Blunami - Common Questions Answered
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- This week George is going to answer some of the most common questions that we get asked about Blunami. He discusses Blunami use with DCC and DC, features, onboard sound, range, and more. Watch now to get your questions answered. Watch now to learn more.
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This could be HUGE for model railroading in the future! Let’s talk big picture!! Thanks for the video!
You bet!
14:22 what I like is for my home layout using the phone saves me buying radio throttles so the fascia of the layout presents clean and it’s one less dangling cord and unattractive plug. Your point about offsetting throttle cost is wise and it’s easy to do the math on money saved in throttles. I’m really enjoying learning about these Blunami decoders. I completely failed to realise and appreciate how amazing these are and how much thinking has happened here (I’m already a Tsunami2 fan!).
Thanks for the feedback! We are glad that you are giving them a chance!
The ease of programming alone is worth it.
Thanks for the feedback!
I'm really enjoying Blunami. I have four engines using Blunami now and plan to upgrade a fifth. All O Scale Deadrail.
Awesome! We are glad that you are enjoying it. We would love to see them in action if you have videos to share.
Thanks George, great you did take time to answer these questions!
Of course!
This was very helpful. Thank you
We are glad!
I never thought I would be interested in something like this but honestly as easy as it is to program on a phone makes it worth it. That's pretty much the only thing I use the app for is to get the locomotive set up with sound profiles and adjustments and then I just use my DCC system to control it. Allows me to dive more into the world of sounds without having to go crazy with computers and programmers. But like they say if all else fails and your DCC system goes down you could still run your locomotive on a DC lay out with just the app that's pretty damn cool. Well worth the money. I think a lot of people are just trying to avoid this type of stuff and keep it old school, I was one of those guys but trust me this is awesome engineering.
Thanks for the feedback. There are people who resist change for sure, but we do think that Blunami has the best of both worlds. You can still operate in DCC with your command station, but like you say you can set up features easier with the app!
George, good talk! In my opinion, one of the biggest advantages of Blunami is running with battery power (deadrail). I have made it to a few model train meets where I have to drive 3.5 to 4 hours get there. Only to find one or more of the DCC modular club layouts are having a nightmare because something is not allowing the DCC system to work. Nobody is running trains while a few are troubleshooting. I have seen layouts that were down for a whole day. That is except the modeler who has a Blunami equipped loco with battery power. It runs while the "team" is under the layout trying to figure out what went wrong.
Yes, battery power is a big advantage of Blunami for sure.
@@SoundtraxxDCCwould battery power work with o gauge mth and Lionel engines? I plan on converting a few of my locos starting with my premiere challenger. I’ve ordered the 4408 and plan to do the proper ac/dc conversion, but I’m curious if it’ll be possible to work off battery power as well.
So far I only have one Blunami but I like it very much. It is in a Atlas O RS1 using battery power and I have not had any issues. It is so easy to program the decoder and the changes are very fast.
We are glad! Thanks for the feedback.
I'm going to be implementing this decoder in a lionel 3 tail O scale AC-9 locomotive. This I going to be absolutely AMAZING to have for running at train shows. No more using a beat up controller, vying for the legacy base or dealing with lionel or mth's crappy wifi. All I need is a rectifier and I'm in business!
Yes, Blunami is very exciting!
George we got thank you there are lots of us that are running 3 rail O scale and have started putting your boards in our engines.
We found this is a great upgrade for our older equipment. It is got better sound quality than MTH and Lionel Legacy.
We hope that you see this as an opportunity to take advantage of this market.
Most of us have been putting in a bridge a rectifier in to use these boards on our AC powered layouts.
Thank you Harry Henning from Henning's Trains
Thanks for the feedback. We are glad that you are enjoying Blunami!
Where might one put the bridge rectifier?
I love the idea, but just curious, is it possible to add your own custom sounds to the decoder.
No. Our decoders come preloaded with top-quality sounds and features. This also feeds into our quality control process.
I would love a mode in the app that would allow you to customize and lock the device on the throttle screen. I operate a display at shows that allows kids to run a HO train using a DC throttle mounted on the outside of our layout. The display is 3 loops of track, the DC outer loop for the kids and the inner two loops are DCC. If the app had a mode where I could remove the reverse switch and lock the throttle screen on the device (without access to settings) using a passcode I would be able to mount a tablet to the outside of our display and let the kids run a train with sound for the first time.
We will keep this in mind. You can use CV lock in this case. You will have to know how to unlock it, but then there’s not much you can do to prevent it anyway, even in a DCC environment. And you can also cut a mat that may lay across the screen hiding any of the buttons you do not want them to use. Then secure the matt to the screen with a tape or some temporary adhesive that prevents them from just lifting it off the ipad or tablet.
The matt idea along with a locking tablet stand to go on the side of the layout might be worth looking into. Our next show isn’t until September, so I have some time to see if I can figure something out. I’ll have to pick up a couple of these decoders and get a couple of locomotives set up.
You say all you need for the Blunami is track power. Is that ac or DC and how many amps for two ho scale on my small switching layout.
Track power should be DC. You can use AC if you have a rectifier or transformer from AC to DC either on board or before the power gets to the track./decoder. But the DC power can be a simple wall plug rated for 12-14 Volts DC and 3-5 Amps. That should be more than adequate for 2-3 HO locos on your layout. You could add more, but only running 2-3 at a time. If you get more locos, then you can increase the power, or make power districts. But DC track power is all you need.
As someone that used to work in the tech industry, I’m sure you guys have gotten much worse questions than some of the ones that you’ve mentioned here! And even some of these make me bang my head on the wall. Folks see a new technology they don’t understand, and think it’s way more complicated than it actually is, or they just start making up stories about it cause they don’t understand it. Takes a lot of patience working in customer service sometimes.
Yes, customer support takes patience, but it is also rewarding when you help out your customers. We are seeing alot of the made-up answers swirling around out there. It is frustrating when people do not want to try the product because they are misinformed by people who don't even understand it to start with.
I have a shelf layout and won’t be more than 15’ from any locomotive, can the decoder touch metal (brass tender shell) without affecting signal for that short distance?
While the range may be somewhat reduced by brass or a similar metal chassis, our range testing was still successful at up to 100 feet with an HO-scale Baldwin sharknose model (this was demonstrated on a baseball field with no physical obstructions). The decoder can be installed in brass, but should not directly touch any metal. Our Support Team can give you more install advice: (970)259-0690 ext. 22 or support@soundtraxx.com
Also as another question, if I make an advanced consist using a blunami loco in the lead, with say a tsunami2 trailing, can the blunami app run that advanced consist or will that be limited to the dcc system?
Blunami and Tsunami2 can operate in DC or DCC together. Tsunami2 cannot respond to the Blunami App.
How do you swap out a Tsunami2 for a Blunami? Is there a table you can access which tells you which one to buy (upgrade too)?
You can look at our decoder selector: soundtraxx.com/reference/decoder-selector
Also, the Blunami board formats mirror the Tsunami2 board formats. The BLU-2200 will work where the TSU-2200 did, the BLU-4408 will replace the TSU4400, and the BLU-PNP8 will replace the TSU-PNP or TSU-PNP8. More board formats in the works as well!
If you have further questions our Support Team is available to help: (9700259-0690 ext. 22 or support@soundtraxx.com
Just purchased one for an EMD model I've built but I was wondering if you had any plans to do a card for English diesels? Particularly 6 and 12 cylinder English Electrics?
While we do not have the 6 cylinder EE diesels, we have the EE 12SVT Mk II (class 31) and 12CSVT (class 37) on ECO-UK. We will keep this in mind for future Blunami decoders.
I have 2 g scale dash 9’s each equipped with the 4408 decoder. I’d like to run both engines together in a consist. I have a usa trains tp10 for power supply. How do I run 2 locos together with the app?
If the both have Blunami you just need to click the chainlink on the bottom of the screen. We have several videos about this: ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=blunami+consisting
Contact our Support Team for more help with this: (970)259-0690 ext.22 or support@soundtraxx.com. Thank you.
So I have a question. Lets say for example I have an NS SD60E with Factory Tsunami2, number 911. And I have a CSX ES44AH with a custom Blunami install, also cab number 911. If I connect the CSX unit on the app, will the dcc system only control the ns 911 and not both?
If they have the same address your DCC system will control them both simultaneously., but when the CSX is connected to the Blunami App it will not respond to your command station. We have a video on this: ua-cam.com/video/r3kh6ZA8G-o/v-deo.htmlsi=xOw5VWj_t6XdC5AS
I placed a 4408 in a used mallet I purchased. The two motors run at different speeds. I am sure it is not due to your decoder and more likely aging drives. I cannot find replacement motors. Can I install a second decoder for the second motor and run them double heading to get them to match speeds better?
If you are seeing motors run at different speeds, then you certainly can run a second decoder and consist them to run as a single unit. Then you can build a custom speed table in one to match the other.
George, good job on explaining how to transition from your NCE (DCC) throttle to the Blunami App. But I think the video would benefit from continuing to explain how to transition from control via the Blunami App back to your NCE (DCC) throttle. In my experience, I have had to power down the engine in order to transition from the app back to my DCC throttle.
That said, I find the Blunami app a much simpler tool by which to program my decoders.
Thanks for the feedback, And yes you do need to cycle power to switch back.
George, any idea when you’ll have bachmann 2 & 3 Truck Shays and Climaxes added to the Blunami Sounds? Mike.
Factory installed? That will be up to Bachmann to decide. So make sure you let them know this is something you want.
Can you operate a O Gauge coupler with your Blunomi?
You can, provided that if you wire directly to the decoder, the electromagnet coil does not draw more than 100 mA with smaller decoders (BLU-2200, BLU-PNP8), and 400 mA with the BLU-4408. If the coil will draw more, then you should activate a relay that can then take the higher current of the coupler. The Blunami has the unique ability to make any function as momentary, so make sure that the FX# wire is set to momentary in the function mapping list (See other Blunami function mapping videos to see). Then it will only be active while you hold the button.
What short circuit protection is recommended if running in DC
IN DC.. I’m not sure if you have those available. Most of the time, smaller variable voltages from a power pack would not do enough damage to make anything have an issue, but if you are running at full throttle, then yea, I guess it could happen.. Maybe see if the circuit breakers from DCC companies would work with full DC. The answer is no if we don’t ask. Hadn’t thought of this prior with DC operation at full throttle.. I’ll do some looking and see what I can find. Thank you for watching.
so what you are saying is you could bring those 2 loco's over to my place, turn on my NCE system and you could run those 2 trains, and not have to enter them into my system?
Pretty much. All you need is track power.
Yes, you just need power and you can run them off the App.
how does the blunami sense motor speed for chuf syncing?
It 'watches' the motor just like Tsunami2. Learn more in our videos: ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=soundtraxx+chuff
got it. Thanks@@SoundtraxxDCC
I love the idea of Blunami. Still have to try it myself but I am an avid user of Tsunami2.
One issue my friend noticed with his Blunami was using a Currentkeeper it was running weird in blutooth mode but fine in DCC mode, any thoughts on that?
I have a couple engines yet with OEM decoder or a different brand’s decoder but most of my fleet will be Tsunami2. Only problem with that OEM side of things is the tearing it apart to solder everything up as for the T2 there’s no drop in and go. If an idea for a replacement main board for BLI engines could be sent up the chain that would be perfect. It’ll make my installations faster and be done sooner than later.
You should have no problems because of the CurrentKeeper. The board is designed to be able to run off of nothing but battery power. You can contact our Support Team to troubleshoot what is going on here: (970)259-0690 ext.22 or support@soundtraxx.com
George, would it be possible for you to do a Blunami setup on a strictly DC small layout. My son just bought a small all in one diesel set for my Grandsons, which is DC. Since they live in NC, and I’m in NE FL, I’m not there to help them setup a DCC system. So I was thinking of putting a Blunami 2200 (it’s HO Scale) in it for them so they can at least have a little more fun with it. I’ve attempted to read the Blunami instructions for analog setup, but it’s really confusing as the the initial setup. It would really helpful if you talk us thru it so as to not blow it up. You’re verbal instruction on this video about it doesn’t really make my confidence level soar…Thanks, Mike
Yes. You can certainly use just a DC power supply to power the Blunami and then run from the app on your smart device. I did not have a DC power supply immediatrly handy when I shot the video, but you can see me use a Blunami on DC here: ua-cam.com/video/PKcB5cbxmXs/v-deo.html
You do not need to do anything for Bluetooth DC operation.. Just power the track on and connect through the app! If you enable DC control in the settings, then the decoder will see the DC power as a 'command' and start running away until you connect to the app. So you do not need to make any adjustments to the settings to run on DC through the app. It will by default use DC power as only power.
I hope this helps.. If you need further explanations or further assistance, contact us at support@soundtraxx.com and we will be happy to help!
And I would be curious as to what is confusing in the video to lead to the confusion. If I am not explaining something properly,. please let me know because these videos are supposed to give you the confidence to know how our products can serve your needs. Please email your comments to the above email and We'll do better next time!
Thank you! ~G
Blunami sounds perfect in every way except for the fact you require Mac OS and to me that's a huge deterrent.
I used to believe mac was cool until you realize it's heavily restricted. It's either their way or no way and once support stops for something there is no option other than purchasing that newer Mac if you want to keep using that app.
The android app is available now.
@@SoundtraxxDCC Great that is a game changer! i believe i will now be upgradig some of my locos to Blunami!
will Bluami bee comming to N scale anytime soon ?
Not in the immediate future. The size of the Bluetooth chip will be a challenge for N Scale. But we will keep this in mind. We know that there is demand here.
Why can't the Bluetooth chip just be a part of a new 21 PIN decoder instead of replacing a whole board ?
I’d imagine they are working on a Blunami 21 pin decoder.
@@mafarnz would prefer information like that to come from soundtraxx to dispell any misinformation.
We are working on more board formats. We will announce them via our newsletter, website and social media.