The Rokuhan website has reference to the Smart Controller being released in 2016. http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/2015/10/102425.html I have seen other enigmatic references to this device but no technical information about what it is and how it works. Is there anymore information available in the public realm? Or, maybe, this information is still proprietary and I shall just have to wait.
This looks like the wi-fi/Bluetooth controller with Android app that was shown at NTS this year. I think MR mentioned it in one of their show reports. It's a cool app and I can see it attracting a younger crowd to the hobby. At the show it really seemed to get the attention of the 20-somethings. As for myself, I prefer a big old controller with buttons and lights and switches. Mark
Hi ViperBugloss: Rokuhan has released nothing more than what you have read at the link. I will see what I can find out. Frank Daniels z.scale.hobo www.zscalehobo.com
As per Rokuhan: We are now developing this item, so we cannot provide detailed specifications at this moment. However the consumer can operate locomotive by analog or DCC. They can select it via a switch. We will offer interface in both operation systems (Android and iPhone), but are releasing it one operation system at a time. The consumer will download application software from the ROKUHAN website (Not yet available at this moment) We will update new information once we got some additional progress beyond our prototype.
Thank you for that information. I shall watch developments with interest. Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
Sounds quite interesting and I shall be watching also. Would be neat to operate my Briefcase Z Layout via that new controller
The pictures show that the Rokuhan Smart Controller will still be controlling the locomotives via the track. http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/assets_c/2015/10/IMG_3873-5830.html https://www.facebook.com/Rokuhan/ph...9517393456786/871634199578433/?type=3&theater This seems to be a more viable technology for Z scale. Of course, it has still to be determined if it uses Bluetooth.
This caught my attention also at NTS and looks somewhat simpler, but looks may be deceiving. Any guesses as to how much this system will cost? Will it take the place of other systems for the less than enlightened ones?
Loren, What I'm about to say is pure speculation based on the Rokuhan statements, NTS presentation, and my staring at the hardware in Portland. I'm guessing the unit will retail about the same as a DCC starter system, smart phone or tablet extra. Probably a small charge to download the app. As I saw the unit, it's an intelligent throttle, capable of DCC output or a DC output capable many DCC features (acceleration/deceleration, feedback, etc.) . Potentially its a new type of DC throttle that can be used for DCC with the upgrade of locomotive decoders; a good entry into DCC without scrapping what you have. I hope that Rokuhan considers adding an LCC port to the unit. Personally, I'm less impressed with the wireless aspect. How many people really have a layout that will benefit from a wireless throttle? Will the app handle, for example, my new layout: 4 main lines, potentially a dozen trains as well as controlling another dozen turnouts? And most importantly we can't use the excuse: "I missed your phone call because I was playing with my trains." A lot of potential here, but from what we know, I don't really see it as a major game changer. That's my 2 cents, Mark
I'm looking forward to this offering. I hope that it is wireless. The photo from Facebook shows a wired connection through the earphone jack. If it is using the sound port to communicate, it would be easy to make it wireless with a Bluetooth audio transmitter. I was thinking of getting the Roco Z21 for DCC but now I'm holding out for the Rokuhan one. I have a coffee table that I want to keep as wireless as possible. It will be interesting to see how they deal with larger layouts that have bigger power demands.
According to Rokuhan's news, the smart controller will be "coming" at the Rail Expo Kyoto show, June 25th & 26th. Actual wording: "And another big wave, our first ROKUHAN DCC system, "Smart Train Controller" is also coming at show!" Not sure if that means that it will be shown at the show, or released at the show. Something may have been lost in translation. Matt
My translation is as follows (confirmed by a Japanese-speaking friend): In addition at the Rokuhan booth, one can operate model trains with a smartphone or tablet! We will introduce the latest appearance of our new "smart train controller." A more advanced "SMART" It will be the first opportunity to experience it! Original Japanese text and LINK また、ロクハンブースでは、スマートフォンやタブレットで鉄道模型を操作できる、 『スマートトレインコントローラー』の最新の姿を公開いたします。より進化した『スマトレ』を 初めて体験できる機会となります！
Rokuhan posted a report form the show. The system is shown in this image: http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/assets_c/2016/07/IMG_962-9115.html I can't read most of it, but I can make out "19800 yen" or ~193 USD. Pretty good price for a DCC system and a lot cheaper than the Roco Z21 if you are looking for smartphone/tablet control.
Come see the new controller is use at the Ztrack booths at the National Train Show this weekend. We have it set up and ready to go at booths 612 and 614. We also have a few surprises! Rob
It is a bit to far to come from the UK but I shall be looking forward to your report and pictures. Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
Garth Hamilton has posted video of the unit in operation. It shows the controller and a Ipad Mini 3 with blue tooth connection to mini layout running C11 steam engine with sound, Chuff is not synced, not sure it can be synced or not whistle and bell brake squeal not sure what other sounds can be programmed. the train is operating on DC in video. This was taken in our Ztrack booths. Rob
As I understand it there will be an ap for android as well for the Iphone, in either case you need and USA approved blue tooth USB device to plug into the E controller then you can get a blue tooth connection from tablet,smart phone or android to control sound and speed of engine on the track. I know Aps are supposed to be in the Ap store for android and iPhone not sure if there are any other op systems that will be supported. The sound is from a speaker in the E controller housing itself, sounds I saw were chuff, a variety of whistles and bells, different engine sounds, air pumps, brake squeal and others. a speed slide control. all this on DC. I did not see any of this controlling a decoder equipped engine or motor car (DMU, EMU etc) or a sound decoder equipped engine or motor car. In video I did not see chuff vary with engine speed or see a sync adjustment for it.I believe I also saw a button for announcements.
