Hi all,

Just bought an iPad 2 as well as the Märklin iPad app. Result: the best train controller ever (note: controller only, no programming is possible). Fantastic.

It is possible to control and display 8 locos in the screen at the same time, since when in panoramic mode, there are 4 slots to fill as you wish. Each slot can be configured as:

a. one loco;

b. two locos;

c. one keyboard page (one finger scrolling through all 16 keyboards);

d. one memory page (one finger scrolling through all 3 memories);

e. one layout page (can be dragged and/or expanded to full screen).

Just beautiful. I think this completely removes the need for a second, third or whatever CS2 or any future wireless controller.

A good deal may be to get a second hand iPad 1 16Gb (basic model) and use it as a more or less dedicated controller. with the added ability of quickly switching to this forum and posting anything you may see fit.

Very good and kudos to Märklin for this app!

Dang, one of NZ's 1 day deal websites just had a special on iPad 1's 16Gb/3G, $650 instead of the old normal price of $999. Still, I guess you may see more deals on iPad 1's around for a while. I'm still inclined to get an iPod and use the Marklin app with that (as well as Touchcab for my Ecos).


Now, all Marklin needs to do is give us Android versions of these applications (2012 New Item, perhaps?).

Edited by user 29 September 2011 08:55:37(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

You need a wireless router for the iPad, connected via wire to the CS2 and wirelessly to the iPad. Currently I use an Apple Airport Extreme as a wireless router (for the iPad) with an Airport Express configured to accept wired clients (the CS2) and connect wirelessly to the Airport Extreme.

A 99 US$ Airport Express will have you sorted. Configure it to create a new wireless network and to accept wired network clients (options available in the Airport Utility). Configure your iPad to connect to your new wireless network and configure your CS2 to have a fixed IP. Then you're all set!

The iThingies are great controller interfaces to the Central Units, TouchCab with CS1 & Ecos (and some DCC systems) and with the M apps with the CS2...

The dedicated brand wireless remote controllers are soooo 90's.
It's so much better to get an iPod Touch + TouchCab to control CS1, Ecos, Lenz...

Will have to get a CS2 soon so I can run the M "mobile control" and "station" apps...
Plan is: TouchCab with iPod 2nd gen with CS1 connected to CS2, then "mobile" app on iPod 4th gen and "station" app on iPad 2...

The times of using a fixed placed controller with rotary knobs are over, unless you like to sit down in one spot all the time and control the trains from that chair...

Because I have to crawl under my layout to get to the other sides of it, being able to take a portable controller with you, so that you can start things up again after correcting a fault (derailment, etc) would be great. Saves having to crawl back to where the CS is again!

Now, should I get an iPod, or should I get a wifi iPad?

TouchCab & M "Mobile station" work on iPods (w WiFi), the new "Station" app is iPad only.
Do as I have done - one of each... Well, actually 2 iPods + one iPad 2 in my case....

Only running TouchCab though, have no CS2....

I assume one still needs the CS to control the layout.

An iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S or 5 will also do. The original or 3G will not do.

its easy to use an old linksys wireless router set to dhcp then plug the cs into the computer port and connect the iphone to the wireless. it will work without having the whole network hooked to it. and older routers are cheap now.