Comparison

SmartProgrammer vs RailControl Unit

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SmartProgrammer

Easily adjust digital parameters for your decoders with an intuitive app. Offers standard and expert modes for basic or detailed settings, including sound options. Quickly update connected decoders and transfer sound data.

Highlights
  • Intuitive decoder parameter adjustment
  • Standard and expert mode settings
  • Quick decoder updates
  • Sound data transfer via SUSI
  • Function key remapping
  • Integrated signal box
Features
Read full description

- Einstellen von Digitalparametern Ihrer Decoder über intuitive App - Kinderleichte Bedienung ohne Programmierkenntnisse - Standardmodus: Alle grundlegenden Decodereinstellungen können einfach geändert werden - Expertenmodus: Detailliertere Einstellungen aller Decodereigenschaften und Soundmöglichkeiten - Schnelles Update der angeschlossenen PIKO SmartDecoder - Automatische Firmwareupdates über die App - Grafische Darstellung der an der Lok getätigten Einstellungen in der App und in Verbindung mit dem PIKO SmartTester - Schnelle Übertragung der Sounddaten über die SUSI-Schnittstelle - Funktionstastenbelegung kann sehr einfach geändert werden - Integriertes Stellwerk zum schalten von z.B. Weichendecodern Zusätzlich kann der PIKO SmartProgrammer auch als autonome Minizentrale eingesetzt werden um einzelne Fahrzeuge zu steuern oder kleine Programmierabläufe zu erstellen, z.B. für einen automatischen Pendelzugbetrieb in Vitrinen oder auch auf dem Schreibtisch.

About

RailControl Unit

Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a retro-inspired model train controller. RailControl Unit connects wirelessly to your Märklin CS2 or CS3, giving you control over your locomotives and accessories. Fun Retro Control Experience Designed to mirror the look and feel of the Märklin Control Unit of the eighties and nineties, you're controlling your model trains the way they were meant to be controlled back in the day. Multiple Module Support - Control Unit – Your main locomotive controller with speed slider, direction control, and function buttons - Control 80 f – Add up to 9 additional controllers for multi-train operation - Keyboard – Switch turnouts and control accessories with up to 16 keyboard modules - Transformer – Just for fun, because every lay out needs it Key Features - Imitates the workings of the Märklin digital system to the smallest detail - Connect via your local network to your Märklin Central Station - Support for MM, MFX, and DCC decoder protocols for both locs and accessories - Real-time speed and direction control - Function buttons F0-F4 for lights and sounds - Stop/Go button on Control Unit and Control 80 f Multi-Platform Use RailControl Unit on iPhone for handheld control or on iPad for a larger view. Free to Try The Control Unit module is free forever. Unlock all additional modules with a single one-time purchase – no subscriptions. Requires a Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3 with network connectivity. Märklin and Central Station are trademarks of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, registered in the U.S. and other countries. RailControl Unit is not affiliated in any way with Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH.

Screenshots

SmartProgrammer4 screens
RailControl Unit4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmartProgrammer at none against RailControl Unit's 1. SmartProgrammer also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 18.5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. RailControl Unit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SmartProgrammer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
SmartProgrammer versus RailControl Unit: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartProgrammerRailControl Unit
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.2 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size126 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPIKO Spielwaren GmbHBoterham

In-app purchases

None

SmartProgrammer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

RailControl Unit

One-time1
  • Unlock All Modules$2.99

Questions

Is SmartProgrammer free?
SmartProgrammer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RailControl Unit free?
RailControl Unit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SmartProgrammer or RailControl Unit have ads?
Neither SmartProgrammer nor RailControl Unit shows ads.

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