BlueRailDCC by Tam Valley

UserGuide

BlueRailDCC by Tam Valley is a compact circuit board for directly controlling model trains with a smartphone. It can use any power source and functions with or without a DCC decoder.

The board can be operated in 2 modes:

"DCC Mode" - controls a DCC decoder.

"Basic Mode" - controls motor (speed/direction) and 2 lights (Front/Rear).

The boards can be powered by any standard power source: DC, DCC, AC, or battery.


BACKGROUND

Background info is provided below for different types of users:

BlueRailDCC allows you to control a DCC decoder without the need for a command station, cab controller, programming track, or any special power needs, all controlled by the BlueRail app on your smart device. Using the board in "DCC Mode" is very easy to connect:
2 leads power the board (any polarity) and 2 leads output DCC (any polarity) which serve as the power leads to your decoder.

Your train can take advantage of any feature your decoder offers (ie sounds, lighting fx, keep alive, smoke etc). Users can also easily edit CVs (read/write) from within the interface. The board can be controlled from 75' using a board with the built-in antenna, or up to 150' using a board with an external u.fl antenna.

This makes the board particularly attractive to users interested in battery power or DC track power, but also appeals to DCC decoder fans who don't want to bother with setting up a programming track to customize your train.

The board is controlled by the free BlueRail Trains app (available now in iOS).

The app is very easy to use, and can also be used to run EZ App trains or Blue Horse boards

The board can also read/write CVs.

For typical usage, a user will use the BlueRail app to "Read All CVs" on a decoder one time, which will load all CV values into the app. Each CV takes 1-2 seconds to read, so reading all CVs can be a 5 minute process (but you only have to do it once).

CVs may also be edited (read/write) one at a time.



BlueRail will continue to update the app, so you can eventually expect the CV editing interface to improve and offer you "presets" for popular decoders.

(The board uses "Direct CV Mode" for reading CVs, and "Ops Mode" for writing CVs. Most decoders made after 2002 should support these methods.)



You don't need to know about DCC to have great sound in your locomotive and control it with your smart phone.

The free BlueRail Trains app (available now in iOS) is very easy to use (with little to no instruction.

Your train will appear on the screen (whenever the train is receiving power). You can connect, and be taken to a train control screen that lets you run the train. There is a panel on the right that lets you trigger 28 functions that your train can do (sounds, lights, behaviors).

If you are interested in "customizing" your train (changing the sounds, volume levels, lighting fx etc), there is list of CVs that can be adjusted. Modern decoders have hundreds of options and features you can adjust by changing the CV numbers. 90% of users will be happy with the default decoder settings. If you want to learn more about editing CVs, we will put a CV TUTORIAL HERE.

WIRING DIAGRAMS
What you should know is that the BlueRailDCC board puts out DCC signals to run a DCC train or decoder. The board has 2 wires that put out the DCC signal. If these 2 wires are sending power to a DCC train or a DCC decoder, it will run.

The DCC decoder has colored wires that are connected to the motor and headlights (as seen below). Wire colors may vary.

IF YOUR LOCO HAS A DECODER...
If your loco has a decoder in it, you will use the DCC output of the BlueRailDCC board to power the decoder.
IF YOUR LOCO HAS NO DECODER...
If your loco has no decoder in it, you will wire the light, motor, and speaker wires from the decoder to your loco (using the diagram that came with your decoder), then use the DCC output of the BlueRailDCC board to power the decoder.
IF YOUR LOCO CAN BE CONTROLLED BY DCC...
Some locos can be controlled by DCC and have the DCC decoder circuitry built into the circuit board in the loco. This includes:
  • MTH locos (2014 and newer)
  • Locos with drop-In mobile sound decoders
  • Many N scale DCC locos
  • Some HO, O and G scale DCC locos
To control one of these locos with the BlueRailDCC board, the principal remains the same: instead of letting your circuit board receive power and DCC from the rails, it will receive power and DCC from the BlueRailDCC board.

Or you may power the board with a battery (as below):


If onboard sound is not important to you, you may use the BlueRailDCC board by itself to control your loco's speed, direction, and lights (front/rear) without the need for a DCC decoder.

In addition to the two DCC outputs, the board has a few extra connection points. By adding a jumper across two of these points, the board can be put into "basic mode" to run your train directly.

Once in basic mode, the "DCC Out" connections can be wired directly to your motor. 3 other connection points (labeled LF, LR and 3v) supply power to your Light-Front and Light-Rear (as shown). Here is a diagram of the connection points for "basic mode" on the small scale board:

The free BlueRail Trains app (available now in iOS) is very easy to use (with little to no instruction.

Your train will appear on the screen (whenever the train is receiving power). You can connect, and be taken to a train control screen that lets you run the train, and control speed, direction, and lights. (note, the bell and horn buttons on the interface will not trigger sounds in the board when running in "basic mode".

The Settings screen (accessed from the "cog" in the lower right of the train control screen) allows you to change your loco's name and other details. There is also a "CV Settings" page that let's you control basic details of your loco (ie acceleration and deceleration rates).

If you hear any "buzz" sound coming out of your motor, you can adjust CV9 to a PWM frequency that runs silently. Valid CV9 values are 0-15 (lowest to highest frequency). Default value is 5. Because different motors have different characteristics the best frequency for a specific motor can only be determined by trying different frequencies.

If you want to learn more about editing CVs, we will put a CV TUTORIAL HERE.


BlueRailDCC is a great train control board for O Gauge and S Gauge hobbyists.
FYI - although many O and S gauge locos traditionally run on AC powered track, the motors in the locos are generally DC can motors, so it is not very complicated to convert your loco to battery power (or DC power) using the BlueRailDCC board.

AC trackpower with the Large Board

If your goal is to power your loco with AC track power (using the large board) the large board will function on normal sine wave AC power. However some modern Lionel transformers and power packs produce what the company refers to as “chopped sine wave” power. If you plan to use AC track power using a Lionel power pack that outputs "CHOPPED SINE WAVE" power, please refer to the following document:
BlueRailDCC-ChoppedSineWave
Please read through one of the sections above ("For Users New to DCC..." etc) for more background on the BlueRailDCC board.

AC trackpower with the Small Board

If your goal is to power your loco with AC track power, and your loco draws less than 2 amps max (1.5 amps continuous) then you can use the small board, but you will need an AC-DC adapter to convert your AC track power to DC voltage (suitable for the small BlueRailDCC board).
These converters are compact and affordable, and will allow you to power your loco with AC track power.

Wires from the track (AC +/-) connect to the screw terminals on the AC side. Connect the DC side to the red and black wires (power in) on the small BlueRailDCC board 4-pin wire harness. The polarity of the red/black wires is not important.

If you plan to power your loco with DC trackpower or battery, then no converter is required.



INSTALLATION

Installation info is provided below.
The app currently assumes DCC address 3 (primary mode).

Below are some important items you should be aware of before you get started.

DECODER ADDRESS MUST BE 3

At present the BlueRailDCC app expects your decoder to be set to address 3. If your decoder has an address other than 3, it will not respond to commands from the app. Please change the decoder address to "3" by adjusting CV1 using the CV settings page in the app.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM VOLTAGE

The large (5 amp) board can handle a voltage of 7-18 volts. The small (2 amp) board can handle 7-16 volts, with a recommended range of 12-14 volts. Do not exceed these voltage maximums to prevent damage.

ANDROID IS NOT CURRENTLY SUPPORTED

The BlueRailDCC boards can currently be controlled by or iOS app only (not Android). Please consider purchasing an iPhone 6splus (or newer), an iPad Mini2 (or newer), an iPad 4th generation (or newer), or an iPod Touch 6th generation or newer. These devices can be affordably purchased (Ebay etc). You do not need a cellular service plan to control the boards.

NO IN-APP SOUNDS FOR BLUERAILDCC BOARDS

At present in-app sounds are not played when controlling BlueRailDCC boards. If you want train sounds for your loco, please select a sound decoder and attach it to your BlueRailDCC board. Sound decoders can cost as low as $40-$60 or over $100 (depending on the quality/power/features you are interested in). If you are apprehensive about buying a DCC decoder, remember controlling DCC sound decoders is greatly simplified by the BlueRail app.

OLDER WI-FI REPEATERS CAN INTERFERE WITH WIRELESS SIGNAL

We have found that some older and off-brand wi-fi repeaters can interfere with wireless signals. If you experience connection problems and you have a wi-fi repeater, try turning of the repeater to see if it solves the problem.

NO OPEN-FRAME MOTORS WITH THE 2 AMP BOARD (BASIC MODE)

Please use only DC can motors when using the 2-amp board in basic mode. Open-Frame motors have been known to cause issues. Also, please don't use a crummy old motor with the BlueRailDCC boards. If it doesn't run well on DC power, it's not going to perform any better using a BlueRailDCC board. A bad motor can even damage a control board, so best avoided altogether.

LGB & MARKLIN USERS: F1,F2,F3

Presently the Train Control screen in the app has buttons that map to common functions: F1(bell), F2(airhorn) and F3(short horn). See the graphic below:

Some decoders used in LGB and Marklin trains use F1, F2 and F3 for other purposes (for example F1 is often mapped to the whistle by default). Newer decoders allow you to remap these functions using CVs (consult your documentation) but some older decoders do not. If you have one of these older decoders, the bell button on the interface may trigger the whistle instead. You can always trigger your functions using the function panel (see image above) which allows you to name the buttons to match your functions. In a future app update we hope to offer remapping on the Train Control graphic buttons, but they are presently setup as depicted in the diagram above.


This userguide assumes that you have selected the correct board for use in your loco, and that there is room in your loco for the installation. The board is available in Large (5 AMP) and and Small (2 AMP). Please refer to the table below for board specs:
MAX AMPS CONTINUOUS LENGTH WIDTH
5 AMP 3 AMP 2.75″ 1.35″
2 AMP 1.5 AMP 1.72″* .57″

(*)The small board has a 4-wire connector on one end which can be removed and broken off (if desired) reducing the length to 1.5".

The components on the Large board make it 13mm thick. The Small board is 6.3mm thick (at the tallest point).

The large scale boards (unless requested otherwise) will have a module that supports u.fl antenna (150 ft range). The small boards (unless requested otherwise) will have a module with with an integrated antenna (75 feet).

If you plan on using a small board in basic mode, you might consider purchasing a board with the basic mode wires pre-soldered onto the board.

VOLTAGE: The large (5 amp) board can handle a voltage of 7-18 volts. The small (2 amp) board can handle 7-16 volts, with a recommended range of 12-14 volts.


If your board contains an integrated antenna, best range will be achieved if you position the Rigado module so it is not immediately adjacent to metal (see diagram)

If your board has a u.fl external antenna, then position the antenna as high as you can in the loco.

ORIENTATION - If possible orient your board within the loco so the components on your board are facing upward (vs orienting the board sideways). This will allow the connection signal to be evenly distributed on all sides of the train.


Install your DCC decoder in your loco according to your manufacturers instructions, except for the 2 wires that supply (DCC) power to the decoder.

Please reference the diagram below for wiring the BlueRailDCC board to your decoder.

2 power leads may be connected to the "POWER" input using any polarity (red and black in diagram).

2 wires may be connected to the "DCC OUT" using any polarity (blue and yellow in diagram) which will be used to power your decoder.

Do not allow the bare metal prongs on the (underside of the board) or the components on the board to contact any metal surface.

Remember to position the Rigado module so it is not adjacent to any metal in your loco.

Double-sided tape may be used for mounting purposes. If your loco has a metal chassis, avoid putting the metal chassis directly under the board. If convenient, add a layer of insulating material (plastic, styrene, balsa wood, foam etc) between the chassis and the board (to improve radio reception, and prevent possible electrical shorts).

If you plan to use AC track power using a Lionel power pack that outputs "CHOPPED SINE WAVE" power, please refer to the following document:
BlueRailDCC-ChoppedSineWave
With your board mounted and wired to your decoder, turn on your power supply (or connect your battery). A green LED should illuminate on the board indicating it has powered up. Your DCC decoder may produce startup sounds. At this stage you are ready to launch the BlueRail Trains app and connect to your train. Please proceed to the section below "USING THE BLUERAIL APP".

Do not exceed 18 volts of power to the 5 amp board to prevent damage.


A BlueRailDCC board may be operated in "Basic Mode" which will allow the board to control a loco's speed, direction, and lights (Front/Rear) without the need for a DCC decoder. To put a board in Basic Mode, a jumper must be added between two connection points on the board (as shown in green on the diagram below):

The large board contains 2 black narrow "headers" (~8mm high) with seven connection points on each header, suitable for inserting the tip of a solid wire. To put the board in Basic Mode, use a wire to connect the Ground(Gnd) to the Decoder Mode(R)

When the board is in Basic Mode, the "DCC OUT" can be connected directly to the loco motor. Once connected, if you find the loco runs in the opposite direction as expected (forward/reverse) then swap the wires (white/yellow in the diagram) as needed.

Located between the GND and the R (jumper) is a 3.3 volts (+) connection (labeled "3v" in diagram). Run a wire from this point to the positive(+) side of each of your loco lights (Front/Rear). This output is 20 mA. If your lights are LEDs, a 100 ohm resistor may be added (if your bulbs cannot handle 20 mA).

The negative(-) side of each of your lights should be connected to LF (Light Front) and LR (Light Rear).

BOARD MOUNTING TIPS

When mounting the board in your loco, do not allow the bare metal prongs on the (underside of the board) or the components on the board to contact any metal surface.

Remember to position the antenna as high as you can in the loco.

Double-sided tape may be used for mounting purposes. If your loco has a metal chassis, avoid putting the metal chassis directly under the board. If convenient, add a layer of insulating material (plastic, styrene, balsa wood, foam etc) between the chassis and the board (to improve radio reception, and prevent possible electrical shorts).

If you plan to use AC track power using a Lionel power pack that outputs "CHOPPED SINE WAVE" power, please refer to the following document:
BlueRailDCC-ChoppedSineWave
With your board mounted and wired to your decoder, turn on your power supply (or connect your battery). A green LED should illuminate on the board indicating it has powered up. At this stage you are ready to launch the BlueRail Trains app and connect to your train. Please proceed to the section below "USING THE BLUERAIL APP".

Do not exceed 18 volts of power to the 5 amp board to prevent damage.


Install your DCC decoder in your loco according to your manufacturers instructions, except for the 2 wires that supply (DCC) power to the decoder.

Please reference the diagram below for wiring the BlueRailDCC board to your decoder.

2 power leads may be connected to the "POWER" input using any polarity (red and black wires in diagram).

2 wires may be connected to the "DCC OUT" using any polarity (yellow and white wires in diagram) which will be used to power your decoder.

If your loco has very little space and you need to shorten the length of the board, the 4 wire connector can be removed at one end (left side in diagram below).

Alternate power in and DCC out connections are provided which you may use instead (soldering required). You may also break the left end of the board off at the perforations indicated in the diagram (if desired) to reduce the board length to 1.5".

When mounting the board in your loco, do not allow the bare metal prongs on the (underside of the board) or the components on the board to contact any metal surface.

Remember to position the Rigado module so it is not adjacent to any metal in your loco.

Double-sided tape may be used for mounting purposes. If your loco has a metal chassis, avoid putting the metal chassis directly under the board. If convenient, add a layer of insulating material (plastic, styrene, balsa wood, foam etc) between the chassis and the board (to improve radio reception, and prevent possible electrical shorts).

With your board mounted and wired to your decoder, turn on your power supply (or connect your battery). A green LED should illuminate on the board indicating it has powered up. Your DCC decoder may produce startup sounds. At this stage you are ready to launch the BlueRail Trains app and connect to your train. Please proceed to the section below "USING THE BLUERAIL APP".

Do not exceed 16 volts of power to the 2 amp board to prevent damage.


A BlueRailDCC board may be operated in "Basic Mode" which will allow the board to control a loco's speed, direction, and lights (Front/Rear) without the need for a DCC decoder. To put a board in Basic Mode, a jumper must be added between two connection points on the board (as shown in green on the diagram below):

To put the board in Basic Mode, use a wire to connect the Ground(G) to the Decoder Mode(D) (Green in diagram below).

When the board is in Basic Mode, the "DCC OUT" (yellow and white wires in diagram) can be connected directly to the loco motor. Once connected, if you find the loco runs in the opposite direction as expected (forward/reverse) then swap the wires (white/yellow in the diagram) as needed.

Located between the GND and the D (jumper) is 3.3 volts (+)connection point (labeled "3" in diagram). Run a wire from this point to the positive(+) side of each of your loco lights (Front/Rear). This output is 20 mA. If your lights are LEDs, a 100 ohm resistor may be added (if your bulbs cannot handle 20 mA).

The negative(-) side of each of your lights should be connected to L (Light Front) and L (Light Rear).

BOARD MOUNTING TIPS

When mounting the board in your loco, do not allow the bare metal prongs on the (underside of the board) or the components on the board to contact any metal surface.

Remember to position the antenna as high as you can in the loco.

Double-sided tape may be used for mounting purposes. If your loco has a metal chassis, avoid putting the metal chassis directly under the board. If convenient, add a layer of insulating material (plastic, styrene, balsa wood, foam etc) between the chassis and the board (to improve radio reception, and prevent possible electrical shorts).

With your board mounted and wired to your decoder, turn on your power supply (or connect your battery). A green LED should illuminate on the board indicating it has powered up. At this stage you are ready to launch the BlueRail Trains app and connect to your train. Please proceed to the section below "USING THE BLUERAIL APP".

Do not exceed 16 volts of power to the 2 amp board to prevent damage.


BlueRailDCC-Install-Instructions-DCC BlueRailDCC-Install-Instructions-BasicMode

USING THE BLUERAIL APP

Below is information on using the BlueRail app.

The BlueRail iOS App can be downloaded for free from the iOS Appstore. The app can be used to control trains with BlueRailDCC boards, as well as the original Blue Horse boards and Bachmann EZ App trains.
The app automatically detects any BlueRail boards that are powered up and in range, and allows you to connect and run your trains.
The app will run on the iPhone5, but iPhone6 and newer seem to have better performance. The iPad, iPad-mini and iPhonePlus series are well-suited for editing CVs.
Here are some minimum devices we recommend:
  • iPhone 6s Plus (or newer)
  • iPad Mini 2 (or newer)
  • iPad 4th generation (or newer)
  • iPod Touch, 6th generation (or newer)
One smartdevice (iPhone/iPad) can control many trains simultaneously (if desired). A train can only be connected to one smart device at a time.

No Wi‑Fi connection is required to connect‑to and run trains. If firmware updates are offered, Wi‑Fi will be necessary to get the latest firmware.

With your BlueRailDCC board installed and receiving power (green LED is ON)...

... you are ready to connect to your board for the first time.


When you launch the BlueRail app (with your board powered and in range), it should appear on the home screen of the app
With the default name "BlueRail TamVy" and a "CONNECT" button to the right.

Click the "Connect" button to connect.

The button will change to "Connecting", and once connected the button will say "Disconnect".

The first time you connect to a board, touch the name "BlueRail TamVy" and you will be taken to the "Settings Screen" where you are given an option to name your board (Loco Nickname) and "choose your decoder type", as well as a few other options.

Please select one of the decoder type options from the list:
  • 128 CVs
  • Basic Mode
  • Tsunami Diesel
  • Tsunami Steam
  • TCS
  • ESU Diesel
  • ESU Steam
These are interface presets that dictate which function buttons will display by default, and the CVs displayed on the CV editing page. Choose the most appropriate option. This can always be changed on the "Settings" screen for every loco.

Once you have made a choice, click the banner at the top of the screen, and you will be taken to the train control screen.


The Train Control screen has basic controls for controlling your train.
These include buttons for the light, bell, horn (long/short) throttle and changing direction.

There is also a "Home" button and a "Settings" button (described later).

On the upper-right side of the screen is a button that brings out the "Function Panel" (not available in Basic Mode). This is described in the next section.


The function panel allows you to trigger 28 functions supported by your decoder.
If you selected Tsunami, TCS or ESU as your "decoder type" (when you first connected to the train) the proper default function names will display on the buttons.

This is how the function panel will appear if you selected Tsunami Diesel as your "decoder type" (controlled from the app settings). The "FCN 15-28" gives you access to 14 more functions.

This panel may be "swiped" further out to reveal controls that allow you to rename each button, and assign each button as "toggle" or "press/release".

Directly beneath the function panel is a silver cog button that takes you to the "Settings screen" for your locomotive.


The Settings screen has basic settings for your train:

  • LOCO NICKNAME: Name your loco (19 characters max). Name data is saved on the board firmware.
  • ROAD NAME: Enter your loco road name (optional). Data is saved within app.
  • ROAD NUMBER: Enter your loco road number (optional). Data is saved within app.
  • MODEL: Enter your loco model (optional). Data is saved within app.
  • DECODER TYPE: Select the type of decoder you are controlling:
    • 128 CVs: (default)
    • NO DECODER: For running in basic mode (ie BlueRailDCC board is directly controlling loco speed/direction/lights)
    • TSUNAMI DIESEL
    • TSUNAMI STEAM
    • TCS DIESEL
    • TCS STEAM
    • ESU DIESEL
    • ESU STEAM
  • CV SETTINGS BUTTON: Takes you to CV editing page.
  • ON DISCONNECT: Select desired behavior when loco loses connection with smart device: STOP or CONTINUE ROLLING. Data is saved in board firmware.
  • AUTO CONNECT OPTION: "Auto" - app will attempt to automatically connect when board is in range. "Manual" - app will connect when you press the "connect" button (on the home screen). Data is saved in board firmware.
This selection will control which CVs are displayed on the "CV Settings" page. It will also control the labels that appear by default in the "functions panel". These function names can be customized by sliding the function panel further out and editing the name.


The "CV Settings" let's you read/write the CVs in your decoder.
The "Read All CVs" button will read all CVs in your decoder and load all CV values into the app. Each CV takes 1-2 seconds to read, so reading all CVs can be a 5 minute process. Once you have read all CVs into your app, they will be stored permanently within the app. You generally only have to do the "Read All CVs" process once for any decoder.

Directly below the "Read All CVs" button is a single line that allows you to read or write the value of any specific CV.

For CVs 1-256 the page can be set to either "0" or "1".

Directly below the "single line CV read/write" is a sub-section containing "CVs 1-256". You must open this subsection when using "Read All CVs" so the app can read the data in that subsection.

Some decoders use more that CVs 1-256. If you have selected a Tsunami decoder type, additional subsections will appear in this area (Page1, Page2, Page3).

If you are using a Tsunami, TCS or ESU decoder type and your decoder has the factory settings, we have attempted to pre-enter all of the default factory CV values into the app subsections, so a "Read All CVs" may not be necessary.

All CV reads are performed in service mode using "Direct CV Mode". Your decoder will go into service mode (no sound, no train control) whenever you perform a "read".

All CV writes are performed in "Ops mode". You may operate your loco when performing CV writes.

"Direct CV Mode" and "Ops Mode" methods should be supported by most decoders made after 2002.


At the bottom right of the home screen you will see a button called "Multi-Train" which gives you access to the "Multi-Train Screen".



This screen is particularly useful when operating more than one loco simultaneously. Up to 3 train throttles can appear on the screen at any time. A scroll button in the upper left/right of the screen will allow you to scroll to additional locos.


The BlueRail app has excellent consisting and speed-matching built right into the app which will allow you to easily consist and speed match trains without the need for making DCC adjustments. When running multiple trains, trains may be "linked" to a consist using a pulldown button (chain-link icon) located below and to the left of the green throttle knob (see below - boxed in yellow).



To assign two locos to consist "A", click the link button for each loco and select "A".

The first train selected will automatically be assigned as the "Lead" loco in the consist. Sequentially selected locos will be assigned "mid loco" or "rear loco". Locos may be assigned as "Facing Forward" or "Facing Backward". The "Lead Loco" will have throttle, lighting and sound controls. The "Rear Loco" can become the "Lead Loco" at any time, by selecting the "Make Lead" button.

When two or more locos are selected, a speed-matching button ("SM") will appear at the bottom of the Multi-Train screen. This button gives you access to the speed-matching utility which will allow you to speed match the consisted locos at 3 speeds (Low, Med, High).

This utility will allow you to "tweak" the relative speed of your consisted locos at 3 speeds (Low, Med, High). You can also tweak locos to start/stop a little earlier or later (to better align starts and stops). All adjustments are saved within the app and used whenever the locos are consisted together.

The video tutorial below explains how to use the speed matching utility.

Speed Matching is compatible with BlueRailDCC, Bachman E-Z App and older BlueRail boards.



TROUBLE SHOOTING - FAQ

Below is a list of common issues/questions users may have.

Below are fixes to consider if you cannot connect with your board:

In order to connect to your board, the board must be receiving power. This is indicated by a green LED light on the board. Check the to see that the green LED light on your board is illuminated to verify it is receiving power.

The board can only connect to one smart device at a time. Make sure that your board is not connected to the BlueRail Trains app running on another smart device that is within range of the board (or paired with another smart device).

Sometimes it becomes necessary to clean up your smart device's ability to make wireless connections. Here are a couple of common ways to refresh your iOS connections:
  • Go into your iOS device settings, turn off bluetooth, reboot your device, then turn bluetooth back on. This may resolve your connection problem.

  • Go into your iOS device settings > General > Reset. Select "Reset Network Settings". This will cause your smart device to forget any bluetooth hardware or wireless networks you have been connected to in the past (so you will need to re-pair with any bluetooth devices you use or re-enter passwords for any saved wi-fi networks). But it is a great way to clean the pipes on your wireless connections.

Wi-Fi repeaters have been known to create wireless interference that makes it difficult for wireless devices to connect. If you have a Wi-Fi repeater and are experiencing connection problems, please turn off your Wi-Fi repeater and see if the problem goes away. The particular Wi-Fi repeaters we have seen cause issues (through testing) were manufactured before 2012.


Below are fixes to consider if you can connect to your board, but cannot run your train:

The BlueRailDCC board has a red LED that blinks whenever the board receives a command from the app. Please verify that the red LED blinks whenever you try to control the train from within the app. This will help you understand if the board is receiving DCC commands from the app.

Make sure that the app is correctly identifying your board as a BlueRailDCC board. The app determines what type of board you have when it connects (ie BlueRailDCC, Blue Horse, or EZ App) and uses that determination to show the proper interface elements and send commands. On certain older iOS devices, it is possible your smart device is misidentifying your board, and may think your board is an EZ App loco. Here are some clues that your smart device may be having this issue:
  • For a BlueRailDCC board, the "function panel" in the train control screen should have a "MUTE" button in the upper right corner and selectors for "FCN1-14" and "FCN15-28" in the upper left (see screen capture in the TRIGGERING FUNCTIONS subsection.

  • For a BlueRailDCC board, the "Settings Page" (accessed from the cog graphic in the lower right of the train control screen) should resemble the screen capture in the SETTINGS SCREEN subsection.
If either of these screens (above) are not displaying correctly, then your smart device is failing to correctly identify the type of board you are using. This diagnosis is reinforced if the red LED on your board does not blink when you attempt to run the train (or control the lights/sounds). If you have access to another iOS device, please download the BlueRail Trains app onto the other device and see if the problem goes away. To help us further understand the problem, please go into SETTINGS > GENERAL > ABOUT in your iOS device and note the "Model Name", "Model Number" and "Software Version".

Verify that your decoder is receiving power (most modern decoders have an LED indicating they are receiving power). If you suspect your decoder is not receiving power, check the connection the the "DCC OUT" on the BlueRailDCC board.

Please consult the INSTALLATION section of the userguide and verify your wiring is correct, and check all connections.


Some large scale TCS decoders we tested could not handle greater than 16 volts. If you are running TCS decoders on a track voltage higher than 16 volts (using a BlueRailDCC board) your train may not run. Please lower the track voltage to 16 volts.


To make your loco "autoconnect", go into the settings and adjust the "autoconnect" toggle. You may need to toggle it once to get it working.

If your device has trouble automatically reconnecting (after a disconnect or when you first launch the app) try turning bluetooth on and off in your device settings, or try restarting your device.


BlueRailDCC - basic modec CVs
Here is a list of the CVs that can be edited in Basic Mode. CV9 allows you to adjust the PWM values which can improve performance and help eliminate buzz.

BASIC MODE CV TABLE
CV Name CV # Default Value Range Comments
Primary Address 1 3 1-128 Ignored - responds to any address
Vstart 2 10 0-255 Start voltage - changing will update speed table
Acceleration Rate 3 0 0-255 0 is off - higher values for longer acceleration
Deceleration Rate 4 0 0-255 0 is off - higher value for slower deceleration
Vhigh 5 255 0-255 High voltage - changing will update speed table
Vmid 6 127 0-255 Midpoint voltage - changing will update speed table
Manufacturer Version No. 7 14 read only Basic decoder
Manufactured ID 8 59 read only Tam Valley Depot ID #
Total PWM Period 9 5 0-15 see table. changes the PWM frequency.
Extended Address 17 0 0-255 Ignored - possible future use
Extended Address 18 0 0-255 Ignored - possible future use
Consist Address 19 0 0-255 Ignored - possible future use
Non-standard Options 20 1 0-255 see table. This CV is trapped in DCC mode and not
passed on to an external decoder
Configuration Data #1 29 2 0-255 bit 0 (direction) only currently implemented
Kick Start 65 25 0-255 Higher values add more initial kick to start from stop
Speed Table 67-94 various 0-255 Usually set by 3,5,6 but can overwrite
CV 9 PWM values Value Hz These values were changed in version 1.9
0 41 Best slow speed but most vibration
1 80
2 122
3 160
4 320
5 1900 Default Works well with most motors
6 700
7 850
8 860
9 1100
10 1300
11 1560
12 490 old default value in pre v1.9
13 2500
14 3800
15 7800 Least vibration but higher start voltage may be needed
CV 20 bits Bit Decimal Mode CV 20 is unused in NMRA DCC standard
Service Mode Address 0 0 DCC Controls writing address CVs (1,8,17,18,29) in service mode instead of ops mode. Not relevant in Basic Mode
Service Mode Always 1 2 DCC Controls writing all CVs in service mode instead of ops mode. Not relevant in Basic Mode
Reverse light ON-OFF 2 4 Basic For Light and Sound Hats - change light ON to high voltage. (The hat transistor inverts the signal back)
Reverse function ON OFF 3 8 Basic For Light Hat - change F1 and F2 ON to high voltage. (The hat transistor inverts the signal back)
Swap LFOR and LREV 4 16 Basic Swaps the direction sense of forward and reverse for the lights. Can set this instead of rewiring the motor or the lights.
Future use 5 32
Future use 6 64
Future use 7 128


Both of the BlueRailDCC boards have adjustments to tune motor performance in BASIC mode. The primary adjustment is the Pulse Width Modulation frequency controlled by CV9. The adjustment range is 0-15 from lowest to highest frequency. The default setting is 5. Most motors run fine at this value and there is no need to change it.

If the motor whines or runs rough at certain speeds, try different CV9 values and pick the one at which the motor runs best. In general the lower frequencies provide better low speed control, but may become noisy and rough running at higher speeds. Higher frequencies in general create very smooth and quiet operation, but provide less precise low speed control and require a higher throttle setting to start the loco moving.

To compensate for the higher throttle setting set CV2 (Vstart) to higher value. Default value is 10. Also increase the value in CV65 (Kick start). Default is 25.

Very old HO scale locos with open frame motors may require special consideration with a 2 amp board. These motors generate voltage spikes in certain situations. If these voltage spikes become too large or too frequent the board will shut off the motor output to protect itself. To indicate this over voltage situation the board flashes the red LED on the board and alternately flashes the head and rear light for five seconds. After five seconds the board will again attempt to run the motor. Increasing the PWM frequency will generally correct this situation.

Note that the CV9 values are not linear. Values 5 and 12 are special cases due to backward compatibility requirements. Here is a table of the possible CV9 values:

Value   Hz
041
180
2122
3160
4320
51900
6700
7850
8860
91100
101300
111560
12490
132500
143800
157800



HELP

Below is information on getting help with your BlueRailDCC board.

If you have hardware related questions about your BlueRailDCC board (including install questions, wiring etc) please post them in our BlueRailDCC Groups.io forum in the topic called "Hardware Tech Support Questions". HERE is a link to that site. You can find this thread at the top of the "messages" section.


If you have software or app related questions about your BlueRailDCC board please post them in our BlueRailDCC Groups.io forum in the topic called "Software(app) Tech Support Questions". HERE is a link to that site. You can find this thread at the top of the "messages" section.