers for use in triggering the smoke unit fan? Is there some way to use such a sensing system as an input to the 4408 to synchronize with the puffing sound coming from the 4408? If you work out most of this, do you even need the 4408 to run a smoke unit that, like the sound output of the 4408 "approximates" how the smoke unit should operate? Smoke was one major thing that distinguished the post-war train hobby. I think it still is. All of the sophisticated electronics in modern engines are great but, to many of us, as these things turn into more doorstops, solutions such as the Blunami 4408 are the path forward. Without smoke, there is a void in toy train operation. As I progress with my modifications on my K4, I will be happy to share anything I work out but I think may of us would greatly appreciate anything you could do to advance this technology. Again, thanks for your videos. They are great!

[@henryszubielski8601]

That is great news! You did a fantastic job and yes I would be interested in more of you tech videos on this product. Thanks

[@dennis2494]

This is a great video, I will save it because I know that there will come a time when I fry a board in an engine and Lionel or MTH won't have a replacement for it, then Blunami will come to the rescue. The video was first rate, very detailed and not too fast and that made it easy to understand. I will look forward to future videos like this on your channel.

[@FrankRazz]

Sid, Yes, I enjoyed this video and the Blunami system. So please keep making future videos on this product.

[@DLewis-k9q]

Hi Sid! I think you've created a great video here. I too, had heard of Blunami DCC, but was still on the fence with the same concerns voiced below by bernardbob. A friend of mine, who knows you, recommended I watch the above video of yours and I feel Blunami DCC, will be a real contender in 3 rail market. However, the smoke unit issue has to be addressed. Would love to hear from you, as this is something the market needs.

[@Curious_Skeptic]

I have N, HO, G, (well, mostly N, and HO). Just started collecting O. Thanks for the video. I'm very interested in DCC for O! There's so much room for speakers! :) Fastrack is so much nicer than old school tracks! I think it makes O scale far more attractive. Now, to find a nice DCC controller. I have zero interest on phone based operations.

[@dathanpoole73]

Wow mind blown. Thank you very much for the video and the tutorial. I look forward to more.

[@joegennari395]

You have such Great Skills! Thanks for sharing.

[@railchief74]

I already know what I’m saving my Money for here! Great video Sid! You and Johnny just gave me the inspiration in getting into this system Even More. Great job again🚂🤘🏻

[@MattyCtrains]

Definitely one of your best videos man!! Great overall overview and explanation and process for how this new system works! Excited to have and mess around with this system myself for my collection! This is such a exciting product for the hobby, Super refreshing and looking forward to this new techs development! This absolutely makes 3rail Brass worth buying now. Keep it coming!

[@jacksonthomas1851]

Whats interesting about Soundtrax is that they are more famous for there decoders which are used predominantly in HO and N scale. This seems to me like a way for them to tap into the 3 rail market and I think it is smart.

[@Michael-yl2iq]

I have Blunami in my G scale with battery.

[@jacksonthomas1851]

@@Michael-yl2iq I’ve watched a few videos of people interviewing the soundtraxx guys and they say they are trying to push large scale decoders

[@Michael-yl2iq]

@@jacksonthomas1851 I am not familiar enough to have a comment on that. I just don't know if they are pushing large scale more or less. I do know that large scale started turning toward decoders a while back and everyone in my G scale club use them. They all use other brands and Blunami is relatively the new guy on the block. Lots of folks don't like the non physical attributes on the App. I like it for the ability to program so many attributes.

[@Trainman5135Productions]

For the price, the system seems comparable to ERR which is incredible. Will definitely consider using this when I make some upgrades. I'd love to see how the system interacts with a smoke unit.

[@deweyhall712]

The hobo union approves of sid, and his layout...😊😊

[@fairestofthemalllocomotive4802]

Bad ass video man! Great info pretty compact for what it comes with can’t wait to see u fit that in the General 😂

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

Fantastic job Sid!! I was very impressed with your detailed installation procedure. Very clear, concise, easy to understand. I think if you did another install for the diesel or electric train lovers, that would be extremely helpful as well. Thank you for doing this. Tom

[@WaldonFamily]

Awesome video! Really informative and it has me wanting to do this to my loco.

[@LovellFousheeIII]

Excellent video and explanation of the SoundTraxx system. Enjoyed the video and have kept it for future reference. I have a Right of Way KK-2 engine and wanted to find out if the system you have works on it.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@SidsTrains]

Thanks for watching!

[@dalehiatt9395]

Hi! Just wondered what the purpose of the capacitor used with the bridge rectifier? I've seen a couple ac/dc conversions done on Pullmors using only the rectifier and they seem to run fine.

[@harryhenninglll117]

I believe that the Bluetooth is the wave of the future in our hobby. These boards have been something that we have been talking about. We do sell soundtrack products at our shop.

[@samsogaugetrains8670]

Very informative! Well done Sid!

[@SidsTrains]

Thanks Sam!!!

[@ClintHackney]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@kylewalker2160]

Game changer!

[@michaelphilo3525]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for posting it. It looks like you could run a Blunami-equipped locomotive on the same layout and at the same time as almost anything else - like MTH DCS, Lionel Legacy, straight old-time AC - without interference. Is that correct?

[@Mr.Funk92]

I’ll have to get one ordered. I have at least 1 loco I would want to install this into. Better sounds and customization. Nice work Sid!

[@SidsTrains]

Thanks!

[@DavidHollyTrainsMore]

@@SidsTrains how do I contact you so you can do some of my engines upgraded to Blunami please

[@Hgshelby]

This is something I have been saying for a while now, innovation in O scale to break the proprietary control systems monopoly. Lionel especially should be terrified. O scale desperately needs this with this more manufacturers will look to compete in the O scale market driving prices down and increasing quality. This is a major first step. I love to see it.

[@DavidMartinez-se5vl]

Any way you can show how to wire up a smoke unit?

[@paulwillis6503]

Sid I will be installing rr train controller with nce Do you recommend total dc conversion of my three rail layout is the way to go. I have gargraves track and all the dcc materials to. Install for the anticipated computer control of layout ?

[@chrisrandall4872]

Can you do a video on adding chuffing smoke unit to the Blunami system?

[@paulwalkowiak1182]

Sid who can i find to change over by MTH, lionel and weaver trains to blunami.

[@MichaelGiambrone-k1y]

Great Job with Blunami. Sid, I've installed the 4408 steam & electric boards and they're great! Can you provide guidance/Video on how to install smoke unit? Thanks

[@SidsTrains]

Will be in a future video.

[@JimBee-j5s]

Sid, my repairmen says my tmcc r2L board is bad, no smoke, what can i do i heard lionel does not make them anymore. Engine is 14 years old

[@patspeth1752]

sid great video I have been waiting for this a long time now for 3 rail to get converted to dcc and i have a bunch of junked up PS2 MTH engines to convert now!!!!!!!!

[@disqorddoge1101]

AWESOME! I’ve been looking for a good solution to bring a burnt out MTH Dreyfus Hudson back to life in a simple to install manner for a reasonable price. Shame theirs no dedicated remote tho. Running trains with an app feels wrong to me. But this looks totally worth it.

[@betsy662]

It not only works with DCC, it also works on DC and Deadrail

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

I bought a lionchief plus engine with a blown board. I think that may be a prime candidate for this upgrade

[@SignalLightProductions]

This is a really exciting opportunity for upgrades. Can you double head two locomotives with the app?

[@SidsTrains]

Yes

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

We have a couple videos on consisting: kzbin.info?search_query=soundtraxx+blunami+consisting

[@harryhenninglll117]

Sid question. What are they using to control the chuffs per revulsion considering each engine has different gear ratios to keep it around 4 chuffs per revulsion.

[@SidsTrains]

The chuffing via Blunami is triggered digitally. A value (CV code) in the app is changed to fit the specific locomotive.

[@harryhenninglll117]

Thanks Sid. We have gotten the boards in at shop for inventory. I have a few projects I want to try them in for myself so I can learn more about the products to be able to answer questions for our customers. Looking forward to your thoughts on adding smoke for steam engines.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

The cuff rate works just like the Tsunami2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoGpZH-ai5yqbsksi=oCbCL1bnR24uRy9Q The app just makes it more user-friendly to adjust.

[@fepatton]

This is great, and something I've been wanting for a long time. (Nice, neat wiring job, too!) The level of app-controlled customization is amazing. I already use DCC for N scale, plus Legacy and DCS for O scale. The existence of Legacy and DCS just _irritates_ me. Lionel and MTH should have built in DCC as their standard a long time ago, but no, they had to do things differently. 🙄 Thank you for covering the AC/DC aspect. I had been thinking that the layout would just need to be switched to DC, and hadn't even thought about using a built-in rectifier. This is super helpful. I'm going to be trying this on an older Atlas locomotive soon.

[@spdixonme]

Sid, thanks for the geat video! Can you provide more info about the brand and specifications of the bridge rectifier and capacitor you used? Also, what is the purpose of the capacitor, what does it do for the system? Thanks!

[@SidsTrains]

All the products I used in the video are in the description. I just recommend a bridge rectifier that can handle 5+ amps of current. The capacitor I recommend is at least a 1000uF cap that can handle 25+ volts. The capacitor filters and gives you clean filtered DC power.

[@cartspro]

Great video, have you tried adding lithium battery has power source.

[@Bigmacland-zl3wo]

I have a MTH Proto 1 RS3 which needs an upgrade. Would I be better going with a Blunami or a Proto 2 or3 system?

[@prhf]

PS3 upgrades are cheaper and support all functions including Smoke and couplers. Blunami won't drive these features without adding more driver boards.

[@cmu3rd]

It sure would be nice if Soundtraxx built a decoder with AC in and out for post war engines. Do you know if there is or plan for JMRI integration or other automation software that uses DCC? I guess there would need to be a bluetooth interface since the DCC signal does not travel over the rails.

[@SidsTrains]

Technically I was a bit incorrect in talking about AC motored engines. In theory you could do it, but the current draw is inconsistent between all AC open frame motors so it is not advised to do so.

[@hmsjr0154]

Sid Do you happen to have an example of the wiring diagram that you used. I’m hoping to be able to use the smoke function and the marker lights on the locomotive and tender. Thanks

[@SidsTrains]

Currently working on a new "All you need to know video" that will provide that and lots of other information.

[@hmsjr0154]

@@SidsTrains Thank you!

[@muyeakinkuotu1063]

Hello Sid, You are fantastic and great at what you do. For non-technical person like me, I need your advice. I have this favorite Lionel engine 6-85186 that I can’t get anyone to fix. Somehow it doesn’t run and smokes at the controls location (location of smoke, volume adjustment place), when power is applied. I can’t get anyone to repair. Hate to throw the engine away. Do you have suggestions or know who can repair. Kind of ready to give up until I saw your videos and how great you are. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@TheRambles]

Great vid!

[@alexgavaller3976]

Sid ,have you upgrade any old pellet type smoke unit😮s to something that uses smoke fluid we use today. Would you consider doing a video or suggest links on this topic.. Thanks Alex

[@SagebrushBallistics]

Will you be making a video of the smoke unit circut? I can't find anything on this topic and would like to have smoke in my locomotive.

[@leisureshoot]

Great overall video. One small point - it was a bit long, I found myself fast forwarding a bit, fwiw.

[@cmu3rd]

Blunami is definitly a game changer for me in the 3 rail arena. My model train interest is in automation. Would it make sense to stay all DC with lets say a DCC-EX 5 amp command station? This would give the best of all worlds. DCC on the rails for automation and the simplicity of bluetooth throttle control app. One issue I see so far is when the app connects to an engine it disconnects the DCC from the rails and the 5 amp limit. And of course the large investment in Lionel transformrs and Legacy that we already have.😀

[@tomdirienzo2173]

Great video and explanation of how to add this board to an O Gauge engine with a DC motor. I have two questions: 1. Can you provide a wiring diagram or highlight what is needed to integrate a smoke unit with the Blunami board? 2. With the Blunami board installed can you still run the engine in convential mode? Thanks

[@RandyCRR]

Good info. I have installed ERR in a GG1 Scale Williams convention loco. Wasn’t difficult but i am not satisfied with the results. This Blunami seems to be the next install on a GP38 K line diesel conventional with fried electronics. What Blunami would I use for it? Thanks Sid . Also just subbed to your channel.

[@johnnygearpin7596]

Really comprehensive video! I wish this idea can be adapted for post war. Are you aware of anyone that has done post war 'DDC-like- modifications?

[@SidsTrains]

So there are situations where an AC motor could be operated off one of these decoders. However it's not as universal as a DC motor. AC motors draw lots of current so it would be a case by case basis if the current draw would be too much. An AC motor to DC motor conversion can be possible, but that is not my area of expertise. For these reasons I usually say it's not compatible.

[@robertmaurersogaugetrains]

Great video did I just installed one of these in an atlas locomotive and it’s fantastic. Are you going to make a video on hooking up smoke as well I would like to add smoke to mine but not sure how to go about installing it

[@CeolDeamhan]

I wonder if this would work on my older model Daylight...

[@rexxumus]

Need tutorials for dual motors and smoke units. Also anything you can offer about lighting.

[@familylines52]

Need to see how to wire a smoke unit. Several questions? Is the Blunami able to adjust smoke output according to load/rev.increase? Is there an option for ditch lights? Marker lights? Number boards? Is it possible to lash a Blunami engine with a DCS engine? If so, how would you control the lashup? Can a Blunami eqipped leading A engine tether to a powered trailing unit of an ABA? If so, does that bypass the trailing unit slave board?

[@Mr.Funk92]

Has anyone figured out how to make an electro coupler work with this yet?

[@DeadrailTrains]

would like to see a tactile controller option for this board

[@TrainTableRailroad]

Hey Sid! I recently bought a Lionel legacy and it has a couple issues, one being with the smoke stack smoke unit. Is there a way I can send it to you to have it worked on?

[@gregfrance654]

Hello Sid I want to install a Blunami Decoder into my MTH Steamer that has Proto-Sound 2. I have been told that the Blunami can not operate a smoking unit. When I watch this video you do not address this topic other than saying it is complicated. Have you found a way to do it? If you are going to install these Decoders into more of your locomotives would you consider making more of these videos?

[@DeadrailTrains]

I run all my engines on DC including open frame prewar and postwar. What is blunami's issue with the older motors?

[@SidsTrains]

The majority of DC motors have the correct amp rating for the board. AC motors vary a lot from model to model like an AC Pullmor. Due to this I'm not going to vouch that it's a great compatibility and the same goes for manufacturers of products. Sure there is the chance for compatibility, but that is not something I'm going to endorse for every model out there. If someone is going to install it in an older model they probably know about stall current and will figure out that it might work in their case.

[@DeadrailTrains]

I get it. I have some postwars that are real current pigs. @@SidsTrains

[@stevenmichael2845]

Sid, I’m not sure if you’ll see this or not. I have a pair of old MTH Dash Nines that I want to rip the PS2 out of and replace with Blunami. Is a single decoder able to power two motors? In all of the videos I’ve seen this conversion showcased in, it’s only been steam engines. I’m also wondering if the decoder compensates for speed loss, since you mentioned it’s able to read the motors’ EMF. If it can handle two motors, I’m also wondering whether they should be wired in series or parallel.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Cool video Sid!

[@tonyputnam7904]

Hey Sid can this work on MTH Premiere steam locomotives? I have a Premiere Hudson and Mikado in NYC.

[@asteroidrules]

I really don't know why there isn't more talk about DCC in 3 rail O scale, in a way it's actually uniquely well suited to it. The majority of O scale trains have included speakers for their whistles and horns so they take to sound decoders very well, and the prevalence of reversing units means that most of them already isolate their motors and lights, no need to fiddle with isolating a split chassis. Plus both MTH and to a lesser degree Lionel have been dipping their toes into DCC, MTH's latest trains can all take DCC or DCS with the flip of a switch, and Lionel's current HO gauge offerings are DCC compatible as well.

[@Cactusfruitsquisher]

Would this work if put into an original ps1 premiere challenger from the mid 90s? I’ve got a CW80 and a Z1000 for power. It’s the only engine I really run besides my weaver FEF3 and dead non working class A. I’m worried with more age, the challenger will stop working and upgrades just really aren’t in the budget. I’m not too confident on upgrading it myself either, plus I’d like to have something like this because it seems like a way better option for control and sound. I just don’t know if I should try it without professional input.

[@SidsTrains]

This kind of upgrade would work well on a Challenger like that.

[@Cactusfruitsquisher]

@@SidsTrains thanks for getting back so quick. Now I’m excited! I’ve added all the products to my online carts and will start the project soon. Thanks again you wizard!

[@UncleSalty-nz5uk]

Compatibility........What a concept! Is it a dual mode decoder, or will it only run off the app?

[@SidsTrains]

Runs off the App or standard DCC system

[@UncleSalty-nz5uk]

​@@SidsTrainsThink this would work in an old brass Williams Niagara? I think the old Mabuchi motors were dc.

[@SidsTrains]

@@UncleSalty-nz5uk Yes that should work.

[@brandonpittman4778]

this is a great video Sid, do you think this would work with the older Lionel M7 models?

[@SidsTrains]

I bet it could

[@RixTrax]

I have a Lionel Legacy Steam locomotive that’s is not functioning. It’s a model 11224. Would a Blunami installation be a better fix than attempting to repair the locomotive?

[@jrisner1951]

I don’t understand how power is connected from the DC side of the bridge rectifier to the Blunami board. Thanks.

[@DeadrailTrains]

Is there a way to change the light functions from on/off to momentary? I plan on using one to control a relay for a coil coupler.

[@SidsTrains]

Yes

[@DeadrailTrains]

hopefully I can do this with the app. I don't have access to DCC contollers. Please let me know if you know of any instructions or posts that show how to program this with the app. and Happy New Year.@@SidsTrains

[@DeadrailTrains]

@@SidsTrains just found where you can change CVs with the app

[@SidsTrains]

Check out Soundtraxx for all the information. They have good videos that explain it all.

[@stringsattached67]

Isn't the post war Lionel trains universal AC/DC? I seem to recall they can run on both AC or DC .

[@brandonpittman4778]

Can you pair two locomotives with this board like the legacy units?

[@SidsTrains]

Yes

[@jeffvair62]

It’s definitely my future in model railroading. For me, the big benefit is ripping out the third rail…

[@PedrotheOscalecollector]

Would that work with weaver o scale 3rail diesel

[@SidsTrains]

Yes

[@Pinkystrainsandmore]

How did you install smoke?