Try looking for layout control software that acts as a web server, so you can control it from any smartphone or tablet.

I added that capability to my software: http://cabin-layout.blogspot.com/2014/08/browser-based-layout-control.html


Failing that, perhaps some screen sharing system (remote desktop), but of course needs a computer connected to a controller, not just a CS.

Well, I think you MAY be able to do this with a CS1 because ...

The Cs2.exe PC application s reported to work with a CS1, so I suspect the Marklin Android and iOS apps may also work with a CS1 if you use an appropriate wifi router. It would certainly be worth spending the 10 Euros or whatever the app costs and getting an old wifi router to try it out before shelling out on a CS2, CS3 or ECOS.

Their is a variation on doing this, if decoding to go for an ESU solution then they have an android device designed to be a wireless throttle. I don't know if it would work with the Marklin app, but I know that ESU are happy to work with developers, and the Engine Driver app that works with the JMRI software will run on it.

It could be worth trying the JMRI software on a PC attached to the CS1 to see if that will work, I believe it is supposed to, I just don't know how well. This could result in a solution similar to what Dale is suggesting above.

Time to send the CS1 to a museum and buy something decent. It does not matter which one you pick after the CS1 (eCos or CS2/3) they will all be a massive improvement on what you use now. THEN it is much easier to connect mobile phones and the like.

I have the eCOS II and the Android-based Mobile Control II, and personally it was not worth the money. There is a review on here somewhere that I did after I bought it, but it is sooooooo slooooooooww these days.. Not to mention that the battery life is very poor AND google keeps trying to download stuff onto it because it thinks it is a mobile phone. Then there is the traffic, now blocked by my Big Red Box, that goes off to China every day for some unknown reason.

Some Android options:
ECoS Controller (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ecos.train&hl=en_US)
Rt Drive ECOS (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rmcc13.rtdrive&hl=en_AU)

RemoteCS3 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mjw.remotecs3) - I assume that this only works with CS3

RemoteCS2 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mjw.remotecs2)

Perhaps others have thoughts on train control on Android phones?

Bottom line. Get a modern command station (Ring Noel - I think that he might have a slightly used eCOs II for a reasonable price), and buy some Android software for your phone..

I got a CS 3+ already and waiting now for the delivery of the newest Maerklin controller. The walk around "Funkhandregler".

https://www.maerklin.de/...s/details/article/55017/

https://www.maerklin.de/...s/details/article/55057/

Tom says his CS1 is at v1.5, which is not even at v2.0.3 or v2.0.4.

I doubt whether v1.5 supports any remote control app mentioned.

He mentions his CS1 has the M upgrade which would mean 2.0.3 at least.
A CS1 with v1.5 should not have the M hardware upgrade.
I'm afraid it is not clear which version he has.

That time ran out many years ago, it can't be done anymore...........

Per.

OK, that makes sense

But then there are many other options

Per.

You are correct Wolfgang - I believe that Märklin has moved away from supporting the interface on the CS3 or the app itself, which has been removed from the Apple Store. So it is no longer a viable solution to this particular problem. Good catch!

For me and for now, with a CS2, it works quite well. Once I move on to a CS3 I expect that Märklin will have completed their browser based interface, which will allow any mobile device to connect to it via the browser of your choice and control everything that you can currently control from the CS3 itself.

I believe that is the mobile environment that will win in the long run and not a dedicated piece of hardware which will quickly become obsolete.

The future of tech is always hard to predict, but that is mine for what it is worth.

And if you are still running any CS1 - good luck to you my friend!

so if you download any VNC version on a mobile device you can then connect, remotely, to any Control Station just with its IP ? Does this only work with Marklin equipment or it is independent on who the producer is ?

You do not enter the word Maerklin into the VNC viewer. You enter the IP address (shown at the system site menu IP of the CS 3) adding an extension (for Maerklin I use the extension ":5900") and start the viewer. If you know your controllers IP, it should work.

But then I connect via HDMI cable my notebook with my huge flatscreen TV. Then I got the CS 3 screen on my TV in HD. No more zoom necessary for my old eyes.

P.S.: I do this with a browser under WIN 10.

The Central Station needs to have VNC server software installed. The CS3/CS3+ come from the factory with VNC server software installed. The CS3's VNC server software, "Bildschrim Server", needs to be started on the CS3 before you can connect your VNC client (phone, tablet, or laptop).

OH lord - Goofy uses an iPhone - wonder if he will tell us where it was assembled!

I'll second that, Rwill what do you mean?

Hmmm, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rwill sees a specific country as common denominator of an iPhone and the Köfferli...