Williams by Bachman big game changer-BYOD

WOW!  To think that a bluetooth receiver will fit in an HO engine, and run via iPad.  And you don't have to buy anything else.  You're right.  This could be a game changer.

 

Smart, very smart.

 

Art

 

This is what I've been waiting on all these years (and didn't know it!)

Blue tooth. 1 smart device to one device. How do you control more than 1 train or engine?  If it's only one then that's fine but it's apple and oranges compared to what MTH and Lionel are doing with there WIFi. 

 

More like competition for Lionel Chief. One remote pairing with a variety of engines though. Turn off one engine and now it can be paired with another. Interesting. 

 

Scott says 7 device simultaniousl so I stand corrected. 

That's the only letdown.  You'd need a different controller for each locomotive.

The paramount word here is "FREE"  

Sounds like it could have legs.  

Joe

 

Bluetooth 4 has a range of 300 feet and can connect up to 7 devices. I have several Williams engines and I spent more money on upgrading them than I paid for the engines themselves. In the future I will just download the app and run them with my other trains.

Scott Smith

sounds like time to upgrade form my flip phone ! @#$%^

From a manufacturing standpoint this is the way to go.

Maybe they took the idea from the Lion chief system.

"Lets talk directly to the engine"

 

Although Lionel went with the OEM one controller one engine

approach, Bachman went with established existing technology. 

Just put the receiver in the engine and provide the software,

then let the end user do the rest.

 

Just think, use your existing power source and go. No more TIU,TPC,

Base unit bad track signals. Then of course waiting for the hardware to

arrive from over sea's .

 

How long did we wait for the Legacy hardware ? Then only to have it show

up with a problem. I'm sure a blue tooth device can be interfaced with the

PS3 and TMCC boards. Question is will they do it.

 

 

Very interesting. I wouldn't expect it to compete with Lionel or MTH but it would be cool to run a conventional engine off your phone or tablet. The only extra cost I see is buying a new Williams engine with the blue tooth capability.

Interesting Scott. 7 devices. Did not know that. 

As previously stated this sounds very interesting.

For those that enjoy remote control operation the Bluetooth approach along with a tablet (and software) sounds like a very innovative idea. Lionel with Legacy tried to "reinvent the wheel" while Bachmann Williams took a much simpler approach by adapting easily available pre-developed technology.

Williams should continue on the path as the cost leader

Make it simple stupid.  Good going Bachman.

 

Flip phone?!?!?!  Mine doesn't even flip:

 

 

Legacy is the same approach they've been using since 96 Or so with added features. Nothing reinvented. 

 

Bachman is using available technology. Pretty smart IMO. 

I guess this is for the new Bachmann by Williams in the future and for H.O. most likely in January, as I didn't catch a date for release.

I guess the price for a Williams engine will go up as well because of the new technology.

 

Lee Fritz

Very smart!   Thanks for the post, pics, and discussion.  

 

It should be compatible with my LC+ locos - just power on the rails,   Direct to the loco for control.   Great!   More choices for me, some of the WBB locos are very nice, they certainly have the power and smooth running.   -Ken