PIKO SmartControl User manual

PIKO SmartControl®–
the digital future of
model train control!
User ManUal

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PIKO SmartControl®System
User Manual

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Directory
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 6
2. System description.................................................................................................................. 7
2.1. The new system’s brain: the PIKO SmartBox®...................................................................... 8
2.2. PIKO SmartController®.......................................................................................................... 10
2.3 PIKO SmartBox®..................................................................................................................... 12
3. Getting started ....................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Installing the PIKO SmartBox®.............................................................................................. 16
3.2 First Start of the PIKO SmartControl®System .................................................................... 19
4. PIKO SmartControl®App....................................................................................................... 24
4.1. Overview of features.............................................................................................................. 25
4.1.1 Settings................................................................................................................................... 25
4.1.2 Main-pages of the PIKO SmartControl®app........................................................................ 27
4.1.3 Overview of features.............................................................................................................. 28
4.2 The control panel ................................................................................................................... 29
4.2.1 Edit locomotive ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.2 Create new locomotive.......................................................................................................... 32
4.2.3 “create consist” ..................................................................................................................... 34
4.2.4 Controlling a locomotive....................................................................................................... 34
4.2.5 Switching between locos....................................................................................................... 35
4.3 The switch panel .................................................................................................................... 37
4.3.1 Create new switch panel ....................................................................................................... 37
4.3.2 Control the switch panel ....................................................................................................... 42
4.4 Programming.......................................................................................................................... 43
4.4.1 Read and write CV’s ............................................................................................................... 43
4.4.2 CV Write CV’s.......................................................................................................................... 43
4.4.3 DCC-Address.......................................................................................................................... 44
5. Options and settings of the PIKO SmartControl®System ................................................. 45
5.1 Link the PIKO SmartBox®into a local network ................................................................... 45
5.2 Connecting the PIKO SmartController®to a local network................................................ 46
5.3 Additional settings of the PIKO SmartBox®via the settings app...................................... 46
5.4 Update and Reset of the PIKO SmartBox®........................................................................... 51

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Products, specications and availability subject to change.
Duplications and reproductions of this documentation are strictly forbidden and need to be allowed by PIKO in writing.
PIKO®, PIKO SmartControl®, PIKO SmartController® and PIKO SmartBox® are registered trademarks.
RailComPlus® is a registered trademark of Lenz Elektronik GmbH, Gießen.
59112-90-7001 PIKO Spielwaren GmbH © 2015, V1.0.14
5.4.1 Factory reset .......................................................................................................................... 51
5.4.2 Update ..................................................................................................................................... 51
5.4.3 BackUp and Restore / Rescue of the PIKO SmartBox®...................................................... 52
5.5 Updating the PIKO SmartController®with a computer....................................................... 53
6. Overview of the Android operating system......................................................................... 55
6.1 Downloading and installing apps from the Google®PlayStore......................................... 56
6.2 Changing the background picture........................................................................................ 56
6.3 Personalize your devices ...................................................................................................... 57
6.4 Changing the system language............................................................................................ 57
7. Android-Tips........................................................................................................................... 58
7.1 Display settings: Brightness and timeout ........................................................................... 58
7.2 Font size ................................................................................................................................. 59
7.3 Manage installed apps........................................................................................................... 60
7.4 Checking battery usage ........................................................................................................ 61
8. Detailed instructions for the PIKO SmartControl®App ...................................................... 62
8.1 PIKO SmartControl®App....................................................................................................... 62
8.2 Android menus and features ................................................................................................ 65
9. PIKO SmartController®Accessories .................................................................................... 68
9.1 Attaching the lanyard ............................................................................................................ 68
9.2 Changing the battery of the PIKO SmartController®........................................................... 68
10. Glossary.................................................................................................................................. 70
10.1 Digital glossary ...................................................................................................................... 70
10.2 Android glossary ................................................................................................................... 72
11. Function symbols .................................................................................................................. 73
12. Safety notice........................................................................................................................... 74
13. FAQ.......................................................................................................................................... 74
Notes ....................................................................................................................................... 80

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the new PIKO SmartControl® System!
Congratulations for making this decision! You are one of the rst as we are ushering in a new era of
digital train control.
The constant development of model trains and model train control required a completely new approach
to digital train control. Therefor PIKO, as one of the very rst model train companies, decided to
introduce a novel system that really is easy to use and yet is still capable of handling complex train
control scenarios.
This is made possible by the combination of a powerful Smartphone (“simply brilliant”) with proven
analog controls like the speed dial and the physical buttons placed on the sides of the device:
Simply brilliant + brilliantly simple = simply brilliant -> PIKO SmartControl® System.
We hope the new system gives everyone the ability to control his or her model trains in a simple and
intuitive fashion – just start playing and try it yourself!
We wish you lots of satisfaction
Your PIKO Team
PIKO SmartControl®– the digital future of model train control
Simply brilliant – brilliantly simple
Station announcements, lights, motor sounds, conductors whistle – with real life-like effects model train
layouts become more and more realistic. Controlling such a layout should be user friendly and should
not require constantly looking at displays or digital central stations. The new PIKO SmartControl®
System is the perfect choice for model train enthusiasts who want a modern and simple digital control
system.
It can be used for H0, TT as well as N-scale and with all track systems (only using DCC decoders).
It combines the advantages of a smartphone-control with the special requirements of the model train
hobby.

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2. System description
The mobile controller – PIKO SmartControl®
The wireless PIKO SmartController® gives you the ability to select and control trains, switches and
signals just by touching the high-resolution display with your ngertip.
Thanks to the Android operating system, the handling is as simple and intuitive as using your
smartphone.
Easy to understand symbols directly display the available functions. A big metal knob which you
could use with your eyes closed allows for precise speed control. As you switch to another loco it
will automatically readjust to the current loco’s speed. The mechanics will not be damaged if for any
reason the motion of the wheel is blocked.
You can enter names for switches and accessories in the same way you can name locos.
For easy separation of the different items you also can add symbols.
CV-programming and all system conguration can easily be managed with the touch display.
The controller can be easily charged via USB during breaks.
Notice:
The PIKO SmartController® can only be used in conjunction with the PIKO SmartBox®, that transfers
all commands for locos and accessories to the track.
You can use up to 32 PIKO SmartControl® devices with a PIKO SmartBox®.
PIKO SmartController® technical specication:
• Android OS 4.1.x.
• ARM CPU with >1 GHz clock speed, 512 MB RAM, 2 GB Flash ROM
• 3.2” TFT Display, 800x480 pixel resolution
• capacitive multi-touch panel with softkeys
• powered metal dial with end-stop and micro switch for changing direction
• 2 user customizable function buttons on each side
• USB port for software updates and battery charging
• powerful internal battery with 5 to 8 hours of battery life
• internal battery can be replaced by removing two screws
• 3.5 mm stereo headset port (microphone and headphone)
Features:
Controlling locos
• The internal database can hold more than 16,000 locomotives with individual names, symbols and up
to 28 functions per locomotive
Switches and accessories
More than 1,000 accessories or switches can be congured and controlled via graphical user interface
Consisting
Up to 4 locomotives per consist, the system creates the consist virtually

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2.1. The new system’s brain: the PIKO SmartBox®
The handheld PIKO SmartController® communicates with the PIKO SmartBox® via wireless LAN. The
SmartBox® connects to the track to supply both power and digital signals for trains and accessories. The
SmartBox®’s integrated 5A booster allows it to power even large layouts without problems.
Locomotives equipped with RailComPlus decoders will register automatically and will provide their
function key icons to the system. Thanks to RailComPlus, decoder settings can be modied on the main.
A separate programming track comes in handy when conguring other DCC-compliant decoders without
RailComPlus support.
For expanding layouts, additional boosters and occupancy detectors can be connected to the PIKO
SmartBox® without difculty. A PC running model railroad software can be connected to the system via
wired or wireless LAN. Multiple PIKO SmartControl® handsets can be used simultaneously with a single
PIKO SmartBox®.
If so desired, the PIKO SmartBox® can be integrated into your home network. This will make installing
updates especially easy.
All locos with RailCom Plus® supported decoders will be registrated automatically with their name, adress
and available functions. A seperate programming track helps to easily setup old decoders. By the help of
RailComPlus® it’s also possible to modify decoder setups on the main track.
The PIKO SmartBox® communicates with the PIKO SmartControl® over WiFi. The devices will connect
automatically. No further setups or downloads have to be done, no further equipment is required: All
necessary equipment is already included in the PIKO Premium Train Sets.
Attention:
For technical reasons only one PIKO SmartBox®can be used within WiFi range. You cannot
use two PIKO SmartBoxes®in the same room.
For using two PIKO SmartBoxes®with overlapping WiFi range please see chapter „5.3 /
additonal settings of the PIKO SmartBox®via the settings app”.

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PIKO SmartBox® technical specication:
DCC central station with RailComPlus*
• All DCC modes (14, 28, 128 speed steps, LGB serial), long and short addresses are supported
• Up to 16,384 locomotives can be congured and controlled
• Up to 28 individually assignable functions per locomotive
Wireless LAN receiver for the PIKO SmartController®*
• Supports simultaneous use of up to 32 wireless PIKO SmartController®
• Standalone mode: The PIKO SmartBox® will create a wireless network for the controllers, no internet
access
• Access point: The PIKO SmartBox® connects to your home network
• WLAN module for connecting to all common WLAN access points
• Compliant with all relevant IEEE WLAN standards. Suitable for use in America and Europe
Ethernet-Port*
• Connection to home network for software updates and computer interface
Integrated main track booster, up to 5 A output (adjustable)
• suitable for N, TT and H0 scale
Integrated programming track output for decoder programming
• full support of all DCC service mode commands
• import of all decoders used by PIKO to date (excludes old AnDi decoders!)
• import of locomotives possible
Loconet-T extension port**
• wired controllers
• occupancy detectors
**Please note: This function will follow per Update.
Power supply
• DC 5.5 mm / 2.1 mm socket for external regulated DC power supply
• low voltage monitoring and auto shut-off
* a detailed explanation of the terms used above can be found at the end of the manual

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2.2. PIKO SmartController®
Hardware
1 On / Off switch (top right)
2 Analog controller, motor-powered and with end-switch (top center)
3 Display
4 STOP-button (above display, right side, „Pause“-Symbol)
5 Status-LED (above display left)
6 Four function buttons (right and left side, each 2x)
7 3.5mm stereo headset port (below display left) for headset
8 Mini-USB-port (below display right) for PC connection (update / data) or charging
9 Lanyard-hook (centered below display)
The four function buttons on the sides are programmable, each can be assigned to a specic
function.
For more details about setting up the function buttons see “Getting started”
The motorized analog dial automatically adjusts to the current speed of the loco when setting the
speed on the display, taking over control of a loco or when changing direction.
„Stop / II“-button
The STOP-button is something like a panic switch for the PIKO SmartControl® system.
Depending on the delay which is setup in the menu, the button will react immediately or after 0,5
seconds pressing.
Power to the layout will be cut and the status-led switches from green to red. To restart the system just
press the button again.
Please note that the PIKO SmartBox® saves all state before the emergency power-off, as soon as you
restart the system all locos will start driving again and switches as well as accessories will keep their
prior position.
The status-led can also switch to red if you choose the option „act as main controller.“ In case the
connection between the PIKO SmartBox® and the PIKO SmartControl® is lost the system will do an
emergency power-off.
More details can be found under “Getting started”
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