[Greyvoices]

QUOTE (dwb @ 23 Nov 2011, 20:57) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I don't have the radio control either but I have written a prototype throttle application for Android to use on my smart phone and can tell you the following:-

1) The mobile throttle cannot select a loco in use by the main controller - it receives an error message to say that it is in use by another controller
2) The main controller cannot select a loco in use by the mobile controller - it's greyed out.
3) Both sides of the main controller can select any other loco.

There is also a setting buried deep within the ECoS that allows you to change this default behaviour of not selecting an In Use loco - in other words you change the setting to allow this to happen.

I hope this helps

David

I have been searching through MRF to help me decide if I should invest in the new Mobile Controller II (currently listed by a German webshop for £228). I came across the above post by David which, apart from engendering awed respect for the ability to program a phone (I can barely work out how to switch the things on) has made me question if the new ESU piece of kit is any better that a basic touchscreen Android phone. I have found on the net a review that waxes lyrical about the control knob:

Link to a sort of ESU Mobile Control II review.

I wonder if the control knob is worth such an investment seeing as there seems now to be downloadable Android software that interacts with the ESU 50000/50200 (apparently available from Google apps something or other).

The review that I've linked to also states that it should be possible to load the Roco Z21 software onto the ESU Mobile Control II. Now that is intriguing. Does that mean that this feature would only work with the Roco Z21 system or would that introduce features of the Z21 to ESU Control?

As usual I feel compelled to apologise if my decidedly ill informed digital musings are just that ....... naive. I find that the topics covered in the ESU Topic are informative and interesting but it does seem to take a while for all this stuff to lodge in what must be my analogue brain.

Best regards ................. Greyvoices (alias John)

 

[neil_s_wood]

From what I've read I'd like to get one. The android apps for Iphone etc need to go through a router which may be an issue which can affect its response time or ability. I don't want that. If this has to go through my router which is at the extreme opposite end of the house then maybe not; I'll just stick with the Mobile control.

That reviewer is bang on about the Uhlenbruck one; it reminds me of the Roco website and lokmaus from 10 years ago. A bit past it's sell by date.

It does mention installing google apps so maybe the z21 is an option. David knows a lot about that sort of thing, I know I don't, so I'm happy to accept what he said.

Cheers

Neil

 

[dwb]

My current understanding of the forthcoming ESU mobile control is this:

* It communicates with the base station via WiFi so you do need a router. One of the two product offerings includes a router.
* The unit runs the Android OS so many applications available from the Android store will run on it provided the underlying hardware is on the remote control. This rules out any phone or GPS app for example.
* Being Android, the mobile control is open for non-ESU organisations to write apps for it.

I am very keen to get one because:

1) I really could do with having control at my finger tips when working on the layout when I'm out of reach of the console - which is often, particularly when adjusting points

2) I expect that having a physical knob to turn is going to be a much better experience than swiping a finger to adjust speed.

I doubt that apps intended for other controllers will work right out of the box. If the mobile takes off, then I expect that the apps will be adapted to suit, particularly if they are Android underneath. If the app has been well designed, then it should need little more than being reskinned.

If you're not sure, wait for some user experiences before deciding.

David

 

[Pierre B.]

Hi,

I'm the one who wrote this "sort of a review" on the mobile control II

Just to make things clear, I haven't tested the device. However, to clarify:
- As a standard Android device, ALL android apps (including the Z21 app) should work immediately on the Control II
- However, the physical speed control knob and buttons (not standard in Android) will NOT work, unless the app owner uses the public ESU API to develop support. Without optimised app, the ESU Mobile Control II will give you the same experience as a generic Android phone: the physical knob will be useless.

Note on controlling non ESU command stations:
ESU is going to make the knob API public; paving the way for compatible apps. I must point out that it is welcome and suprising. One must note however, than European/German manufacturers are NOT known for working well together. They usually fight on standards (and sometimes, argue personally). Therefore, I wouldn't hold my breath for Roco/Fleischmann to quickly develop Z21 support for the ESU Mobile Control II.

Note on controlling the ESU Ecos:
The Mobile Controll II being an ESU Product, there should be very quickly an official ESU App to control the ESU Ecos II.
Since the API is public, the already existing Android third-party apps controlling the Ecos hopefully will quickly support the knob of the ESU Mobile Control II.

Pierre

 

[Greyvoices]

Welcome Pierre and thank you for your comments.

I am sorry if my reference to your initial article came across not exactly as I intended. My choice of words could have been better. My thinking was that you had written a piece of greater scope within which could be found a review of the ESU controller.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Best regards ............. Greyvoices (alias John)

 

[neil_s_wood]

QUOTE (Pierre Billon @ 26 Jul 2014, 05:39) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Note on controlling the ESU Ecos:
The Mobile Controll II being an ESU Product, there should be very quickly an official ESU App to control the ESU Ecos II.
Since the API is public, the already existing Android third-party apps controlling the Ecos hopefully will quickly support the knob of the ESU Mobile Control II.

Pierre
I suppose my concern here is whether this will just connect with the new ECoS and not the original?

Thanks for the clarification Pierre.

Regards

Neil

 

[Pierre B.]

QUOTE (Greyvoices @ 25 Jul 2014, 23:03) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Welcome Pierre and thank you for your comments. (...) I am sorry if my reference to your initial article came across not exactly as I intended.

Thank you John!
Please don't worry, the smiley in my initial post may have mislead you. I did find your choice of words funny.
Rest assured: I reserve rants for rare occasions...my blog post was nothing more!

I am however curious about the Mobile Control II. I hope I'll get my hands on it during the October Leipzig fair (ESU usually attends).

Pierre

 

[GoingUnderground]

QUOTE (Pierre Billon @ 26 Jul 2014, 06:05) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thank you John!
Please don't worry, the smiley in my initial post may have mislead you. I did find your choice of words funny.
Rest assured: I reserve rants for rare occasions...my blog post was nothing more!

I am however curious about the Mobile Control II. I hope I'll get my hands on it during the October Leipzig fair (ESU usually attends).

Pierre
Hi Pierre,

According to South West Digital, the ESU Distributor here in the UK, the Mobile Control II will not be available until November. I'm not too surprised, as the one shown at Nuremburg looked to be a mockup at least in the video that I saw. By October, ESU should have some pre-production ones on show provided the November release is realistic. If you do see it at Leipzig, do let us know what you think of it.

As regards Neil's point about it working with the original ECoS, from the comments that ESU have made on their web site about the loco images being in monochrome ones on the Mobiloe Control II when used with the ECoS 1, it sounds like it is their intention that it will work with the ECoS 1.

 

[Pierre B.]

QUOTE (GoingUnderground @ 4 Aug 2014, 23:45) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If you do see it at Leipzig, do let us know what you think of it.

Hi Gentlemen,

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the Leipzig fair.

As you probably know, the Mobile Control II is now listed in some stores, but still unavailable (e.g. in the German Modellbahnshop-Lippe for €265).

At least we can confirm it's not really a cheap device...

Pierre

 

[Greyvoices]

That is a pity Pierre because I was looking forward to your review.

Best regards ........ Greyvoices ....... (alias John)

 

[GoingUnderground]

I have seen a comment in the German part of the ESU Users Forum that the Mobile Control II may not be available until the 2nd Quarter of 2015, i.e. a year later than originally planned.

 

[dwb]

Ho hum... I guess that gives me more time to save up

David

 

[john woodall]

One could ironically ask whether ESU had again teamed up with Marklin on this since there is now a 1 year delay!!!!!!

 

[David Todd]

Wireless MarkII....... Interesting subject, thanks for posting.

O/T....Slightly.

I am still using version 1 wireless, happy with it, ..........except Battery charging and charger..........