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@BOB WALKER posted:

BlueRailTrains uses BLE4 which has extended range. BLE5 will go further, but might be overkill for model trains.

Pretty much every version of bluetooth had good range if it was outputting the right amount power. I have bluetooth 2.1 devices that easily make 500 feet and almost a 1000 if they have external antennas.

The main focus of newer versions of bluetooth isn't really range but throughput.

Last edited by H1000
@H1000 posted:

Pretty much every version of bluetooth had good range if it was outputting the right amount power. I have bluetooth 2.1 devices that easily make 500 feet and almost a 1000 if they have external antennas.

The main focus of newer versions of bluetooth isn't really range but throughput.

Obviously, for 99% of the viewing audience here, modifying their BT devices is out of the question, so they go with what Lionel makes.  That limits the range to a pathetic 20 feet or so.

Hi Folks,

So I have just tested a LionChief board, with it's dedicated remote at 46+ feet away.  No issues, no drop-out.   Perhaps some of the problems hobbyists are having is due to some type of interference from other devices?  (I am running another Bluetooth device at the same time!)  But I have never had Bluetooth issues.  Lucky I guess!  Even with my homemade circuits and Classic Bluetooth from an HC06 transceiver, no problems.

Take care, Joe.

Last edited by Joe Rampolla

Hi Folks,

So I have just tested a LionChief board, with it's dedicated remote at 46+ feet away.  No issues, no drop-out.   Perhaps some of the problems hobbyists are having is due to some type of interference from other devices?  (I am running another Bluetooth device at the same time!)  But I have never had Bluetooth issues.  Lucky I guess!  Even with my homemade circuits and Classic Bluetooth from an HC06 transceiver, no problems.

Take care, Joe.

Well I started this thread.... We're doing 200 ft end to end with up to 2 walls (meaty plywood and thick plaster) between remote and train...

So I have just tested a LionChief board, with it's dedicated remote at 46+ feet away.  No issues, no drop-out.   Perhaps some of the problems hobbyists are having is due to some type of interference from other devices?  (I am running another Bluetooth device at the same time!)  But I have never had Bluetooth issues.  Lucky I guess!  Even with my homemade circuits and Classic Bluetooth from an HC06 transceiver, no problems.

Was this board in a locomotive?  The metal shell has a major effect on the reception!

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