Great diy solution
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Thank you for the great feedback

Transform your smartphone into a wireless throttle for model trains. This app enables smooth, responsive control of locomotives using inexpensive electronics and your phone, ideal for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists looking for an affordable wireless solution.
2.2.1
July 17, 2026
### Version 2.2.1 * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 2.2.0 * **Custom in-app splash screen added** so PMT can show a persaonal splash screen after platform starts. * **Splash screen appearance controls added** under Global Settings > Appearance, between Language and Colors, with settings for enabling the custom splash, choosing the splash image, picking the background color, setting the display time, selecting the animation, and testing the result in-app. * **Custom splash image upload added** so users can choose a square image from their device photo library. Non-square images are rejected with a localized warning so the splash image remains predictable across screen sizes. * **Splash screen preview added** so users can test the exact configured splash screen from Global Settings without restarting the app. * **Splash animation options added** with None, From Singularity, and From Infinity choices. From Infinity is the default, and the splash animation runs for 500 ms while the overall splash display time remains user configurable. * **Splash display timing defaults updated** so new installations use a 4000 ms custom splash display time, with a 500 ms minimum enforced in configuration. * **Custom splash persistence added** so splash settings and the uploaded image are stored as app-owned persisted configuration data and included in backup/admin support flows. * **Admin System Files support added for custom splash settings** so the custom splash JSON can be viewed, edited, deleted, and included in AI Context export. The large image Base64 field is hidden in the editor while preserving the uploaded image unless the filename is intentionally cleared. * **Scan startup behavior improved** so scan is no longer cancelled just because auto-connect starts or the scan page briefly disappears during startup navigation. * **Scan button behavior improved** so the Scan button remains enabled while scanning, changes to Cancel Scan, and only shows Scan cancelled when the user explicitly cancels the scan. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me).
MoreThank you for the great feedback
Poor Man's Throttle is a mobile application that turns your smartphone into a wireless throttle for controlling model trains. It's designed for hobbyists who want to build their own affordable wireless control systems.
It uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) motor control, which allows for smoother starting, extremely slow speeds, and strong torque, unlike traditional DC transformers that can cause jerky movements and humming.
The system typically requires an ESP32 development board and an IBT-2 motor driver. The total hardware cost is estimated to be around $20 per locomotive, making it a very budget-friendly option.
Yes, the system works exceptionally well with dead-rail locomotives powered by onboard batteries. It offers flexibility in using common hobby battery types like lithium-ion or NiMH packs.
Yes, the app and its associated DIY system are designed to be accessible to both beginner builders and advanced hobbyists. The focus is on simple hardware and open DIY building.
Poor Man's Throttle is available for iPhone and iPad. It is designed to run on iOS devices.
The latest version is 1.12.2, and the app was last updated on May 17, 2026. This indicates a consistent update schedule for improvements and new features.
No, Poor Man's Throttle does not contain advertisements. It is a free application designed for hobbyists without intrusive ads.