Engine Driver Throttle

mstevetodd

About this app

Engine Driver is a model railroad throttle app for use with JMRI, MRC Wifi or Digitrax LnWi. Connects to WiThrottle server to control one to six DCC locos' or consists' direction, speed, up to 29 user-configurable functions, plus turnouts, routes, power and JMRI web server access. See website for prerequisites, setup, operation and support.
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Ratings and reviews

I've had this app for a while now, but didn't get to try it out until I got my Digitrax LnWi. Took it to the local N scale club layout at the Munster Train Depot. Had the LnWi hooked up in a minute and the app working in another two. I had previously installed it so I was already familiar with it. The only set-up issue I had was that the Engine Driver would not see the LnWi. I had to go to the WiFi settings on my Android phone and it found the LnWi and connected immediately. I started of using the single, right side, switching throttle. (There are many to select from in the app.) Selecting locos is as simple as typing their address. Worked perfect, right off the bat. I especially like the way the throttle releases locos. Just click release. No more multi-button presses like on a regular throttle. The only thing I didn't like is that with the switching throttle, you have one vertical slider for speed, with forward from the center, up and reverse from the center, down. The center off position is a bit vague, and you sometimes get the wrong direction for the first couple of speed steps. Might just be my big fingers. So far, I like it more that any of my other throttles. I will continue to experiment with selecting other styles of throttles in the app. OH yea. As I was running last night, a new young fellow, about 11 or 12 years old came into the train store with his Mom and joined the club. (The Northwest Indiana N Scalers) I was able to download the app onto her phone, set it up and he was running in 10 minutes. A really great app.

I would prefer to give a 5 star review... However, a couple of my devices have developed a weird bug, wherein the function buttons all disappear when a loco is selected. They fade as normal when no loco is selected, and the only way to access functions on the app is to try to consist the same loco -- but then speed control disappears.

I run HO trains at my club. A year or two ago the handsets started dying and many people started bringing NCE handsets to run DCC trains. These cost money and require some learning to control easily. I decided to use engine driver with the JMRI system installed in the layout. Not only was it cheaper but the graphic display was much easier to use. I have also found it to be very reliable. I like the program and recommend it to anyone who wants a digital system to control their trains.

What’s new

>Children's Timer: New Kiosk Mode, Demo Mode
>New button and dialog to share log files (and others)
>AndroidX libraries
>Support ESU MC II/Pro
>Prefs:large toolbar buttons, long press of Stop sends EStop
>Bug fixes: Children's timer, Auto Connection, Semi-Realistic Throttle, PoM programming, brake slider on ESU MC Pro, throttle count
>ED ActionBar icon returns to Throttle screen
>Multiple appearance and performance improvements
>New 'G' command for keyboard gamepad type to force a function