I received a couple of Blunami 2200s today. I am hoping install one in a K-Line Plymouth and thought I would post a pic showing how they compare with a few of the smaller TMCC boards. Also with the ERR Mini Commanders now NLA some might consider using a 2200 where they might have used a Mini Commander in the past. Remember the 2200 provides motor power and sound where the ERR solution required two boards.
Top is the NLA ERR Cruise Lite.
Middle is a Mini Commander and ERR Railsounds.
Pete
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Well, I got the MC2 into one, so the Blunami should fit. Shame they don't support Android, I'd be tempted to try one.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I got the MC2 into one, so the Blunami should fit. Shame they don't support Android, I'd be tempted to try one.
Same here...
Android version of the s/w is reportedly in beta testing status. I'll likely try the 2200 in an American Models S gauge loco. My next 4400 project will be a 1990s MTH passenger-capable GP-9.
@KarlDL posted:Android version of the s/w is reportedly in beta testing status.
Well, we've heard that about the MTH WTIU and the Lionel BASE3, and it's been several years since that announcement. I'll wait until it's actually available and there are some user reports. I don't need any more shelf queens, got plenty of them already. 
Having installed and extensively tested BlueRailTrainsDCC, Blunami2200 and Blunami4408, these are extremely well designed loco control systems which perform exceptionally well. They are worth a try. Android is coming.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I got the MC2 into one, so the Blunami should fit. Shame they don't support Android, I'd be tempted to try one.
Hi John, I got one of the Blunami decoders and did get it installed, I had downloaded the Blunami app for Android. when I tried to connect to the decoder it was a no go, I purchased an Iphone to try that and it hooked up immediately. After giving the engine a nickname and operating it with the Iphone I thought I would try the Android again, it now does connect with my Android phone and all the connections do what they should. I am extremely happy with what the Blunami does and how easy, once I figured out how it works, it is to run. The 2200 which I purchased is limited to 2 amps but there is very little in S diesels without smoke that would exceed that rating. Kinda wish this had been here when I got started in TMCC/Legacy. What I have not done is to enable it to run on AC power, there isn't much room in an S gauge diesel for the components.
Ray
There are a couple of neat surprises that Android offers that are not in the current IOS version. It's pretty fun to use.
Ron
Why does Blunami still claim that the Android version doesn't exist?
Ron,
Reading your posts about the Blunami and the release of Android for Beta Test helped me to decide to try one. As I mentioned this was new to me so tried to be careful so as not to ruin it. The support from them is exceptional so I will buy more of these. I have done a good number of TMCC installations and these are no more difficult to install. One thing I really like is the sound is part of the decoder and so many sound options in the package. They also provide so many lighting options, no need to purchase a separate product to do a Mars light, you just select it from the menu. I also appreciate not having to purchase a separate operating system and Soundtraxx Bluetooth app is head and shoulders above what I have used before.
Ray
I'm seriously considering trying one. I've got a MTH S-2 with no boards that I was going to put ERR in but with an Andriod version coming, I'd jump in.
No dead rail for me yet so I'd need a rectifier too?
Bob
@RSJB18 posted:No dead rail for me yet so I'd need a rectifier too?
You'll want filtered DC for the board, so add a filter cap.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Why does Blunami still claim that the Android version doesn't exist?
Well, it does not say it doesn't exist. It says not available yet. Which is true since it's not available to the general public.
I guess it's all how to look at it.
Ron
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Why does Blunami still claim that the Android version doesn't exist?
John,
If you look in the play store, Blunami is there but, as I mentioned in a post my Android did not connect until I connected with an iPhone and gave mine a nickname. After doing that it connects and runs the decoder like the iPhone does.
The app looks a little different from the iphone but when you feel your way around in it it is fine and does everything as well.
Ray
Blunami Android is available now in early access, so the more that try it and provide feedback the sooner the general release will be available. I need to finish my install so the testing can begin!
I'm working on an electrocoupler interface for the Blunami 4408, since its function outputs can't source enough current. Once I get the prototype to work, it should be a small circuit board with two transistors, diodes, and maybe 4 resistors. Will check out the Android version of the app.
@KarlDL posted:I'm working on an electrocoupler interface for the Blunami 4408, since its function outputs can't source enough current. Once I get the prototype to work, it should be a small circuit board with two transistors, diodes, and maybe 4 resistors. Will check out the Android version of the app.
Interested... Can wait to see the final product.
Ron
Why not use the same triac that Lionel uses on their R2LC, it is a proven way to fire the couplers.
@KarlDL posted:I'm working on an electrocoupler interface for the Blunami 4408, since its function outputs can't source enough current. Once I get the prototype to work, it should be a small circuit board with two transistors, diodes, and maybe 4 resistors. Will check out the Android version of the app.
I am firing mine with track power through a relay. The pulse is so short there is no harm to the coil. One of the function outputs that triggers the relay shares the coupler sound CV so coupler opens with a coupler clank.
Pete
I have placed the Blunami2200 on a small PC board which mounts easily and includes the series resistors for LED lighting. This setup will fit almost anywhere and is a convenient way to terminate all leads.
@BOB WALKER posted:I have placed the Blunami2200 on a small PC board which mounts easily and includes the series resistors for LED lighting. This setup will fit almost anywhere and is a convenient way to terminate all leads.
Why didn't I think of that, good job Bob.
Ray
@Rayin"S" posted:John,
If you look in the play store, Blunami is there but, as I mentioned in a post my Android did not connect until I connected with an iPhone and gave mine a nickname. After doing that it connects and runs the decoder like the iPhone does.
The app looks a little different from the iphone but when you feel your way around in it it is fine and does everything as well.
Ray
Mine was able to connect and run my loco without having to use IOS first, just the Android app only. Don't know about ios but on android the DDE auto calibrates, changes the speed for you and everything!
Since the 4408 Blunami only has low current lighting outputs, 2 heavier outputs are needed for 1) Electro-coupler/Proto-coupler and 2) Smoke units.
KarlDL,
Looking forward to the Electro-coupler/Proto-coupler board.
It would be great if that board had the current capacity for Smoke control.
That way two boards can be use to control both higher current loads.
Adding a timer to shutting down the Smoke output saves the wick after fluid tank is empty.
(That timer also reduces battery drain on ‘Dead Rail’ engine/locos.)
@E-kitbasher posted:Since the 4408 Blunami only has low current lighting outputs, 2 heavier outputs are needed for 1) Electro-coupler/Proto-coupler and 2) Smoke units.
KarlDL,
Looking forward to the Electro-coupler/Proto-coupler board.
It would be great if that board had the current capacity for Smoke control.
That way two boards can be use to control both higher current loads.
Adding a timer to shutting down the Smoke output saves the wick after fluid tank is empty.
(That timer also reduces battery drain on ‘Dead Rail’ engine/locos.)
As with any design problem there are multiple solutions. This DPDT relay works for coupler. Another identical one works for smoke. The Function output can be set to toggle, ie push on, push off or it can be set to momentary, touch on, release off.
I am using Momentary for the coupler and toggle for the smoke unit. The relay is the only component needed for coupler. For the smoke resistor, again straight track power ~18VAC powers the resistor but that has been increased to 54 ohms, two common 27 ohm smoke resistors in series. Less is possible but thats what was handy.
The other relay pole enables 5v to power the fan motor control circuit.
We have choices, I try to design them as simple as possible while still being reliable.
Pete
The relay approach to Blunami control of electro-coupler and smoke unit is the only way to go for now and does work.
It would be dirt simple to make a simple compact PCB for relays to control couplers and smoke.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:It would be dirt simple to make a simple compact PCB for relays to control couplers and smoke.
Agreed. All depends how many more of these I do whether its worth it. Hoping Blunami adds a chuff in for synchronized smoke before I do more steam this way. For Diesel a board than can accommodate at least three would be good. One for each coupler and smoke.
Pete
The trick is finding small relays to make the board as small as possible. 
I am sure there are some smaller than one I use but they are only a buck apiece. They used be 50 cents and they are DPDT. 28ma coil current and can switch 2 amps.
https://www.digikey.com/en/pro...AQQIzOV0wCEVcQBdAXyA
Pete
The DIP sized relays I have used in a number of projects are pretty small and work fine.
@BOB WALKER posted:The DIP sized relays I have used in a number of projects are pretty small and work fine.
I wouldn't be firing O-gauge couplers with a .5A rated relay.
@Norton posted:I am sure there are some smaller than one I use but they are only a buck apiece. They used be 50 cents and they are DPDT. 28ma coil current and can switch 2 amps.
Pete, for a bit shorter package, try the IM06 relays, the IM06D switches 5A and is shorter with the same size base.
I am by no means an electrical engineer, but I have always wondered if it is possible to get the Lionel Legacy or TMCC into a package as small as or close to the size of the Blunami. What would the limitations be to accomplish this?
Marty
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I wouldn't be firing O-gauge couplers with a .5A rated relay.
Pete, for a bit shorter package, try the IM06 relays, the IM06D switches 5A and is shorter with the same size base.
Good choice for mass production, though I don’t see that many in my future at this point.
Marty, consider the Lionel boards have circuitry to drive two smoke units and couplers on board which Blunami doesn’t. For sure the Railsounds boards could be downsized with maybe more sounds added.
Pete
Clearly, the Lionel boards can be downsized, in a package the size of the DCDR motor driver, the newest Legacy LCP2 board has everything including sound. That's motor drive (with cruise), lights, couplers, smoke unit driver, sound board, etc.
The relay I used to operate a coupler via Blunami was a HUI HK19F-DC which has a contact rating of 2A. Seemed to work OK.
@BOB WALKER posted:The relay I used to operate a coupler via Blunami was a HUI HK19F-DC which has a contact rating of 2A. Seemed to work OK.
Yep, those are huge compared to the IM06 relays I was referring to. The IM06D is a DPDT 5A relay. It's the same size as the IM03 shown on the left here, just didn't have one handy for the picture.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
