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 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 WiFi!

With the 50310 CabControl DCC System and its Integrated Control Unit (ICU), advanced model railroading is as simple as ever. With our 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 Pro / Mobile Control II Wireless throttle via WiFi (wireless LAN). The CabControl’s integrated 7 Amp booster also allows it to power even larger layouts with ease. ESU LokSound and LokPilot 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.

• Built-in American and Australian locomotive icons (along with European Icons) with the capability to add your own custom images

• Easy Consisting for multiple unit lash-ups with the ability to add / remove locomotives quickly “on the fly”

• 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 30 functions per locomotive

• Real scale speed feedback in KPH or MPH (requires ESU decoders)

• All-New Physical Brake Slider to simulate the brake handle in a locomotive (Mobile Control Pro only) plus 2 more on-screen brake sliders for smooth stopping of locomotives (requires ESU decoders)

• WiThrottle compatible™

• All Scales can be used with the CabControl system with the variable voltage 7 Amp Power Supply

Built-in WLAN Access Point

• Creates a unique WiFi-Network for your Mobile Control Pro / Mobile Control II Wireless throttles

• Supports at least 32 Mobile Control Pro / Mobile Control II Wireless Throttles Compliant with all relevant IEEE WLAN standards. Suitable for use in North America, Australia, and Europe

• The CabControl features a LAN port to connect the ICU 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 ICU to your track for power and it's ready to go!  The wireless throttles automatically connect to the system via WiFi. 

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. From firmware 2.0.0, the Mobile Control Pro / Mobile Control II gets future firmware updates via WiFi! 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 Pro / 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 - Mobile Control Handheld Wireless Throttle

Ergonomics & Functionality Combined

When you hold your Mobile Control Pro / Mobile Control II 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 without 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 Mobile Control Throttles can control all locomotives registered in the system and supports 14, 28 or 128 speed steps. Going beyond speed steps, with ESU decoders installed in your locomotives a "real scale speed" display can now be achieved! Now you can enforce speed limits on your layout and you'll know exactly how fast your train is moving at all times! No more guessing. All of the important locomotive properties such as name, a picture (add the exact picture of your locomotive), 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 30 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 accessories such as switch machines.

More Fun in Operations

The high resolution (480 x 800 pixels, 280 dpi), backlit TFT display of the Mobile Control 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 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 battery 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.

WiThrottle™ support making your Mobile Control throttle compatible with other DCC command stations provided they have a WiFi module connected. Use the familiar ESU app for ease of operations. *Note RailCom and RailCom+ features are not available when used in this manner.

Open Platform

The new Mobile Control Pro Throttle is based on the Android 10 operating system. We have created a powerful basis for this open, globally used operating system:  The Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex® A53 CPU clocked with 1.5 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-C 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 from the Aurora Play Store (pre-loaded on the throttle) at any time.

*The CabControl DCC System was specifically created for the North American and Australian Market and as such can only be purchased though ESU LLC in the USA.

WiThrottle™ is a registered trademark of Brett Hoffman.