The controllers are getting closer to what you ask for. Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvwvgkkW2G4. Bob
The Bluetooth modules are due to be released within a month or so; Bluetooth-equipped locomotives are already on eBay. With these, I could just put them on my DC layout and run it from my smartphone. The smatphone communicates directly with the modules over the air, and not through the rails like DCC. Is this next-generation method of train control the death knell for DCC? I think not, but people like me who are still in DC may be more likely to go with Bluetooth due to its simplicity. John
John, Apparently the initial “Bluetooth-equipped locomotives” have at least one “feature” that some (if not most older hobbyists) will consider a flaw. They apparently default to “DC” mode and will start moving on power track. Best not leave the locomotive on a track that might become powered latter (as in DC runaway on a DCC layout). Bob
Won't happen for me, and I'm young. I don't have a smartphone, nor do I want to open up a computer to run trains.
In case anyone does not understand why “hobbyist” need at least an open-interface DBTC, look here for a big, just released, Christmas surprise: Bob
Hmm, this looks very inviting to this old geezer who still runs pure DC. My new laptop is fully Blue-Tooth capable, with a Blue-Tooth mouse. Even has a touch-screen display for interacting with steam backhead controls. I wonder how much it would cost to pop Blue-Tooth controllers into my MP and Spectrum steamers??????
N scale units are supposedly in development, and HO boards in January for ~$75. But it would be wise to see some real user reviews before you jump. Only one source for the foreseeable future, everybody else has apparently been spooked by the patent application and Bman name. Bob
I just started my benchwork and recently made the decision to purchase the Digitrax system and computer interface. I have not yet placed my order. Now before I even get a train running people are changing the operating system! So Bachmann bluetooth equipped locos in June? 75.00 for a board for HO? How long till multiple manufacturers develop bluetooth enabled sound boards? I have a handful of Alco rs-1's, 2's and 3's. Both older Atlas and Kato units. I spent a lot of hours searching video's so I could listen to different Mfg's offerings. Some of them suck! I decided on Soundtraxx and/or Loksound. And the Soundtraxx boards are as little as 65 bucks for some engines. Less than the projected cost of the bluechoo. Some Digitrax boards are less than 50 bucks. I like the JMRI software and the Decoderpro software. I want a computer interface as it makes some things easier. It won't be long before we can buy a generic sound board and go online and program it with whatever sounds we want. Some boards appear to already allow that. I am sure somebody will show up to an operating session with a loco that sounds like a starwars fighter and a horn that plays "lacoocaracha". I was out of the hobby for a long time. I got back into it mainly because of sound. Operating a loco without it is just missing something. The system I am building will be DCC, with the computer interface and router. My friends who have a lot of non DCC loco's will have the option of buying a bluetooth receiver for $75.00 with sound coming from the cellphone and control it with their cell phone. Or they can buy a Soundtraxx sound decoder for $65 bucks with sound coming from the loco, and control it with their cell phone. Or, they can select address "00" and use their cell phone but no sound. I see this as good for the hobby. Maybe they can price a train set for little kids back into their parents budget. We will see. People without DCC can have wireless control and run multiple loco's with simple wiring. If you already have DCC, you could also run a bluetooth loco. But signaling, detection, and turnout control will still require a box! And the box will need a bluetooth receiver. And "the box" will require some wiring. Its already been said, no reason to change the system you have. Its already "bluetooth capable". It will push the mfg's to make even better, more capable products and only drive the price down. I don't know who owns what patents. Patents only make engineers think harder and make lawyers actually do something. I don't think it replaces or displaces as much as it is an addition to the systems we already have. My decision to go with Digitrax DCC is still valid as it gives me all the capabilities I want today. In a few years, it might be a more difficult decision.
My experience related to patents (over the last year or so) is much different. Trying to get open-source DBTC hardware has been impossible so far, and it may yet force me to look for a foreign manufacturer. DBTC will eventually allow a modular approach to train/layout automation without additional complex hardware/software and control-wiring. DBTC-accessory-controllers will control (and de-conflict) access to switches, track-sections, ... as well as relay DBTC-train-control-connections. DBTC-train-controllers will provide position control/information to the DBTC-throttle(s). Sounds, control-variables, ... will be taken out of the “programmer” realm and moved into the “user” realm. Bob
I don't doubt it will be a game changer, over time. The upfront investment will be minimal compared to what I am about to spend. I just want it today and eventually bluetooth will weave its way into our railroads.
I think it will find it's spot in the hobby but not replace DCC. DCC has come a long way in this short time and growing steadily by the day. Won't be long now DCC will be the failsafe easier to use system that all can operate. It's easy now but kind of like DOS in computers I'll compare it to. DOS was could be used but Windows was usable by the Masses.
I saw DOS in the seventies. My techno geek buddies spent all morning getting a computer to do a simple thing. I knew then that it was just a passing fad!
I knew it! I saw this coming! Darn if DCC is now old technology. Yep, I warned you. Raised the red flag but nobody was listening. Dang! Glad I'm still operating with Analog DC. My newest DCC equipment gave up the ghost and I pulled the decoders out and put the motors back to Analog DC. I'd had it with the inconsistent performance of DCC. Mark my word when I say this too shall pass and Blue Tooth will be old technology. Usually when you buy it. Sorry, I need to get back to operating my analog DC train equipment. So, glad I invested in a superb transformer to handle my trains. Grin!
Hope bluetooth can do more than just run trains and make sounds. I want a full blown system with block detection, computer interface, CTC, signaling and transponding. Yea bring it on!
This looks to be the first independent review of Bman’s E-Z App train set. I will let you draw your own conclusions. Bob
Don't mean to burst any bubbles, however it looks minimal at this point. Doesn't have what I need or want ... yet. Will keep watching for updates. Meanwhile I am more than pleased with my full blown Digitrax system.
I think that was pretty good for Bachmann. And as we all know Bachmann will always try and keep things simple for the Entry Level Modeler, but gives me hope that another manufacturer will have the capabilities to go even further with the technology in the near future if not already. Positive hope I would have to say as a final statement
I truly think this is going to be the "next generation" in train control, after DCC came out 20+ years ago. Much simpler than current systems, and simpler also means more reliable and less overall cost. It will be less sensitive to dirty track as the signals are over the air and not through the rails. As mentioned earlier, Bluetooth locomotives are already on eBay. True, DBTC (Direct Bluetooth Train Control) is minimal at this time and I'm sure DCC was minimal at first. And I agree; I'm going to wait a year or so after it comes out, for them to de-bug and upgrade it. I, like Barstow Rick, run old-school DC on my layout, at least for now. I really like the idea of simply installing the modules in the locomotives, downloading the app, and running trains! Nothing else to connect or install....amazing! Can you imagine what train control will be like in another 20 years? Wow! John
