I'm guessing this will show up in the USA at some point: http://www.katomodels.com/product/nmi/smart_controller.shtml It looks like it uses a smart phone app w/Bluetooth. Who knows? With a web cam and wireless internet, we may soon be able to run our trains from the office! I ran some of it through Google translate: "A new controller will appear that allows you to drive a railroad model with your smartphone. It is a power pack that allows you to remotely control the railroad model with a mobile terminal that has its main body connected to the layout as with the conventional power pack, and has installed a special application (free). Because it is a wireless connection by Bluetooth, you can enjoy comfortably without interfering even if you use multiple smart controllers. Moreover, it has high affinity with the 22-101 sound box, and connecting the smart controller and the sound box, it is possible to operate all functions of the sound box from the mobile terminal. Since you do not have to stay in front of the power pack at all times as before, you can enjoy driving the railroad model in a free posture while comfortably relaxing on the sofa etc, while approaching the layout and looking at your favorite angle . Even with respect to equipment that can expand its functions, it is under development. This product only becomes the power pack body. When using it, please use it together with the optional AC adapter for N / HO. It is the first wireless type, a controller compatible with operation on mobile terminals. For operation, you need a separate smartphone / tablet terminal etc. Operations such as acceleration / deceleration of the train, change of direction, etc. can all be operated with a smartphone / tablet terminal. By using the attached communication cable, connecting with the sound box, you can operate all functions of the sound box with the smart phone ยท tablet terminal. Even if you use multiple Smart Controllers with wireless connection by Bluetooth method, there is no interference. The output of the main unit is DC: 0 to 12 V (for AC adapter for N) / 0 to 16 V (AC adapter for HO), 2.0 A. Pulse width modulation system (PWM control) is adopted as output for vehicle running. Corresponding to slow running, you can enjoy more realistic driving of the vehicle. Equipped with the function of electric noise canceller, it also supports driving of European type vehicles. * When connecting a sound box and driving a European type vehicle, a separate electric noise canceller is required. Equipped with a power switch, you can manage ON / OFF of each connected accessory device at once. Side snap terminal," https://www.kato-smartcontroller.com/
There are multiple dedicated wireless DCC systems, including Digitrax, NCE, ESU, Zimo and a bunch more. There are also WiFi receivers that can connect to DCC systems and let you run your trains with an "app" on "smart" cell phones. One thing to consider in selecting between these two types is that the ones with hand controllers (throttles) designed for model railroad use typically have knobs and real buttons that you can feel, while the smart phone apps use button icons on the screen that you can't feel. So, you spend more time looking at the "throttle" if it is a smart phone than if it has real knobs and buttons. That may not matter to people who mainly run trains around in circles, but it matters a lot to people who like to do "ops" with lots of switching.
The OP requested DC systems not DCC. The Kato system is interesting. Our club used the old Aristo Craft 'Radio' throttles but they were getting long in the tooth and problematic so we reluctantly went to DCC. We also went to the I phone WiFi wireless system but ran into a roadblock. One of the venues where we set up several times a year has encrypted their WiFi effectively blocking anyone from using it. In addition, at the last show in January, people were body scanned with metal detectors before entering. This may be occurring elsewhere also.
Thanks for the responses. I went ahead and ordered one of the Kato Smart Controllers from a Japanese seller on eBay. It should be here in a couple of weeks.
That's cool! Please let us know how it works out. Have you found somewhere to download the phone app from?
Well, that didn't take very long! Announced by Kato USA today: http://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/Smartcon.html
I used a BlueRail board to run my DC Trains. I loved it. The best thing about these boards is the input and motor outputs have circuit and surge protection. They have an article on how to do this. http://bluerailtrains.com/2016/07/1...rains-and-lights-on-a-conventional-train-set/
