Since smart phones with touch screens have almost completely
replaced the conventional mobile phone, model train enthusiasts
and manufacturers face the question how to employ more powerful
devices for controlling model trains. As a result of this, many
apps have been developed lately, which can be uploaded onto
your mobile phone and used for running your trains.
This
concept, however, has one disadvantage, namely that smart
phones have not been primarily designed for running model
trains. Due to the lack of suitable input elements the operator
is forced to spend most of the time looking at the display.
The limits become quickly obvious so we at ESU had a look
at the question on how to utilize the advantages of the smart
phone technology and combine it with the needs of model train
enthusiasts.
It is
with great joy that we now present the results of our considerations.
With the new ESU CabControl DCC system you have wireless control
of your locomotives, accessories and routes simply by Wi-Fi!
With
the 50310 CabControl Integrated Control Unit, advanced model
railroading is as simple as ever. With our new system, you
have full control over your locomotives, switches and signals
just at the tap of a finger. The unit communicates with our
Mobile Control II Wireless Controller via wireless LAN. The
CabControl’s integrated 7 Amp booster also allows it
to power even larger layouts with ease. LokSound decoders
equipped with RailComPlus® even register automatically
with the system! Running trains has finally caught up with
the technology of today!
CabControl - Integrated Control Unit
ESU’s “North American” System
This
system was specially developed for use in North America and
Australia.
American
and Australian locomotive icons (along with European Icons)
Easy
Consisting for multiple unit lash-ups using drop down menus
Wireless
walk around system making it easy to follow your train on
a large layout.
Technical
Specification
CabControl Features
All
DCC modes (14, 28, 128 speed steps) Long and short addresses
Over
16,000 locomotives can be arranged and controlled
Up to
28 functions per locomotive
All
Scales can be used with the CabControl system with the variable
voltage 7Amp Power Supply
Built-in
WLAN Access Point
Creates
a unique Wifi-Network for your Mobile Control II Wireless
throttles
Supports
at least 32 Mobile Control II Wireless ControllersCompliant
with all relevant IEEE WLAN standards. Suitable for use in
America and Europe
The
CabControl features a LAN port to connect the box to your
home network.
Via
the home network, the CabControl can be connected to Model
RailRoad Control Software.
“ECoSlink”
port
For
easy connection with our ESU boosters, CabControl supports
ECoSlink, a high speed, CAN based bus system.
The CabControl
built-in booster has so much power that, in most cases, you
don‘t need additional ones.
Hook
Up
Hook
up is simple with the CabControl system. All you have to do
is plug the 7 Amp power supply into the CabControl box and
then hook up your CabControl box to your track for track power
and its ready to go! The wireless controllers automatically
connect to the system via WLAN.
Upgradable
On occasion
new features will be added to the CabControl system. Gone
are the days of having to send your DCC command station back
to the manufacturer for updates! When a new update becomes
available it is as simple as loading this to a USB Data stick
and plugging it in to the back of the system. Easy!
Protection
Each
CabControl system meets the relevant requirements regarding
safety and operation on a layout: The track outlet is protected
against overload as well as short circuits. Each CabControl
system can differentiate between a “genuine” short,
and a momentary current drain when passing over switches or
gaps. We place value on the indestructibility of the device,
just like we do with our mobile decoders.
Expansion
As the
CabControl System uses the ESU Mobile Control II Wireless
Throttles, expansion is easy as these throttles are already
available and will connect automatically to the Integrated
Control Unit. The system can also be used with the ECoSBoost
Boosters using the ECoSlink Terminals when more power is needed
for large layouts.
CabControl
- Handheld Wireless Throttle
Ergonomics & Functionality Combined
When
you hold your CabControl Throttle in your hands for the first
time you will immediately notice its excellent ergonomics.
All Parts of the screen can easily be reached with one hand,
and unlike a cell phone throttle, the most important functions
can even be reached “without looking” giving you
the ability to watch your trains and not needing to watch
your throttle. This is due to the central, motorized throttle
knob with end stop. With this knob you can delicately control
the speed of your trains and change direction.
For activating
functions simply touch the icons on the display. The display
also serves for changing functions – exactly the same
way as you know it from your mobile phone. Finally, two buttons
each on either side serve for changing direction or triggering
the most important functions. These side buttons are user
editable giving you the choice of what you want to control
with them.
Colorized
Function Icons are displayed showing what function does what.
Gone are the days of having to memorize what function button
control what decoder feature.
Running
Locomotives
The CabControl
Throttles can control all locomotives registered in the system
and supports 14, 28 or 128 speed steps. All of the important
locomotive properties such as name, a picture, function mapping
as well as easily identifiable icons for function buttons
will be taken from the Integrated Control Unit and will be
displayed correctly.
You may
switch up to 28 functions for each locomotive, which, of course,
can either be momentary or continuous functions. You read
that correctly! EVERY Function Button can be momentary or
latching depending on your use! No more limitations on how
you function map your decoders.
As standards
are constantly changing and the number of DCC function buttons
is increased a simple update will allow for even more!
Controlling
Accessories
The CabControl
System has the ability to run over 1000 magnetic accessories.
More
Fun in Operations
The high
resolution (480 x 800 pixels, 280 dpi), backlit TFT display
of the CabControl Throttle always keeps you up to date on
the most important operating parameters. Furthermore, you
can see if another operator controls a certain locomotive
or if an emergency stop has been triggered. The permanently
installed, powerful Lithium polymer rechargeable battery will
serve you right through the most extensive operating sessions
giving 5-8 hours of operation based on how you are using your
throttles. Recharge the batteries of your CabControl simply
by using the USB port on the Integrated Control Unit and the
supplied Micro USB Cable or the battery charger of your mobile
phone or any other USB port.
Open
Platform
The CabControl
Throttles are based on the Android operating system. We have
created a powerful basis for this open, globally used operating
system: The ARM® Cortex® A8 microprocessor clocked
with 1.3 GHz and controls a high resolution 3.2 inch TFT color
display. A capacitive touch screen assures touch-free data
entry. For communicating with the “outside world”
there is an USB port and a WLAN interface. Thanks to the standardized
radio control interface, trouble free operation of your layout
can be assured at any time. The range can be extended with
WLAN repeaters, if necessary.
Due to
the open platform design you may add further apps for the
Google Play Store at any time.
