ESU MobileControl II

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As the ESU MobileControl II is built on an Android platform, and they have made the API available to external developers, Engine Driver can run on it and make use of the hardware knob and buttons. Download it from the Google Play Store or by direct download as you would any other app.

As well as being able to control speed of the selected throttle with the control knob, it’s also possible to switch direction via the zero-position end-stop switch.

Up to three trains can be controlled at once - the train being operated by the control knob is highlighted by the small ‘v’ in the speed indicator. Switch between operated trains by clicking the appropriate speed indicator. It is also possible to assign one of the device side buttons to switch to the next operated train - by default, the bottom-right button is assigned to this function.

When assigned to control a train, the Green LED is lit. When no trains are assigned, the Green LED flashes. In addition, you can use the Stop button to pause the currently operated train, or to stop all controlled trains. A short press of the Stop button (default, less than 1/2 second) pauses operation of the currently controlled train. The Red LED will flash quickly to denote this. On a second press of the Stop button, the currently operated train will resume at the previous set speed. A long press of the Stop button (default, greater than 1/2 second) will stop all controlled trains. The Red LED will flash slowly to denote this. On a second press of the Stop button, all controlled trains will remain stationary and it will be possible to again control the currently selected train.

Whilst in stop mode, the on-screen speed change buttons and bar are disabled for currently stopped throttles. Switching between controlled throttles is also disabled.

It is possible to configure the device side buttons to perform various actions. The default assignment is as follows:

Top-left

Increase speed

Bottom-left

Decrease speed

Top-right

Toggle direction

Bottom-right

Select next throttle

These assignments can be modified via the ESU MobileControl II Options page in Preferences.