Blunami--SoundTraxx Goes Wireless (272)

[@kevinbohnenblust5844]

Great video, and fantastic job of explaining how Blunami works to folks like me who are still struggling to fully wrap our brains around DCC! Thank you!

[@klbird]

This is a real game changer for the hobby, Congratulations to Soundtraxx for his stunning breakthrough.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Thank you!

[@BenMaddux]

By the way Larry, I have watched your videos for hours on end and credit you with giving me an understanding of the nuts and bolts of starting a layout from scratch. My last experience was with my Dad 60 years ago...good memories.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Glad to have you back at it!

[@peterjhillier7659]

Thank you Larry, great Video as usual what a great bit of kit.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, if I was just getting into DCC and sound decoders I definitely would consider this option. Also great for a garden layout since it can use batteries. Just think, no wiring issues to deal with.

[@michaelpfister1283]

Thank you so much for pointing out the JST 9-wire connector on the decoder! I have a couple of "DCC Ready" locomotives that I have purchased that have that same connector, currently with non-sound decoders. I was considering upgrading to a SoundTraxx decoder anyway, and I think I now know which decoder I will be purchasing. :-) This should make the decoder "plug and play" in my locos!

[@geraldstewart]

you will just have to solder the speakers to the purple wires on the back end of the decoder.

[@goaliegeorge]

Great to hear! Feel free to contact us (SoundTraxx) any time if you have any questions! Thank you!!

[@michaelhoffman6354]

As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the kids and I!

[@jhoodfysh]

Great video Larry. I'll keep an eye out for your next video.

[@danshobbies13]

I had Blue Rail boards installed in my G scale locomotives. Much cheaper than DCC G scale. I’m glad Soundtraxx took them over. Hopefully they have better commercial success. I really like the bluetooth technology for trains. Lionel has been doing it for a long time already

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent informative video I enjoyed watching it.👍😁😁😁🇬🇧🚂

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍👀

[@markbirk8855]

This is mind blowing. Changes everything wow 😲 Luv it

[@raquaro1]

I've often thought that a garden railroad needed to be powered and controlled like an RC car. My brother in law has one and he is always cleaning and cussing track. Now Soundtraxx is bringing us closer to this concept. Imagine a battery powered HO scale train controlled by your phone! Or better yet an IPad. No track cleaning in the future I am sure! Powered frog? What powered frog! Wiring will be archaic! The possibilities are vast.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Yes we are excited about the possibilities of Blunami with battery power!

[@mikeseba7817]

Thanks Larry. 👍👍👍

[@leisureshoot]

I used to like your channel a lot. Then I saw you flaunting your GP9 Redbird in the background. ;-) j/k. love your videos!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Actually there is a pair of Redbirds and another GP9 in the classic black paint. I’ll haul them out for you to drool over.

[@leisureshoot]

@@TheDCCGuy 😀

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for sharing video and thank you full detail in video

[@jaimegarcia9944]

Regarding the Blunami and the problem of equalizing the speed of the locomotives that will integrate a consist, the following occurred to me: with the only diesel locomotive I have equipped with that decoder, I opened the screen where the CVs are listed and copied the data from the 28 speeds of that machine (almost all are separated by 9 points) and then I modified the corresponding CV of the rest of the locomotives that I have with other decoders of the same and other brands. I then started it up on speed 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 28 a foot apart. They completed a lap of the circuit of about 20 meters keeping the distance almost unchanged.

[@4everdc302]

Just heard about this. When it get in Android&plug/play I will use this on a new switch layout with the new GP9 w/slug Rapido.

[@Tom.Gregory]

Thanks larry

[@BritishRail60062]

This is awesome. I would like to see some N scale Next18 decoders come out in the future so I can fit one into my N Scale Class 92 from Revolution Trains and as an Android user. I look forward to seeing the Blunami app come to this platform as well. Thanks for the video buddy. I have subscribed and liked. All the best from Belfast.

[@2011Maynard]

I have installed dozens of decoders and I’ve never had the problems I’ve had with Blunami. So far each one has had technical issues, of which two needed to be returned for warranty repair, including factory processing errors.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Interesting, first time I’ve heard that.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

This has to be one of the most interesting new DCC products to come along in a long time. Others have already alluded to this, but to say it directly, there are those of us who want actual knobs and buttons rather than a touch screen. I wonder if this will create a market for Bluetooth controllers that satisfy this.

[@goaliegeorge]

At this time, we do not have any plans for a physical knob throttle, but if that’s the feel you need, you can still run DCC, then let the other operators use the app. But, we all also used to watch tv from an antenna. We got used to the digital tv.. just need to use it and try it out. It’s easier than you’d think to get used to it! 😉 Thank you!!

[@donaldshroyer8633]

@@goaliegeorge Odd comment from someone who doesn't use JMRI. No George, ease of use is not the issue. Nor is it any desire to use new technology. Maybe you've heard of the ProtoThrottle? It takes the idea of physical controls to unusual level of realism.

[@TheDCCGuy]

One great thing about new technology is it often opens up new doors for other manufacturers to step in and fill a need or desire. CVP has a knobby throttle for their Airwire system so it must be doable, there just has to be big enough market to make it financially feasible.

[@Syclone0044]

I have to agree that tactile controls are a tremendous benefit for usability, one can learn muscle memory and become proficient in operating, which touch screen has no comparison.

[@travisjodyh.842]

These are great, but they’d be a thousand times better if they transmitted sounds via Bluetooth. There are times I want sound, but the people around me don’t. Sound through wireless EarPods would be the perfect solution. This option might benefit N and Z scale too, as you could put speakers outside the locomotive if it lacks the space for one.

[@DrawsOnCad]

That is how their original unit worked years ago. The sound was Bluetooth, from the app. You could put a sugar cube in an engine, sound car, or use your home stereo if you wanted.

[@goaliegeorge]

@@DrawsOnCad and no one bought them, asking for the sound to be on the decoder.

[@Syclone0044]

@@goaliegeorgeWhy do you think that was the case? Does it turn out people prefer a small sound coming from the loco itself vs a big nondirectional sound filling the whole room? I’m curious.

[@dkaustin98]

Larry, I got my Blunami Steam decoder installed in one of my BLI On30 C-16s. Works great and I can run that C-16 with my mini-iPad. I just need to cleanup the install tomorrow.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Den, great to hear that. Next step will be to add a battery and cut the wires!

[@adriengadson3544]

This is a game changer especially if your starting anew and want all the benefits of this product. The other side is if you already have dcc layout with wires and regular wireless I am thinking you have to make a hard decision. Either start buying these new units or use the now older wireless systems . I also see these do not consist with the Tsunami 2's or other decoders...hard decisions coming for people.

[@TheDCCGuy]

You seem to have misunderstood one important thing-Blunami decoders CAN consist with Tsunami and other decoders. It is just that the other decoders cannot operate with the Blunami app since they do not have the Bluetooth transceiver required for communication. Therefore they cannot consist using the Blunami app.

[@adriengadson3544]

@@TheDCCGuy That's what I meant to say they can run together, but not extra control.

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Larry Yes I was watching the Sound Traxx videos on the Blunami decoder they look very interesting but a little pricey May I will try one to see how it goes.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, I would think that for folks happy with their standard DCC setup there would not be a big motivation to switch. However for anyone who does not want to deal with DCC and wiring, etc. it is a viable option. I also see it especially popular for DC users who want to run their locos at their DCC powered club layout or a friends layout and for garden railroads where battery power is a lot better than dealing with dirty track.

[@geraldstewart]

there only about $30. more than a regular sunami 2

[@goaliegeorge]

The Blunami gives the model options to control it. Can use DCC if desired, but also the freedom and flexibility of the app control. Power can be DCC or DC, and the app basically is the DCC system, but much faster since it’s talking directly to the processor. So, the user could decide, and it opens more possible layouts to run on without having to learn how to use a new DCC system, or add DCC traffic to the commands.

[@RonStanek]

So is this the start of "RC" controled railroad modeling?

[@Kennedywh]

Blunami is to work with either IOS or Android using Bluetooth, one decoder same bluetooth. What's missing is an Android application for android-based devices.

[@felipesanchezcuriel]

Interesting technology, but the only reason I changed, from DCC++ EX to Digitrax, is that I didn't liked controlling my trains from a touchscreen (either from a tablet or a cellphone)

[@andrewstevenson5449]

I started off thinking what's the point of bluetooth if you can control it by DCC, sort of got it when you said you can use the app to control it on a DC layout (though it would still be dependent on the DC power supply being on to all the tracks you want to travel on), but the lightbulb really came on when you said - almost in passing - that you could run it off a battery. Ok, my first thoughts then might have been about sneaking a battery powered loco with one of these fitted onto somebody else's layout resulting in rather wicked Gomez Addams style train crashes, but how great would they be for kids' starter packs - no electricity needed! Or for garden railways, where it becomes a sort of easy radio control, though I guess the range of Bluetooth might become an issue in a garden, even in some UK gardens, let alone the US. Look forward to your next video.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, Richard’s New Junction garden layout may be a stretch as it looks a bit longer than 100-150’ from his patio to the back of the garden, but the fun is walking along to watch the train as it rolls through.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Yes we are very excited about the possibility of battery/alternate power sources. The lego-train crew for example is going to love this.

[@fuzzyworld3]

The word at the LHS is that these are HUGE with the Lego train crowd!

[@microrails]

This sounds great! Now I’m going to have to upgrade a few engines! Life 0937 NMRA

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

yay!

[@VintageRoadRail]

I have an Athearn RTR locomotive that is DCC ready and has the 9 PIN connection. I heard a lot of talk about using an 8 PIN adapter and hard wiring and wanted to be clear. Can this be plugged straight into an existing 9 PIN connection? Either a DCC ready loco, or one that I have hardwired a 9 PIN connection to?

[@TheDCCGuy]

The one I remember had both a 9-pin and 8-pin socket and came with a shorting plug in the 8-pin socket. If you plug the decoder with the JST socket into the 9-pin adapter on the board remove the shorting plug from the 8-pin socket. There may be other versions of these boards that had only the 9-pin connector, they started making these almost 20 years ago so expect so e variations.

[@robingagnon9659]

Monday, can you speak about the fact that the decoder is covered up an has no antenna for the bluetooth signal. I would like to know about the signal reception, I know bluetooth doesn't go that far, like 30 feet before it breaks (experience from my iphone and bluetooth speaker) thanks for another great video!

[@TheDCCGuy]

It can do about 100’ straight line of sight. However since you will likely be near your loco when using the app I doubt transmission distance will be an issue.

[@robingagnon9659]

@@TheDCCGuy yes you are right we are near the loco. I was wondering about interference and such.but at 100' I think it is ok :) thanks for the reply!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

For optimal wireless range, it is recommended that you install the BLU-2200 decoder with the Blunami logo facing up and the ‘B’ in Blunami facing towards the front of the locomotive. Wireless range: In the most optimal conditions (i.e. direct line of sight with no obstructions), we have achieved operating ranges of up to 150 feet (on a baseball field with no obstructions). Physical obstructions like walls or fences will reduce overall range.

[@robingagnon9659]

@@SoundtraxxDCC Thanks for the reply I appreciate it!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

@@robingagnon9659 Of course, let us know if you have additional questions!

[@andrewholmes8337]

I have two questions first using DC power will the loco have better throttle controll like DCC and reverse loop wiring will that have to be handled like DC ops.?

[@TheDCCGuy]

They seem to but I have to do a lot more experimenting to know for sure. Your really get the best of both worlds as the DC just provides the power and the app and decoder provide the DCC. As for operations under DC it would be just like you would for standard DC however because you can run several locos at a time on the same section of track you will need to use heavy enough wire to carry the load.

[@alanmusicman3385]

The questions which immediately come to my mind are about range and scalability. Bluetooth 4 and upward can have quite a long range, but it doesnt take much to reduce it a lot - and a model layout with all those motors and such is an electrically noisy environment. I'd be interested to know if the wireless commands are handshaken. One of the periodic issues with conventional DCC is that a command is not received. Is there some verification back from the decoder to each command, or does the controller try again or raise an operator alarm if no such verification is received? How does the system perform on a layout with a lot (say, maybe 20) controlled trains or items simultaneously active?

[@TheDCCGuy]

All good comments. At this point we are still at the bottom of the learning curve on most of them. It will take a while to get all those answers.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

For optimal wireless range, it is recommended that you install the BLU-2200 decoder with the Blunami logo facing up and the ‘B’ in Blunami facing towards the front of the locomotive. Wireless range: In the most optimal conditions (i.e. direct line of sight with no obstructions), we have achieved operating ranges of up to 150 feet (on a baseball field with no obstructions). Physical obstructions like walls or fences will reduce overall range.

[@alanmusicman3385]

@@SoundtraxxDCC Thanks for your answers. Another question that comes to mind is whether you plan to publish some kind of API so that other control or automation systems (JMRI and their ilk) can also command the module via Bluetooth? I'm sure that a fleet of modules which was wirelessly controllable from your app OR from those kinds of systems would be of great interest to the growing model rail community which likes to tech things up!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

@@alanmusicman3385 This is not an immediate plan, but we will keep the idea in mind.

[@alanmusicman3385]

@@SoundtraxxDCC It would be a good idea. Someone will probably hoover the Bluetooth comms from your app anyway and publish the protocols (not me, I'm not THAT teched up - but many are).

[@kspokermike1629]

The big question I have and never have gotten a solid answer to is, will the new Blunami consist with a standard Tsunami 2, and, will I be able to control both engines with the new iOS app thru the Bluetooth connection? Maybe you could test this to see if it will work? Thanks.

[@TheDCCGuy]

It will consist on DCC. However because the app does the consisting internally you would have to have Blunami decoders in all the locos.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

You can consist Blunami and Tsunami2 and use them on DCC, but the app cannot control a Tsunami2 decoder. Tsunami2 does not have the bluetooth capability, it cannot receive commands from the app.

[@dkaustin98]

There are suddenly a lot of KZbin videos posted by the Lego Train groups about using the Blunami. I wonder what else one could use it for?

[@TheDCCGuy]

How about model tanks, and other vehicles? Control and sound with battery power.

[@goaliegeorge]

Lego was certainly something we didn’t have in mind, but it’s a solution they’ve been looking for! And now the Lego trains can sound as good as they look!! Thanks.

[@robertbobrichard]

Any discussion about making a 21 pin version? I could pop t in my decoderbuddy installed trains.

[@TheDCCGuy]

As I said in the video there are 9-pin JST to 21MTC harnesses available. I gave you a website address where you can find one. That obviously will be down the road and I bet dependent on how well these sell.

[@robertbobrichard]

@@TheDCCGuy I understand...I just like the form factor of the 21 pin decoders and the decoder buddy! Because of you're videos!!! Thanks for all the info.

[@robertbobrichard]

PS Thanks for the edit.

[@geraldstewart]

In their video, Soundtraxx said they are working on expanding the line.

[@goaliegeorge]

More formats are planned. Just need some time! Thanks.

[@peteengard9966]

If you're using the app and running a locomotive. What happens if someone calls? Does the locomotive stop or keep going? Thank you.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Not sure. It turned out that my iPhone is too old for the app (ver. 6).This weekend I will test it with my wife’s which I think is a bit newer. I believe the hardware compatibility only goes back to 6S. It does work with my iPad Air 2 though. As a followup it worked with my wife's iPhone 7 so I then reinstalled the app on my 6 and it works on it too, so I have no idea how far back compatibility is, but its slick.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

This is a setting you can adjust: time-out period. When the train looses connection to the app you can have it set up to keep running, run for a certain amount of time and then stop, or instantly stop. We will have a video on this soon.

[@goaliegeorge]

I took and and conducted a call while doing some testing with Blunami, while on my BT headset. The app still operates through this. It wasn’t intentional, I was talking and then realized hey, I’m on the phone! I’m still controlling my loco! Haha!

[@BlueRailTrains]

You can put your phone in “do not disturb” mode if you don’t want to take calls while running the train. Callers will go to voicemail.

[@spongatejunction]

What UK N'Gauge locomotives is this device available for

[@TheDCCGuy]

Unfortunately they really don’t have anything yet. The sounds they use in the Econami UK decoders are not complete enough to use in the Tsunami2 decoders and the Blunami is basically a Tsunami2 with Bluetooth on board. You can fake it by using the one BR whistle in the sounds and US steam sounds but for now the new Hornby system seems to be your best choice.

[@bwalker153]

What model soldering iron do you have? Hakko Soldering iron? I need a new one so I need your advice.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Hakko FX-888D purchased on Amazon as a kit with several tips, most of which are still in their wrappers. I mainly use the smallest pencil tip and the small flat tip ones which can be bought individually.

[@bwalker153]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank You!

[@dscottpeterson6653]

Is there any blutooth sound output to run a sub woofer under the layout?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Not with this system. SoundTraxx makes a system called SurroundTraxx where speakers are scattered around the layout and the system keeps track of where the locos are and sends appropriate sounds to the closest speaker.

[@dscottpeterson6653]

@@TheDCCGuy Have you done a report on that system? Does the main sound emanate from the loco and ancillary sound fill in under the layout?

[@billjenkins9422]

Can you put a Blunami decoder in an HO Bowser SD40 with a 21 pin DCC board without having to take out and replace the installed board

[@TheDCCGuy]

Only if you can find a wiring harness with a 21 pin plug on it. Check the SoundTraxx website first then Streamlined Backshop and DCC Concepts.

[@genebarfield6688]

Great video - production quality, content, etc. But we can always count on your videos for that. Question: do you have any info about Android versions? Specifically, does Soundtraxx make the current Blunamis with the capability to update/upgrade the capability when Android versions become available? My gear is all Android. Blunami seems wildly interesting, but if the current versions will have no update capability all us Android users will have to wait. I'm about to begin the process of updating more than a dozen old locos to DCC and Blunami would be a viable option if I didn't have to wait long for decoders. Thanks!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Monday

[@geraldstewart]

the app is in the works. no change to decoder

[@goaliegeorge]

When the Android app is available, it will immediately work, no need to upgrade or update the decoder itself. But, unfortunately we do not have a timeline on its development at this time. Thanks!

[@alanmusicman3385]

@@goaliegeorge I'll be waiting by the "Buy" button when you have an Android version!

[@dkaustin98]

Try programming it with the app. That is the whole purpose of not having a command station or JMRI.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Been there, done that-Monday it’s coming!

[@bifcondor6044]

Would you make a how to install battery power as a final in this blunami series?

[@TheDCCGuy]

That would be a reach for me to do. I doubt the battery and associated circuitry would fit in any of my HO diesels and all my steam locos already have decoders and speakers in their tenders, which is why I did the diesel install. You could however fit the battery in a dummy unit or a car. For a quick demo the cost would also be an issue. The battery kits go for about $75 then you need a charger, and an on/off switch, etc. So I figure an initial setup would be around $100. I’d have to have a lot of views on a video to even break even unless I could get someone to provide all that stuff free!

[@DrawsOnCad]

Search Tam Valley they do Bluerail with battery all the time. “Dead rail” they call it.

[@lessmith9422]

Good day Larry : Does this mean that if I put these decoders into my DCC engines i will not have to buy a DCC control station and put in all that wiring on a layout that I have started to build but only run wiring for turnout. I can't fine your DCC catalog anywhere and the hobby shops Im buying from online Don't have it.I live in a city of 700,000 and the nearest train hobby shop is over a 4 hr drive.

[@goaliegeorge]

The Blunami does work on DCC as well as wirelessly with the app. All it needs is some form of power (DC, DCC) the app can do the rest! Thanks!

[@TheDCCGuy]

As you will see in the next video the app can do it all for you. And you can use it with either straight DC power on the track or a battery. No wiring required with the battery except for turnout control and you can use Bluepoints or choke cables for that.

[@jrisner1951]

I’m not sure I understood the wiring with the 9 pin plugs. What would the plug plug into?

[@TheDCCGuy]

That would be the socket that I plugged the 9-pin JST plug into.

[@jrisner1951]

@@TheDCCGuy yes i did watch it all. Is the socket from the Blunami then connected via a wire harness to a DCC ready 9 pin connector?

[@jrisner1951]

I believe I’ve got it. Wireless DCC will charge everything.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Ok, at the point where I cut away a section of the white plastic shrinkwrap Blunami cover I pointed to the white connector into which was plugged the green 9 pin JST plug-it was at the end of my forceps. It works the same way as the other decoder where I plugged in the 9-pin JST plug and harness with the 8-pin plug attached to it.

[@jrisner1951]

@@TheDCCGuy thanks for the detailed explanation. My head is a little thick sometimes. Modeling aquifers will cause that.

[@mr.shadestrains6033]

;-)🚂❤️😎👍

[@odeooo16]

I've worked in IT for 20 years so to say I love technology is an understatement but this doesn't appeal to me at all.

[@Syclone0044]

You prefer configuring devices through dongles and PC software or arcane primitive controllers vs via a Bluetooth iOS app?