Introduction - Features; Android Operating System; Wireless Lan (Wi-Fi) Radio Transmission; Remote Control Handset - Esu CabControl DCC System User Manual

Introduction
5. Introduction – Features of the Mobile Control II Throttle
With CabControl you have acquired a system that can accomplish much
more than "just run locos" in wireless mode. In this chapter we introduce
you to the features of the Mobile Control II Throttle.

5.1. Android operating system

Mobile Control is the first model train controller based on the Android ope-
rating system. This system, originally developed by Google as an operating
system for smart phones, has advanced to become a universally useful opera-
ting system in recent years, and is now installed in TV sets, washing machines
or motor vehicles, amongst others. The beauty of Android is that you as the
user can easily extend the system and add more functions with the aid of
"Apps" (Application Program). You may download and install these apps
directly from the "Google Play Store".
Due to its touch screen and its well thought out and standardized graphic
user interface, operating Android devices becomes quite easy after a short
while - even for the untrained user.
Since the Android system can easily be adapted to new systems it was an
obvious choice to equip the Mobile Control II Throttle with this operating sys-
tem. Thus you have a contemporary, easy to handle throttle for your model
trains that can be extended at any time by downloading further apps from
the Google Play Store. Such apps do not necessarily have to originate from
ESU; software developers are welcome to write or adapt Apps suitable for
the Mobile Control.

5.2. Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) radio transmission

The radio transmission of the Mobile Control is based on the (Wireless Local
Area Network) standard, which has been standardized many years ago by the
IEEE and which has proven itself over and over. Utilizing an open standard of-
fers many advantages for you as a user: Due to the reserved frequency band
with many automatically searched radio channels, disturbances by other
participants in the radio network are eliminated for all practical purposes.
Data transmission in both directions is very quick and reliable assuring a very
short response time of your locomotives virtually without any delay. This also
facilitates that all changes made in the Integrated Control Unit by additional
Throttles are transferred to the current Mobile Control II Throttle and vice
versa. Thus all data such as speed of locomotives or turnout settings are al-
ways synchronized between the Mobile Control handset and the Integrated
Control Unit.
Furthermore it is possible to increase the range by installing commercially
available WLAN repeaters at any time. Up to 32 Mobile Control handsets may
be connected to an Integrated Control Unit.

5.3. Remote control handset

When you hold the Mobile Control for the first time you will immediately
notice the excellent ergonomic design: you can reach all of the control ele-
ments single handedly and the most important ones even without looking:
you can keep looking at the layout and your trains and not have to look only
at the throttle.
This is facilitated by the centrally located, motorized throttle knob with limit
stop, which enables you to delicately adjust the speed of your trains as well
as the direction of travel.
For switching functions simply touch the icons on the touch screen. The
touch screen also serves for easy handling of functions – exactly as you are
used to from your mobile phone. There are two buttons on either side of
the unit, which you may assign to any function you desire; for instance, for
changing the direction or for the most important functions.

5.4. Controlling locomotives

In the locomotive mode you can observe the most important operating pa-
rameters such as the locomotive name, icon, speed as well as the function
status, at a glance. The speed is controlled with the throttle knob. Subject to
the data format one can switch up to 28 functions plus the headlights.
You may assign to and control as many locomotives as you wish with each
handset. Each throttle can control different locomotives. Taking over a lo-
comotive from another handset ("stealing a loco") can be permitted if so
desired.

5.5. Accessories

Switching accessories is no big deal for the Mobile Control: One can define
any number of panels, on which you may place and control accessories ac-
cording to your preference. All icons and signal aspects as set on the Integra-
ted Control Unit will be directly transferred to the Mobile Control.

6. Control elements

g)
1.
e)
Figure 2: Mobile Control II with control elements
a)
c)
4.
f)
3.
2.
b)
5