SmartProgrammer vs RailControl Unit
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Intuitive decoder parameter adjustment
- Standard and expert mode settings
- Quick decoder updates
- Sound data transfer via SUSI
- Function key remapping
- Integrated signal box
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- 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.
RailControl Unit
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. RailControl Unit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SmartProgrammer asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | SmartProgrammer | RailControl Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.2 — better | 18.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 126 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PIKO Spielwaren GmbH | Boterham |
In-app purchases
SmartProgrammer
No in-app purchases
RailControl Unit
- Unlock All Modules$2.99
Questions
Is SmartProgrammer free?
Is RailControl Unit free?
Do SmartProgrammer or RailControl Unit have ads?
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