Running N scale DC trains with an iPad (BlueRail) - Kevin Stevens/David Salamon
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- Keven Stevens uses a BlueRail board to operate conventional DC N scale trains on David Salamon's "Deep River Southern" layout in Owasso, Oklahoma.
This is great! It's what I'm looking for. I'm looking to install a 4x8 n scale layout soon. Dcc isn't needed so I want to stick with dc but I want the wireless features of dcc. And this is it. Thanks for sharing
Soundtraxx Blunami is fantastic 😊
Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I hope you won't mind if I ask for some clarification here. I am very new to this system. I am also an N scaler. It does not appear that currently available Bluerail cards will fit in an N scale locomotive. In this configuration (Bluerail connected to the track, not the loco) can you control more than one loco from the same iPad at the same time (toggle back and forth)? Can another iPad control another locomotive at the same time (with only one Bluerail card connected to the layout)? Do your locomotives in the video have decoders in them? Thanks very much.
The first board we released does not fit in an N scale loco. There is a much smaller Bluetooth module due out soon that could be a candidate for N. In this example, he is using a BlueRail board to power a layout, so you can only operate a single train or consist (since the board is powering the track). The locomotives in the video are standard DC locos.
Thanks for the clarification. I'll be watching for the next board to come out!
These were Traditional DC locomotives. This configuration uses the BlueRail board in place of a DC power pack. So traditional block wiring and control applies. The cool thing about the Bluerail board is the interface on the Iphone, Ipad or Android gives the owner of a DC layout a true wireless throttle. Also, note that the mobile device generates the sound for the locomotive so you also get sound with this configuration for DC locomotives. My thoughts on sharing this that it could be a cheap way to do a self layout with out having to invest in all of the DCC equipment and still have sound and wireless control. Just a sample of what can be done with this technology. - Kevin Stevens
Looks good! It's not that I don't like DCC (I would love to install it) but I have too many N scale locomotives that aren't "DCC ready" and they will be hard if not impossible to convert, so I plan on sticking to good old DC.
So, just to clarify, it looks like I should be able to use one BlueRail card/power supply in place of each traditional throttle. My RR room isn't large enough to house more than 2 or 3 people, so I should be able to use my existing DPDT center-off toggle switches for block control.
Does this sound OK?
Tom Edwards Yes, if you house the board in its own project box similar to what we did here you would simply replace the traditional power pack with a blue rail power pack. I built this power pack for approx $100.
David's layout is blocked similar to your description. For this demo we unplugged from one of his D.C. Power packs and plugged into the BlueRail power pack. No other changes were mad to his traditional D.C. Layout that is set up to run multiple operators via block switches.
OK! I've got a test railroad in the works. As soon as I get the wiring in and tested in traditional mode, I'll order a couple of boards and we'll give it a try.
Thanks for the info!
--- Tom
Does DCC still work?
D- tra, this application is for layouts that do not have DCC. If you are currently running DCC there is no advantage to having this as a control method.
@@kevinstevens437 I would say this has the potential for being superior to DCC.
-More realistic train operations
-No more worrying about dirty track, real railroads don't.
-Less wiring needed
-Batteries inside locomotives can be recharged at servicing areas just like real locomotives do when they need more fuel/water/coal, etc.
I see zero downsides to this and the possible next leap in model railroading technology like DCC did to regular DC.
@@OriginalBongoliath Dead rail definitely is a superior mode of operation in my opinion as well. Although modeling in N-scale it is a challenge.
Using the Blue rail board as I did in this video would allow a modeler to have wireless throttle control but still control a straight DC layout. DCC can be a challenge for some, financially and technology wise. I take it for granted sometimes having an Electronics Engineering Degree. When Blue rail came out with this technology I was intrigued and actually very excited about it's possibilities.
Dead rail modelers started using these boards shortly after I did this project. Even for HO these boards are a little large. On3 and larger scales, HO steam and early era diesels can receive them and still have enough room for a NiCad battery and possibly a charging circuit. Once the power source is on the locomotive I fully believe the true prototypical operation would be possible.
For now the smaller scales and late era HO are more feasible with DCC for that type of operation.
This "throttle" would be excellent for a small switching layout and a couple of locomotives working as a pair.
Scott7891 I agree. There are many positives to the bluerail product. Just a few. Just straight dc wiring without the need for block control. The phone or mobile device becomes the command station for the train/ consist that it is controlling. The technology works with AR-1’s and frog juicers. Commands are sent via Bluetooth directly to the board and not through wires on a bus. Number of locomotives that can be ran is only limited by power supply current limitations because each mobile device is a stand alone command station. I’m sure there are other positive aspects to this product.
Down fall, physical size of the board and working it into smaller scales.
Beautiful layout, thanks for sharing. Music..? Meh.
Eric, I did not do the music it was added by the Blue Rail team after I submitted the video. LOL
@ 1:18 lol
look those hands on the top of your screen