Troubleshooting connection issues with Blunami (and BlueRailDCC)

Category : Articles , Blunami

The Blunami boards (and BlueRailDCC by Tam Valley) contain bluetooth low energy modules running bluetooth4 that connect dependably and are relatively free of connection issues. If you do experience connection issues, refer to this document for troubleshooting.


KEY POINTS:

  • Your iOS device must have iOS8 or newer and bluetooth must be turned on.
  • When you install the app, you will see a dialog box to give permission to connect. You must agree to this, or the connection will not work.
  • If you screw that up, the toggle to fix this is in the settings section of your iOS device listed under the Blunami app.
  • Do not attempt to “PAIR” with your Blunami in the bluetooth section of your iOS device. All connections are handled by the app.
  • Blunami can only pair with one iOS device at a time, and while paired the Blunami is “unavailable” for pairing with other iOS devices.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO CONNECT:

  • Is the Blunami receiving power? (apply power)
  • Is the Blunami connected to another iOS device? (power-cycle Blunami to make it available)
  • Reboot your iOs device. 99% of connection issues can be resolved by rebooting smartphone/tablet.
  • Try toggling “bluetooth” off and then back on in your smart device.
  • Is there wireless interference in my connection area? (see below)
  • Deleting and reinstalling the app will delete any cached bluetooth settings and may clear up the problem.
  • As a last resort you can reset your network settings in your iOS device. This will not delete apps or data on your phone, but it will cause your phone to forget any saved Wi-Fi passwords. To do this go to Settings>>General>>Transfer or Reset iPhone>>Reset>>Reset Network Settings

IS THE PROBLEM WITH MY BOARD OR MY iOS DEVICE?

We have had very few issues with bluetooth in the boards. 99% of the issues have been on the device side. Use this criteria to decide:

  • Is more than one iOS device is having problems connecting to a specific board?

    If more than one iOS device is having problems connecting to a specific board there are 2 probable causes: either the board has an issue with bluetooth (rare) or there is local wireless interference.
    To rule out wireless interference, retry your connection attempt in an alternate location.
    If you are able to connect to your Blunami on any device, try renaming the board in the Blunami app settings.


  • If only one iOS device is having problems connecting, please refer to the connection suggestions above.

ISSUES WITH WIRELESS INTERFERENCE

It is possible for wireless interference to affect connectivity. Possible causes:

  • Is your iOS device connected to a Wi-Fi network that does not have internet access or is experiencing temporary connection issues?
  • Is there a wireless Wi-Fi repeater in the area that is possibly causing interference?
  • Some older and off-brand Wi-Fi networks have been known to cause interference.

Temporarily turn off any networks in the area to identify if they are causing interference.

There are also apps available to help you identify wireless networks in a space and related issues.