Category Archives: Articles

The BlueRail trains board is very easy to install. The board accepts a standard 9-pin JST wiring harness, which contains 9 wires color coded to the NMRA standard:

If your locomotive is DCC-Ready (and has an 8-pin socket on it), simply plug the 8-pin side of the wiring harness into your train. Orient the 8-pin connector so the RED wire is near the number 8 (or triangle) marked on the circuit board. If you have the 8-pin connector in the wrong orientation, the train will run in the wrong direction.

This board anticipates low voltage LED lights (20 mA) on your locomotive and does not require resistors.

If your locomotive is not DCC-Ready, snip off the 8-pin connector on the harness and connect the colored wires as indicated in the table above and the diagram below. If you are utilizing a battery, it may be connected as indicated in the diagram.



Batteries may alternately be connected to the Red/Black wires on the 9 pin harness (if you are sure you will not be using track power as well). THIS ARTICLE shows alternate ways you can wire up a battery.

If you are wiring a Bachmann Thomas train, the motor leads are usually Yellow and Brown. If you are wiring a Bachmann locomotime, HERE IS A TABLE with the letter codes commonly stamped on the circuit boards.

For more information on the board, please refer to the Our First Board article and the UserGuide, as well as the Articles and Videos links above.

This product uses Bluetooth Low Energy. Your smart device must support Bluetooth 4.0 (or newer).

Android devices must have Android version 4.3 or newer to support Bluetooth Low Energy.

It is important that your Android is updated to the latest Android software to operate BlueRail.

The general method for updating your Android software is:

Settings >> General (scroll down) >> About Device >> Software Update

Most devices provide a back-up method (which is recommended prior to performing updates).

CLICK HERE for more information about updating your specific device.

The vast majority of Android devices that meet the minimum requirements and can download the free BlueRail app will support all aspects. However, due to the huge number of different Android models (>5000 models) and manufacturing standards, issues may be encountered on some devices.

Android 6 (Marshmallow) is compatible with BlueRail. However, due to changes in Bluetooth permissions with Android 6, the app may not be able to detect the BlueRail trains properly. To resolve this issue, go to Settings in the OS–> Location and turn on location services. Your BlueRail trains will now be detected properly in the app. This may require a wi-fi or cellular connection on certain devices.

If your Android is updated to the latest version available (Android 4.3 or newer) and you are still having an issue connecting to trains, please read this article on Bluetooth Connection Issues.

This page is an old post from 2017 regarding an old BlueRail board that is no longer for sale

BlueRail smartphone control for trains is a perfect fit for O scale. The BlueRail board is perfectly sized to fit most O scale locomotives, and with 2 amps of current they are a perfect match for many locos. If your O loco has DC can motors (isolated) and uses 2 AMPS or less then your loco is a good candidate for a BlueRail board.

The BlueRail board runs on DC or DCC power (from the track or battery). If you require AC track power, an AC-DC converter can easily be built from parts as described in this article.

The board controls motor and up to 4 LED lights from over 100 ft. Considering there is no system to buy (other than owning a smartphone or tablet) and that it can be run on any powered track (or non-powered) a BlueRail board is one of the most affordable train control solutions available. Discounts are available on volume orders (2,5,10). BlueRail is extremely popular for use with onboard battery.

The BlueRail board is very easy to install using a standard 9-pin JST with standard NMRA colored wires (sold separately). Here is a wiring diagram.

Sounds (which play inside the smart device) can also be played through a mini bluetooth speaker on the loco, making for very affordable onboard sound (as described in this article). This first BlueRail board does not trigger DCC sound decoders.

BlueRail’s first Bluetooth board (2012) powering an O gauge Lionel.

Perhaps the biggest appeal in using BlueRail is a the well developed software control app (free in iOS and Android). This system is compatible with Bachmann E-Z App® and enjoys the benefit of thousands of users and hundreds of hours of software development, setting it apart from all other available wireless train control systems. The app updates as new features are added. Wireless firmware updates easily and safely update the board in the loco as needed.

O Scale BlueRail Check List

Does loco contain DC can motor?

Is motor isolated from the frame?

Does loco draw 2 amps or less?

Are you good with DC, DCC or battery power?
(if AC required, consider adding an AC-DC converter)

Does loco contain LED lights?
(if not, consider switching bulbs to LEDs)

Does your smart device (phone/table) support Bluetooth 4?
(Please read this Article)

Most frequently asked O Scale question:

Q: “Will it work with my American Flyer/Lionel?”

A: There are many variations of American Flyer/Lionel locos. If it passes the 5 check points above, you should be good.

Here is a handy checklist to go through to make sure the BlueRail board is sufficent for your loco.

SIZE (will it fit)?
The BlueRail board is 58.6mm x 28mm. Use this printable PDF to print out a copy of the board and verify it will fit:

CURRENT DRAW
If your loco has 2 AMPs or less maximum current draw it is probably a good candidate for this board (1.2 AMPs continuous). Related references:
* Large Scale Decision Chart
* Overload Protection diagram
* Article about using board in larger gauges
* Article about measuring max current draw

MOTOR ISOLATED
If you are not sure if your motor is electrically isolated from the chassis, please refer to this article

LED LIGHTING
The BlueRail board supports LED lights. If your loco has full voltage incandescent lights, consider switching them to LED. When wiring LED lights be aware that the polarity of the wire leads must be correct.

DC, DCC OR BATTERY POWER
The BlueRail board will not work with AC power. If you wish to use the board on an AC powered track, consider adding an AC-DC converter as described in this article.

9 PIN JST HARNESS
The BlueRail board requires a standard 9-pin JST harness. If you do not have one, we have them available in our online store.

SMART DEVICE MUST SUPPORT BLUETOOTH 4
Does your smart device (phone/table) support Bluetooth 4? (Please read this Article)

Here is a Datasheet on the BlueRail board with diagrams how to wire it up.

Here is an article on Optional ways to wire a battery to a BlueRail board

You may have heard that “S” is the perfect scale – it is also the perfect scale for BlueRail. The BlueRail board is perfectly sized to fit most S scale locomotives, and with 2 amps of current they are a perfect match. If your S loco has DC can motors (isolated) then your loco is a good candidate for a BlueRail board.

The BlueRail board runs on DC or DCC power (from the track or battery). If you require AC track power, an AC-DC converter can easily be built from parts as described in this article.

The board controls motor and up to 4 LED lights from over 100 ft.  Considering there is no system to buy (other than owning a smartphone or tablet) a BlueRail board is one of the most affordable train control solutions available. Discounts are available on volume orders (2,5,10). BlueRail is extremely popular for use with onboard battery.

The BlueRail board is very easy to install using a standard 9-pin JST with standard NMRA colored wires (sold separately). Here is a wiring diagram.

Sounds (which play inside the smart device) can also be played through a mini bluetooth speaker on the loco, making for very affordable onboard sound (as described in this article).

Perhaps the biggest appeal in using BlueRail is a the well developed software control app (free in iOS and Android). This system is compatible with Bachmann E-Z App® and enjoys the benefit of thousands of users and hundreds of hours of software development, setting it apart from all other available wireless train control systems.

If you are an S scale hobbyist, you should consider BlueRail as your train control system. Please purchase boards directly from our online store. If you are a club interested in group rates or have any questions please email us .

S Scale BlueRail Check List

Does loco contain DC can motor?

Is motor isolated from the frame?

Does loco draw 2 amps or less?

Are you good with DC, DCC or battery power?
(if AC required, consider adding an AC-DC converter)

Does loco contain LED lights?
(if not, consider switching bulbs to LEDs)

Does your smart device (phone/table) support Bluetooth 4?
(Please read this Article)

It’s true that S Scale is the perfect scale for BlueRail.

Most frequently asked S Scale question:

Q: “Will it work with my American Flyer?”

A: There are many variations of American Flyer locos. If it passes the 5 check points above, you should be good.

Article by Bob Walker

Most 3 rail O gauge conventional power layouts use a variable AC voltage to power the engines. In order to use the BlueRail bluetooth control boards, the AC track voltage must be converted to DC.

An AC to DC converter can be simply constructed to perform the conversion. A bridge rectifier followed by a filter capacitor will convert the AC to DC. Since the AC track voltage inputted to the bridge rectifier can vary, a 12VDC voltage regulator should follow the bridge rectifier in order to maintain the DC voltage within safe limits for the BlueRail board. You can also use a 15 volt regulator (in place of the 12 volt regulator) for more voltage (if desired).

The 12VDC regulator should be the TO-220 package and should be mounted on a suitable heatsink as it will get warm. The AC to DC converter module is not very large and should fit in most engines. When using the converter/bluetooth approach, the AC voltage delivered to the converter can be anywhere between 10VAC and 18VAC and the BlueRail board will operate.

PARTS LIST

Voltage Regulators (12v or 15v):
     12v
     NTE966
     http://www.alliedelec.com/nte-electronics-inc-nte966/70215309/

     15v
     NTE968
     http://www.alliedelec.com/nte-electronics-inc-nte968/70215853/

Bridge Rectifier:

     NTE167
     http://www.alliedelec.com/nte-electronics-inc-nte167/70215797/

Capacitor:
     1000uF 35v
     https://www.amazon.com/1000uf-Capacitor-105c-Radial-Leads/dp/B004C4TV8W

To celebrate our release of consisting and speed-matching, BlueRail has lowered our pricing to make it easier to buy that second board. We have added a customer loyalty program to our online store which deducts $5 off all orders from existing customers. Details on customer loyalty program.

We have also reduced our prices and added volume discounts to offer more savings:

1 TrackPower board: $70@
2-4 TrackPower boards: $65@
5-9 TrackPower boards: $60@
10+ TrackPower boards: $55@
BatteryPower boards (pre soldered battery leads) add $10
DeadRail Kit: $157@

MRR club members contact us for group discounts. Retailer pricing available.

BlueRail has added a feature to the BlueRail store that offers discounts for existing customers. The present discount takes $5 off the total amount for any order placed. To take advantage of this discount, you must sign-in to the BlueRail online store (shop.bluerailtrains.com) before checking out. If you are an existing customer, but do not have a password to sign in, here is what you do:

From shop.bluerailtrains.com choose “sign in” from the upper right corner.

Do not create an account. Instead, click the “Forgot your password?” link next to the sign-in button.

Enter the email address you used when you placed your original order, and hit “continue”.

You will receive an email that allows you to continue with the sign-in process. Once you are signed in, your “Customer Loyalty” discount will be subtracted from your total order.

If you are an Android user, you may have noticed that developers commonly release on iOS before Android. Why is this? There are actually a number of reasons worth understanding.

iOS has less devices to develop for
In iOS you basically have 2 devices to develop for (iPhone and iPad). Although there are slightly taller and shorter screens to consider on various models, testing is very straight forward. On the other hand, there are >50,000 different Android devices to develop for and take into consideration.

iOS enforces Operating System software updates
Apple works really hard to pester users into getting the latest version of iOS. Although users may not like this, it makes life much easier for developers, because the majority of iOS users are running on the latest software update for their device, meaning less bugs (bluetooth connectivity). The 50,000+ Android devices out there are running thousands of different versions of Android (ranging from version 4.3.1 to version 12). Most Android device manufacturers write their own Android software, which makes it even trickier. Large companies (like Samsung) have giant programming teams developing updates for every device they have ever put out (so Samsung devices operate fairly consistently). Smaller Android manufacturers obviously have less programming resources, and their updates may be slower to come out (and perhaps not entirely bug free). Bluetooth control products require and rely on an Android operating system that is bug-free (when it comes to handling bluetooth).

Knowing this, it is generally prudent to develop for iOS first. This way you are developing on a more consistent platform, and can focus on getting the functionality of your software where it needs to be (which is often an iterative process through updates). Once you release on Android you need to be prepared to spend time addressing device-specific issues that only appear in a limited amount of Androids out there.

Our development process is: develop on iOS, verify everything functions, port to Android. We know there are many Android users out there and appreciate their support.

If you are an Android user, while you are waiting you might consider you can generally purchase a used iPhone6s plus on eBay for ~$50, and you don’t need any sort of plan to use it.

If you think you have setup everything correctly, and cannot see your train/board, there are several possible issues to check:

Do NOT pair with train from settings >> bluetooth.     When you connect to a bluetooth train, it becomes unavailable to other applications and devices. For this reason, do NOT pair with your train from settings >> bluetooth (as you may be used to with other bluetooth devices). Doing so will make the train unavailable in BlueRail or E-Z® App. It is ok to use settings >> bluetooth to test if your train, but you will need to hit disconnect in order to see the train in one of the control apps. If you do connect to the train (for test purposes) within the settings >> bluetooth section, you should choose “forget this device” to prevent your settings app from monopolizing the train in the future.

Does your train have power? Check to see that your layout is receiving power or battery has charge. If the BlueRail board is receiving power, a green LED will flash on the board.

Is your train connected to another app or smart device? When an app on a smart device (like a smartphone or tablet) connects to a bluetooth train, that train becomes invisible to other users. If your train is receiving power and you still cannot see it listed on your Home screen, check to see that the train is not connected to another smart device in range that is running a bluetooth train control app (BlueRail or E-Z® App). The best way to rule this out is to temporarily cut power to the locomotive for 30 seconds. The train should become available in the Home screen once the board within the train has powered back up. Also, if you have both BlueRail and E-Z® App installed on your smart device, make sure you only run one app at a time (and that the second app is not running in the background).

Is bluetooth working properly on your smart device? Bluetooth service in smart devices sometimes acts up and gets glitchy. This can generally be resolved by temporarily switching off bluetooth in your smart device and turning it back on, or rebooting the smart phone. 90% of connection issues can be resolved by turning bluetooth off and then back on within your device.

ANDROID SPECIFIC ISSUES There are more than 24,000 models of Android. Each Android manufacturer writes their own Android software and updates. The most popular brands generally have bluetooth implemented properly and work great. Less popular (or older) Androids can have bluetooth bugs that can only be solved by the Android manufacturer releasing an update fix. One great way to determine if your connection issue is caused by your Android is to borrow a recent iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and see if everything works. If so, your Android might need an update fix. See if any software updates are available for your Android. The general method for updating your Android software is: Settings >> General (scroll down) >> About Device >> Software Update. See THIS ARTICLE.

Clearing the bluetooth cache on your Android. Sometimes Android bluetooth issues can be resolved by clearing the bluetooth cache. This procedure may be slightly different on different Androids.

1) Tap the Settings icon.
2) Hit Application Manager.
3) Swipe the screen left or right in order to find All Tabs.
4) Select Bluetooth.
5) Tap Clear Cache.
6) Select Clear Data.
7) Choose Ok.

Turn on Location Services in Android. Due to changes in Bluetooth permissions with Android 6, the app may not be able to detect BLE trains properly. To resolve this issue, go to Settings in the OS–> Location and turn on location services.

9-PIN HARNESS NOT PUSHED IN ALL THE WAY If you can connect, but are having trouble running your loco (or the lights) it is possible that the 9-pin connector isn’t pushed all the way into the board, so some of the colored wires aren’t really making contact, and therefore not getting any power. Before you mess with it, I have found these connectors can be delicate and are easily broken, so I like to take a little strip of duct tape and wrap it around the harness right where the 9 wires go into the plastic JST connector – just to reinforce it before messing with it. Once its reinforced, push the connector all the way so it is well seated.

Is your phone/tablet bluetooth smart? Assuming this is your first time operating trains with a certain smart device, check to make sure your smart device supports bluetooth smart.