Poor Man's Throttle

Poor Man's Throttle

PMT

4 ratings
1 review
Free

Details

Released
March 24, 2026
Updated
October 8, 2026

Features

Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #1 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #2 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #3 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #4 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #5 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #6 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #7 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #8 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #9 for iPhone
Poor Man's Throttle screenshot #10 for iPhone
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About

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.

✓Wireless smartphone throttle
✓PWM motor control for smooth operation
✓Control speed, direction, and stop
✓DIY hardware integration
✓Affordable components
✓Ideal for DC and dead-rail layouts
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What's New in Poor Man's Throttle

4.1.1

October 8, 2026

### Version 4.1.1 * **Added battery saving voew for physical throttle** The physical throttle view can now go into battery saving mode for the smart device. * **Added support for Min Reverse Throttle** The app now supports min throttle for reverse and has a wizard to guide the user intop setting it properly. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 4.1.0 * **Added Device Command** Now the command slideout on throttle screens can contain buttons to control other devices like switch modules, Horns on other locos, etc. * **FX Output Control Name persistence** Now the full name of a command control is fully persisted on the app. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 4.0.0 * **Physical Throttle Support** Now any physical HID compatible device can be used along with PMT to control Locomotives and your layout. * **Version History Added** The full version history is added to the global configuration page * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.3.7 * **Output Control Enhancements** The output control configuration layout has been enhanced. allowing for moving outputs around, linking by name, and only showing configured outputs (no blanks). * **Automation Script enhancements** Loading and saving automation scripts now show progress in bytes and saving is 90% quicker than previous. * **Graph Control Enhancemenbts** The graph control used for Chuff matching and speed matching now is more precise and deterministic on its movements. * **Firmware Command and App Command is now an available FX Pattern** Allows you to tie firmware commands to FX Outputs and app commands to FX commands. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.3.3 * **Floating window re-ordering** Now you can tap on script and video float-overs to bring them to the foreground. * **Fixed camera timeouts** Timeouts would happen on iOS builds for some users. * **Added new CV in firmware to backup** Added CV430 to backup. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.3.1 * **Added new CV in firmware to backup** Added CV15 to backup. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.3.0 * **Support for Automation scripts** No the app has the ability to record and manage the automation of throttles/modules and all functions of your layout to create realistic prototypical scenarios for your layout. * **Bug Fixes** Fixed save failures with the master volume slider on configuration page. The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.2.0 * **Wireless Firmware Updates** The app supports PMT firmware wireless updates. * **Added About screen** in the global configuration screen * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me). ### Version 3.1.0 * **Prime Mover and Volume on Control Slideout** Now the prime mover and volume controls are added to the control slideout when Audio is on. * **Changed the Icon for Control** The throttle page now has a new Control icon to represent all types of controls. * **Individual Volume** You can now modify the relative volume level of a sound vs other sounds +/- in the app. * **Automatic Adding of Audio Controls** When the user turns on Audio, they will be asked if they wish to add common controls to the Controls screen for Audio. * **UI Tweaks** Graph manipulation more user friendly for chuff rate and MU Consist speed matching. Added a lock control to lock the settings for the chuff mapping. * **Misc refinements and bug squashing** The code monkey has been busy (me).

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User reviews

Great diy solution

So happy with this solution. It cost an arm and a leg for a dcc setup but this is so awesome. Cant thank the creator enough.

Response from developer

Thank you for the great feedback

FAQ

What is Poor Man's Throttle?

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.

How does Poor Man's Throttle improve train control?

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.

What hardware is needed for Poor Man's Throttle?

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.

Can Poor Man's Throttle be used with battery-powered trains?

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.

Is Poor Man's Throttle suitable for beginners?

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.

What devices does Poor Man's Throttle support?

Poor Man's Throttle is available for iPhone and iPad. It is designed to run on iOS devices.

How often is Poor Man's Throttle updated?

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.

Does Poor Man's Throttle have ads?

No, Poor Man's Throttle does not contain advertisements. It is a free application designed for hobbyists without intrusive ads.