H1000 posted:Well Joe here are some facts we can get behind:
Lionel's filing with the FCC for the Universal remote indicates that the universal remote has a maximum power output of 1mW. That makes it a class 3 device. You may get more range than that but it's not guaranteed. Most smart phones and tablets have Class 2 power output.
Beings that the Universal remote is a class three device, it would make sense that the locomotives are also class three devices.
If you are interested, here is a link to Lionel's FCC filing for the Universal remote (Functional description of the universal remote). Below is an excerpt from that document which indicates the 1mw power rating:
My experience with the universal remote has been mostly reliable to 20 feet on layouts with a few tunnels and scenery obstructions. I have had some problems on larger layouts with more obstructions.
Class 3 devices have a range that are less than 10 meters. Basically it works in a range of 33 feet or less. I don't think my 20 feet is out spec for the normal operating range considering the environment it is operating in. I suspect that 33 feet can be achieved in ideal operating conditions which most of us won't have.
If somebody has said something that is not correct, then please chime in. But also on the same token, lets not sell Bluetooth as a miracle technology either.
RIGHT ON! 33 feet is about it or even a stretch! The truth is the majority of us train folks dont have a 66 foot long layout! Or even a 44 foot long layout! AND we can hope for a step up in the outputs and receivers !!! Mine works great on my 17x11. Blue tooth via tablet and universal remote. Although I only have one BT engine. Ive tried it and I like it! I also enjoy the adjustments in volume and pitch that the BT app has. Momentum also! I suggest watching Eric's Trains last video on the Santa Fe set too! You can see all of this in action!
I must say that app is super cool on a Fire HD10! HUGE! And if you have an Amazon tablet I hope you have a tech guy like I do to get around the block they put on Google Play and the apps in it. Still cant play Pokemon because it doesn't have GPS.
I still prefer the universal remote so I can run 3 engines at once.
Jim
