USING BLUETOOTH CONTROL.

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F

Frenchie

Well-Known Member
Hello everybody !
I think it could be useful to start a thread concerning Bluetooth control.
I apologize if it's already somewhere in this forum, I didn't find it.
So users can share their good or bad experiences and exchange ideas.

I am a recent user of Bluetooth control.
I, so far, equiped 2 locos (HO), an Atlas GE U36C and a Kato GP35, both in the old yellow bonnet paint scheme.
They are both at least 30 years old.
I installed Blunami decoders and current keepers plus ultra flat 8 ohms speakers.
I used diode equiped leds for head, rear lights and roof beacon.
I wrote a thread in this same forum titled " First decoder install, intimidating " with photos.
My layout is big and I didn't want to invest a fortune in DCC, so I chose to stick to DC and using Blunami decoders to get the advantage of DCC.
It's also easier to use. True you must make modifications and find room for the decoder, the current keeper (optional) and the speaker. But this is for old models, for recent locos you just replace the decoder.
Also true, the decoders are slightly more expensive than DCC's because the Bluetooth receiver. It's the choice of a different approach.
Now my personal experience :

Very easy to use, many possibilities and the sounds are great. You don't have to dive into CVs but you have access to them if you wish. No test track, no JMRI, no throttles. Smartphone control with a free app, mine is for Android. There is one for IOS.

I sometimes face disconnections, probably a drawback of Bluetooth communications.
Overall I like it very much.
I communicate with people at Soundtraxx, they are very helpful and answer very quickly. Special thank's to a gentleman named Thomas. I like to send feedbacks, it helps them to improve, therefore it helps me too.

I have no interests in their business, I am just a happy user.

So I hope this thread will be useful.
 
After several weeks of use, I can say I love Bluetooth control. The disconnections I mentioned previously have disappeared, I regularly clean the trackage, but I did it one more time very carefully. Eventhough datas "fly" in the air instead of using the rails, good and clean contact between tracks and wheels is vital. Since the layout is DC powered, I was used to the "good enough" syndrome.
I also added a few feeders wherever I had some doubts, just in case...
I divided the layout in 4 power districts, each fed by 6A MeanWell power supplies delivering fix 13/14VDC.
6A per district is much more than what I will ever need anyway.

I previously said I didn't want to spend a fortune in big DCC equipment, the reason I sticked with DC, I also plan to have a modest fleet of locos, mixing detailed dummies with powered engines in order to make impressive lash-ups. Blunami and Bluetooth are a cheaper way to DCC, but if you plan to equip a big fleet of locos you'll get to the point where the cost difference will be very little.
So again it's the choice of a different approach. The big plus, to me, is the ease of use.
 
Frenchie said:
After several weeks of use, I can say I love Bluetooth control. The disconnections I mentioned previously have disappeared, I regularly clean the trackage, but I did it one more time very carefully. Eventhough datas "fly" in the air instead of using the rails, good and clean contact between tracks and wheels is vital. Since the layout is DC powered, I was used to the "good enough" syndrome.
I also added a few feeders wherever I had some doubts, just in case...
I divided the layout in 4 power districts, each fed by 6A MeanWell power supplies delivering fix 13/14VDC.
6A per district is much more than what I will ever need anyway.

I previously said I didn't want to spend a fortune in big DCC equipment, the reason I sticked with DC, I also plan to have a modest fleet of locos, mixing detailed dummies with powered engines in order to make impressive lash-ups. Blunami and Bluetooth are a cheaper way to DCC, but if you plan to equip a big fleet of locos you'll get to the point where the cost difference will be very little.
So again it's the choice of a different approach. The big plus, to me, is the ease of use.
Click to expand...
I have 2 diesels using the Blunami decoders. I like them but a couple of the guys do not like using their phones to control them. Others don’t mind. These 2 diesels worked well using tsunami2 decoders in them so their was no noticeable difference when switching decoders. While I have run them on my layout they generally operate at friends layout during run what you brought OPS sessions every other month or so. They 2 decoders were originally purchased to go back to experimenting with Power on Board or as some call it, Dead Rail. I haven’t gotten that far but batteries will be stored in a third unit in the consist a dummy to allow for the room. I have not yet experienced the data connection loss you have and I have had the decoders operately almost a year.
 


I don’t have Blunami decoders but I do have Digitrax LNWI which allows me to run from my ipad or phone.
I do run with Railpro on several locos, similar idea.

So with the Blunami I’m guessing you just throttle up the power to the track?
 
Rico said:
I don’t have Blunami decoders but I do have Digitrax LNWI which allows me to run from my ipad or phone.
I do run with Railpro on several locos, similar idea.

So with the Blunami I’m guessing you just throttle up the power to the track?
Click to expand...
With Blunami you must have permanently fix
DC power. My DC power supplies deliver 13/14VDC which is a good and safe range.
It's like DCC except that the commands are sent using Bluetooth instead of being sent through the rails. They "fly" from your smartphone to the onboard decoder which bears a Bluetooth chip.
Idling or running full speed the power in the tracks remains the same.
 
TLOC said:
I have 2 diesels using the Blunami decoders. I like them but a couple of the guys do not like using their phones to control them. Others don’t mind. These 2 diesels worked well using tsunami2 decoders in them so their was no noticeable difference when switching decoders. While I have run them on my layout they generally operate at friends layout during run what you brought OPS sessions every other month or so. They 2 decoders were originally purchased to go back to experimenting with Power on Board or as some call it, Dead Rail. I haven’t gotten that far but batteries will be stored in a third unit in the consist a dummy to allow for the room. I have not yet experienced the data connection loss you have and I have had the decoders operately almost a year.
Click to expand...
I am convinced the deconnection issues I faced were not caused by Blunami but certainly my own fault, certainly voltage drops in some areas. Below 9 VDC the decoder disconnects.The "dirty spots" excuse doesn't work since I installed current keepers.
Personally I don't mind smartphone control eventhough, like people of my generation, I was used to turning knobs and throw switches. It's a matter of getting use to it.
It's actually like a small walk around throttle.
Some prefer tablets, I don't, I find it awkward to carry around while following a train.
 
Frenchie said:
I am convinced the deconnection issues I faced were not caused by Blunami but certainly my own fault, certainly voltage drops in some areas. Below 9 VDC the decoder disconnects.The "dirty spots" excuse doesn't work since I installed current keepers.
Personally I don't mind smartphone control eventhough, like people of my generation, I was used to turning knobs and throw switches. It's a matter of getting use to it.
It's actually like a small walk around throttle.
Some prefer tablets, I don't, I find it awkward to carry around while following a train.
Click to expand...
To me just the ease of consisting the diesels together to run as one was worth spending a bit more than the Tsunami2 decoders. The opportunity to play again with Dead Rail or Power on Board is great. I used batteries in a dummy when I ran with RailPro but back when I had it the sound was limited and I thought sounded terrible. I know it’s greatly improved now.

Not having to buy another $199 throttle also was nice. I use the WiThrottle app on both the cell phones and my IpadPro. I use the IpadPro though only at the bench’s programming track. Not having knob, buttons and toggles doesn’t bother this 73 year old.
 
TLOC said:
To me just the ease of consisting the diesels together to run as one was worth spending a bit more than the Tsunami2 decoders. The opportunity to play again with Dead Rail or Power on Board is great. I used batteries in a dummy when I ran with RailPro but back when I had it the sound was limited and I thought sounded terrible. I know it’s greatly improved now.

Not having to buy another $199 throttle also was nice. I use the WiThrottle app on both the cell phones and my IpadPro. I use the IpadPro though only at the bench’s programming track. Not having knob, buttons and toggles doesn’t bother this 73 year old.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the senior club TLOC, I am 74 and counting...
My dream is Blunami with "dead rail", I hated wiring and soldering, BUT I'd like smaller, long life and SAFE batteries !
I agree that consisting is a piece of cake with Blunami, and sounds are great. I love the horns with reverb, and the sound of dynamic brakes kicking on is absolutely amazing !
Concerning batteries, what do you use ? And how much running time do they provide ?
Important for me, at scale "mountain speed"
it takes 31 minutes to run the visible portion of mainline, and 48 minutes for the complete continuous route via the helix.
 
When I used BlueRail (forerunner to Blunami) one thing I liked about phone control was operating as many as 4 locomotives from 1 phone but what I hated about it was needing to use both hands and look at the phone for every speed change.
 


Bigboy57 said:
When I used BlueRail (forerunner to Blunami) one thing I liked about phone control was operating as many as 4 locomotives from 1 phone but what I hated about it was needing to use both hands and look at the phone for every speed change.
Click to expand...
True that having to look at the phone is annoying, but other throttles also bear many buttons not very easy to use without a look.
Now, with practice, I noticed that it takes me only a fraction of a second to look and change speed or activate sounds.
With practice the speed cursor can be used without looking, but I don't like it for its lack of precision.
All things considered this small inconvenience is largely offset by many advantages like the ease of use and the simplicity of implementation.
 
In a previous post I said that consisting is very easy, which is true especially with the Blunami IOS app that bears speed matching.
I use the Android app which, according to Soundtraxx, should get speed matching in a near future. It'll be an important step ahead.
So far my two Blunami equiped locos run at the same speed, if there is a difference I can't see it.
 
As a Lionel Trains enthusiast I've seen many new releases that feature Bluetooth. I suspect I will see many more in the future.

LionChief® Bluetooth App
• Free to download for iOS and Android devices.
• Allows wireless setup and operation of compatible Lionel locomotives and train sets.
• Provides controls for speed, direction, sounds, and smoke effects.
• Compatible Locomotives & Sets
• Lionel has released many LionChief and LionChief Plus locomotives with built-in Bluetooth receivers.
• These trains can be controlled either with the included handheld remote or via the app.
• Bluetooth control is available across multiple gauges, including O Gauge and HO Scale.
• Ease of Use
• No need for complex wiring or command bases.
• Simply power the track, connect via Bluetooth, and start running trains.
• Great for beginners, but also flexible enough for collectors who want modern control options.

Features of the LionChief App
• Multiple Train Control – Run several Bluetooth-equipped locomotives at once.
• Sound Effects – Trigger horn, bell, announcements, and crew talk.
• Smoke & Lighting – Adjust smoke output and lighting features.
• Customizable Settings – Fine-tune momentum, speed limits, and volume.

Bluetooth Works with Legacy
  • Not all Legacy engines have Bluetooth. Only those specifically built with Bluetooth receivers can connect directly to the LionChief app.
  • If your Legacy locomotive doesn’t have Bluetooth hardware, you’ll still need a Legacy Base and remote (CAB-1L or CAB-2).
LionChief App Control
  • Provides basic Bluetooth functions: speed, direction, horn, bell, crew talk, smoke, and lighting.
  • Works on both LionChief and Bluetooth-enabled Legacy locomotives.
  • Great for quick setups or holiday displays where you want simple phone-based control.
Cab3 App + Base3 System
  • Lionel’s Cab3 app combines Bluetooth with full Legacy command control.
  • The Bluetooth tab mimics LionChief app features.
  • The Command Base tab connects to the new Base3, giving complete access to all Legacy features (lash-ups, advanced momentum, quilling whistle, etc.).
  • This setup essentially puts the entire Legacy system in your smartphone.

@Frenchie I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought this was worth mentioning, carry on.
 
Bruette said:
As a Lionel Trains enthusiast I've seen many new releases that feature Bluetooth. I suspect I will see many more in the future.

LionChief® Bluetooth App
• Free to download for iOS and Android devices.
• Allows wireless setup and operation of compatible Lionel locomotives and train sets.
• Provides controls for speed, direction, sounds, and smoke effects.
• Compatible Locomotives & Sets
• Lionel has released many LionChief and LionChief Plus locomotives with built-in Bluetooth receivers.
• These trains can be controlled either with the included handheld remote or via the app.
• Bluetooth control is available across multiple gauges, including O Gauge and HO Scale.
• Ease of Use
• No need for complex wiring or command bases.
• Simply power the track, connect via Bluetooth, and start running trains.
• Great for beginners, but also flexible enough for collectors who want modern control options.

Features of the LionChief App
• Multiple Train Control – Run several Bluetooth-equipped locomotives at once.
• Sound Effects – Trigger horn, bell, announcements, and crew talk.
• Smoke & Lighting – Adjust smoke output and lighting features.
• Customizable Settings – Fine-tune momentum, speed limits, and volume.

Bluetooth Works with Legacy
  • Not all Legacy engines have Bluetooth. Only those specifically built with Bluetooth receivers can connect directly to the LionChief app.
  • If your Legacy locomotive doesn’t have Bluetooth hardware, you’ll still need a Legacy Base and remote (CAB-1L or CAB-2).
LionChief App Control
  • Provides basic Bluetooth functions: speed, direction, horn, bell, crew talk, smoke, and lighting.
  • Works on both LionChief and Bluetooth-enabled Legacy locomotives.
  • Great for quick setups or holiday displays where you want simple phone-based control.
Cab3 App + Base3 System
  • Lionel’s Cab3 app combines Bluetooth with full Legacy command control.
  • The Bluetooth tab mimics LionChief app features.
  • The Command Base tab connects to the new Base3, giving complete access to all Legacy features (lash-ups, advanced momentum, quilling whistle, etc.).
  • This setup essentially puts the entire Legacy system in your smartphone.

@Frenchie I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought this was worth mentioning, carry on.
Click to expand...
No sweat Bruette, infos are always interesting to read. I don’t know much about Lionel anyway.
Talking about Bluetooth control is this thread goal.
 
Hello, back to you, I wish you the best for 2026.
I hope the new year wil see speed matching added to the Android app version for Blunami decoders control.
I recently installed a Blunami 2200 in an Athearn SD45T-2 and this loco runs slightly faster than my Atlas GE U36C and my Kato GP35.
It's annoying.
When making up a consist, let's say one loco at the head end, one mid train and one at the rear, I have to put this SD45T-2 at the head end otherwise it pushes too hard on the railcars and creates chaos.

I also noticed sometimes, after consisting, locos starting in opposite direction or fighting against each other, and that eventhough I consisted them correctly.
I pointed out the issue to Soundtraxx, we'll see. My answer is to fully disconnect the locos and reconnect them. Then reconsisting, that solves the problem.

Anyway I am happy I chose Bluetooth control, I love it.
 
Bigboy57 said:
When I used BlueRail (forerunner to Blunami) one thing I liked about phone control was operating as many as 4 locomotives from 1 phone but what I hated about it was needing to use both hands and look at the phone for every speed change.
Click to expand...
I had BlueRail also! Liked it but yes getting used to the phone took time. I still need to look years later but it’s a glance no longer the full blown look.

The Blue Rail decoder was big and I wanted it to experiment with dead rail with my 4 axles. It fit ok in the F45’s but when I put on EBay to sell that was the 1st bidding war on anything I sold. I put up for sale when Blue Rail was having supply issues or when one of the guys was sick.,
 
Frenchie said:
Welcome to the senior club TLOC, I am 74 and counting...
My dream is Blunami with "dead rail", I hated wiring and soldering, BUT I'd like smaller, long life and SAFE batteries !
I agree that consisting is a piece of cake with Blunami, and sounds are great. I love the horns with reverb, and the sound of dynamic brakes kicking on is absolutely amazing !
Concerning batteries, what do you use ? And how much running time do they provide ?
Important for me, at scale "mountain speed"
it takes 31 minutes to run the visible portion of mainline, and 48 minutes for the complete continuous route via the helix.
Click to expand...
We were getting. 2-4 hours run time ( more than 1 ops session) from LiPo battery packs we put together from batteries are us or something like than around Covid. Whatever the store is now gone in Madison where I was buying.

I’ve looked on/off the last year about getting into Dead Rail again but just haven’t. I know from one of the local operators he has switched to a
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate battery) and adding a PCM to prevent overcharging. Supposed to be safer that Lithium batteries. I have not tried those. If Pete Steinmetz is still doing Dead rail his kits were great. Company was Dead Rail Installs and he sold the wholevshe-bang
 
TLOC said:
We were getting. 2-4 hours run time ( more than 1 ops session) from LiPo battery packs we put together from batteries are us or something like than around Covid. Whatever the store is now gone in Madison where I was buying.

I’ve looked on/off the last year about getting into Dead Rail again but just haven’t. I know from one of the local operators he has switched to a
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate battery) and adding a PCM to prevent overcharging. Supposed to be safer that Lithium batteries. I have not tried those. If Pete Steinmetz is still doing Dead rail his kits were great. Company was Dead Rail Installs and he sold the wholevshe-bang
Click to expand...
Thank's for the infos TLOC, I appreciate.
 
Hi everybody ! Back again.
I recently discovered a Blunami feature which I found very useful.
Let's say I make up a train with a lead loco and a mid or rear helper.
After consisting, the lead loco functions control the speed and the engine sounds of all the other consisted locos, and only the horn and bell of the lead loco can be sounded. Nothing new here.

While the train is running, if I open the rear loco functions I can activate the horn and the bell of THAT loco. But more interesting, if I activate the " straight to eight " feature, the sound notches up on THAT loco only, same thing for the dynamic brakes sound. It doesn't affect the sounds of the lead loco.

When the first half of the train is on a downgrade while the rear half is still moving upgrade I didn't like to hear the rear loco switching to dynamic braking like the lead one.
Now I activate the dynamic brakes and, using the rear loco functions, I quickly switch from dynamic brakes to "straight to eight".
So, like the prototype, I have full dynamics on the head end, and notch 8 on the rear pusher.
After passing the hill top I switch back the pusher from "straight to eight " to dynamic.

I love it ! I didn't know it was possible, I imagine other Blunami users knew that already. I guess I should watch more Soundtraxx videos.
 


Hello !
In this hobby we all face ups and downs,
"C'est la vie" we say here, and Bluetooth is no exception.
Yesterday was definitely a "down day".
Normally, consisting with Blunami goes like a breeze, but this time nothing went well.
I consisted five locos and when I started them I noticed they were either fighting against each other or pulling in opposite direction.
I disconnected the locos and reconnected them, I did that at least ten times with no change. I also uninstalled and reinstalled the app (Android version) a few times, and finally it worked.
BUT after a few minutes I realized I had no more control on the speed, and sounds like dynamic brakes or straight to eight didn't respond ! Worse, impossible to stop the consist, no response from LOCO STOP or STOP ALL, I had to switch off the layout power to stop the locos.
Finally, being fed up, I gave up and called it a day.
Today the sun shines and it is an "up day",
Consisting went like a breeze and everything worked great as it should, amazing !
No explanation, mystery of modern tools. I sent the story to Soundtraxx, I wonder if they have any explanation, I'll see.

C'est la vie !
 
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