Preferences

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Engine Driver is highly configurable. There are over 100 different items than can be changed to allow you customise your experience with Engine Driver.

Most configuration options are found in the Preferences which is accessed via the overflow menu, sometimes called a ‘hamburger menu’, which is normally three dots (⁞) or three bars (≡).

Advanced Preferences 

Show Advanced Preferences?

By default, only a small number of core preferences are displayed on the Preferences Screen.

If you enable this preference Engine Driver will immediately show all the additional preferences.

Device Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for the ‘whole’ of Engine Driver.

Throttle Name 

Use this to enter a unique name for your device/phone. The name will appear in the WiThrottle window in JMRI.

While not significant on a single user layout, having a name on the device can be useful in club or multi user environments, especially when trying to sort out issues.

Screen orientation 

There are four options to choose from:

Portrait
Landscape
Auto-Rotate
Auto-Web

Example	Theme
	Portrait
	Landscape
see above	Auto-Rotate will switch between Portrait and landscape when you rotate the screen
	Auto-Web will show the Web View Screen when you rotate the screen

Theme/Style 

Themes provide different colours and textures to the buttons, backgrounds, sliders etc. You can switch between different themes by changing this preference.

There are a number themes to choose from:

Original (Checker Plate)
High contrast
High contrast outline
Dark
Colourful
Neon Blue

Example	Theme
	Original theme
	High contrast theme Similar to the original theme, without the textured background with deeper blacks and brighter whites.
	High contrast Outline theme For people who like white text on a black background.
	Dark theme
	Colourful theme
	Neon Blue theme

Localisation 

Changing the Localisation primarily changes the language used in the menus, buttons and messages throughout Engine Driver.

For English, it also changes the railroad/railway terminology (e.g. Selecting ‘Use Phone’s global setting’ and having the device/phone set to ‘English (Australia)’ or ‘English (UK)’ results in the term ‘Points’ to be displayed rather than ‘Turnouts’ which is displayed when ‘English (US)’ is selected). And in the Preferences Screen and the Throttle Screen Layout selection preference (where ‘shunting’ is displayed rather than ‘switching’). This is not guaranteed to operate on all text on all screens.

Supported localisations are:

Use Phone’s global setting
- Will use any of the localisations below depending on what your system is set to it
This the default setting
English (US)
Engine Driver will default to this if no matching language is found for the previous option
English (AUS)
English (NZ)
English (UK)
Catalan
Czech
Italian
Japanese
Spanish
French (FR)
French (CA)
German (DE)
German (AT / CH / LI)
Portuguese

Left/Right Swipe Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for how left/right swipes work and which screens are available when you swipe left / right.

Disable full screen Swipe?

If this preference is enabled, only the Action Bar can be swiped to change screens. This is useful if you find it difficult to swipe left and right on either of the two Web Views without accidently changing screens.

Swipe through Web?

If this preference is enabled, the Web View Screen is included in the list of screens when swiping left/right between screens.

Swipe Through Turnouts/Points?

If this preference is enabled, the Turnouts/Points Screen is included in the list of screens when swiping left/right between screens.

Swipe through Routes?

If this preference is enabled, the Routes Screen is included in the list of screens when swiping left/right between screens.

Double Back Button to Exit?

If this preference is enabled, pressing the Android System Back button twice quickly from the Throttle Screen will exit the app.

Hide Instructional Hints 

If this preference is enabled, most of the less important ‘Toast’ message will not be shown.

Throttle Screen Appearance Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for the appearance of the Throttle Screen.

Throttle Screen Layout 

Layout Name	No. Throttles	Slider Orient.	Web View	Function Buttons	Throttle Control	Direction Buttons
Horizontal	1 - 3	H	✓	✓	0-100	✓
Vertical	2	V	✓	✓	0-100	✓
Big Buttons - Left	1	🗴	🗴	✓	0-100	✓
Big Buttons - Right	1	🗴	🗴	✓	0-100	✓
Vertical - Left	1	V	✓	✓	0-100	✓
Vertical - Right	1	V	✓	✓	0-100	✓
Vertical Shunting Vertical Switching	2	V	✓	✓	-100 - 0 - +100	🗴
Vertical Shunting - Left Vertical Switching - Left	1	V	✓	✓	-100 - 0 - +100	🗴
Vertical Shunting - Right Vertical Switching - Right	1	V	✓	✓	-100 - 0 - +100	🗴
Horizontal Shunting Horizontal Switching	1 - 3	H	✓	✓	-100 - 0 - +100	🗴
Simple (Tablet Recommended)	1 - 6	V	🗴	see note	0-100	✓
Tablet Switching Left Tablet Shunting Left	1 - 6	V	✓	✓	-100 - 0 - +100	🗴
Tablet Vertical Left	1 - 6	V	✓	✓	0-100	✓
Semi-Realistic Left	1	V	🗴	✓	0-100	✓

Example	Name
	Horizontal
	Vertical
	Big Buttons - Left
	Big Buttons - Right
	Vertical - Left
	Vertical - Right
	Vertical Switching Vertical Shunting
	Vertical Switching - Left Vertical Shunting - Left
	Vertical Switching- Right Vertical Shunting - Left
	Horizontal Switching Horizontal Shunting
	Simple
	Semi-Realistic

Notes:

The number is brackets after the Throttle Screen Layout name is the number of throttles that the layout can support.
The ‘Simple’ Throttle Screen Layout is designed to allow for up to 6 throttles simultaneously.
It is recommended that this be used on a tablet device, because of the screen real estate demands that 6 throttles requires.
When this Throttle Screen Layout is selected, the Number of Throttles preferences options is activated. You can then use this to restrict the number of throttles being displayed on the ‘Simple’ Throttle Screen Layout.
Also the Function Buttons Area size preferences options is activated. You can then use this to control how many Function Buttons are displayed with each throttle. By default, no Function buttons will be shown.
If you have selected In Phone Loco Sounds, then you may want to set this to three or four (for Mute, Bell and Whistle/Horn, Short Horn/whistle).

Engine Driver will automatically reload the Throttle Screen after closing the preferences screen.

Number of throttles 

This preference allows you to set how many throttles to display on the Throttle Screen. (Limited by the selected Throttle Screen Layout.)

Only available for the following Throttle Screen Layouts:

Horizontal (1-3)
Horizontal Shunting / Horizontal Switching (1-3)
Simple (1-6)

All other layouts will automatically change this preference to the fixed number for that particular layout.

Speed Slider and Buttons Preferences 

The following preferences allow you to adjust aspects of the Throttle Areas on the Throttle Screen.

Increase Slider/Speed Height?

If this preference is enabled, this preference will show a taller Slider, or Speed buttons, for throttles.

Only relevant for the following Throttle Screen Layouts:

Horizontal (1-3)
Horizontal Shunting / Horizontal Switching (1-3)

Throttle Speed Slider Margin 

If this preference is enabled, this changes the space between either the edge of the screen and the ends of the Slider, or if the Speed Buttons are enabled, the edge of the Speed Buttons and the ends of the Slider. Specific in pixels haw far to offset. This is useful if you find it difficult to get the zero or maximum speeds without accidently touching the Speed Buttons.

Only relevant for the following Throttle Screen Layouts:

Horizontal (1-3)
Horizontal Shunting / Horizontal Switching (1-3)

Display Speed buttons?

If this preference is enabled, Engine Driver will display buttons (++ and –) next to Speed Sliders to change loco speed.

Clicking the ++ button will increase the speed of the Locos(s) by a preset amount. Clicking the – button will increase the speed of the Locos(s) by a preset amount.

The amount the speed changes on each press can be changed with the Speed Button Change Amount preference. Note that this is independent of the Speed Button Change Amount (Volume) preference and the Speed Button Change Amount (Gamepad) preference.

Holding down a button will increase / decrease the speed continuously by the preset amount, in series of steps.

The time between steps can be changed with the Speed Button Repeat Delay preference. Note that this is independent of the Speed Button Repeat Delay (Gamepad) preference. But the Volume button repeat Delay is linked to it.

Hide Speed Slider?

If this preference is enabled, Engine Driver will not show speed slider, use speed buttons instead.

This option is not relevant for the following Throttle Screen Layouts as they cannot have a slider:

Big Buttons - Left
Big Buttons - Right

Hide Slider AND Speed Buttons?

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will show neither speed slider nor speed buttons.t

Only really of use on the ESU MCII

This option is not relevant for the following Throttle Screen Layouts as they cannot be without the Speed buttons:

Tick Marks on Speed Sliders?

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will show tick marks on the background of the Speed Sliders.

Switching throttle Dead Zone 

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will set the size of the dead zone, or detent, on the slider of the Switching/Shunting Throttle Screen. The larger the size, the easier it is to find Zero on the slider.

Only relevant to the following Throttle Screen layouts:

Stop Button Vertical Margins 

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will add the entered number of pixels to offset margins of the stop button from the speed buttons and bottom of screen. This is useful if you find it difficult to get the zero speeds on the vertical sliders without accidently touching the Stop Button.

Only relevant to the following Throttle Screen layouts:

Haptic Feedback (Vibration) Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for how and when the Device / Phone will vibrate on certain actions.

Haptic Feedback (Vibration)

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will the device / phone will provide Haptic feedback (vibrate) on speed changes.

Options:

None
Slider - Every Step
Slider - Skip some at 29, 100, 128 Steps

Haptic Feedback Duration 

You can use this preference to change the duration of each vibration (in milliseconds).

Haptic Feedback on Button Presses 

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will provide haptic feedback (vibrate) on button presses.

Direction Button Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for Direction Buttons.

Swap Direction buttons?

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will permanently swap the two Direction buttons for all throttles.

Long press Swap Direction buttons?

If this preferences is enabled, Engine Driver will temporarily swap the two Direction buttons, when you long press of either of the Direction buttons.

Direction button Long Press Delay 

This preference allows you to set how many milliseconds constitutes a long press for the direction buttons.

Left Direction button Label 

This preference allows to change the labels for all LEFT direction buttons.

Enter 'Forward' or blank for normal/default behaviour.

Right Direction button Label 

This preference allows to change the labels for all RIGHT direction buttons.

Enter 'Reverse' or blank for normal/default behaviour.

Short Left Direction button Label 

This preference allows to change the short labels for all LEFT direction buttons.

Enter ‘Fwd’ or blank for normal/default behaviour.

Short Right Direction button Label 

This preference allows to change the short labels for all RIGHT direction buttons.

Enter ‘Rev’ or blank for normal/default behaviour.

Decrease Loco No. height?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will use smaller buttons for the Loco Number, Speed and Direction buttons.

Loco Address instead of Name?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show loco DCC Address(es) instead of the Server Roster Name(s) on the Throttle Screen. It will ignore the Server Roster name for the Select button label.

This changes the button label only. It has no other functional effect.

Default Function Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for when and how the Default Function Labels are displayed.

Use default function labels?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will always display the Default Function Labels (configured inside Engine Driver) instead of labels from Server Roster entries. It will ignore the Server Roster for the Function button labels.

This changes the button labels only. It has no other functional effect.

Note

Also see the Default Function Screen for more information.

Number of Default Functions 

This preference is used to limit the number of Function Labels shown for selected locos that are not from the Server Roster, or where you have set the Use default function labels? preference.

Note

Also see the Default Function Screen for more information.

Number of Default Functions for Roster 

This preference is used to limit the number of Function Labels shown for Server Roster Entries that don’t have any function Labels configured.

Note

Also see the Default Function Screen for more information.

Hide function buttons on non-selected throttle?

If this preference is enabled, on the horizontal layouts the function buttons will be hidden for all bar the selected Volume throttle, indicated by a ‘v’.

When this preference is enabled, by default, to show the Function buttons of a different throttle you must click on the Speed indicator area of a throttle. You can set the Volume keys follow touch? preference to show the Function buttons on any touch of any buttons related to a throttle (except speed slider and speed buttons).

Note

The speed slider and speed buttons are explicitly excluded from the Volume keys follow touch? preference, as they could potentially ‘move’ on the screen as you are pressing them, causing unwanted/unexpected button presses.

Function Buttons Area size 

This preference is used to instruct Engine Driver to show some, or no, Function Buttons (0-4) below the Speed Slider the ‘Simple’ Throttle layout ONLY.

Only relevant to the following Throttle Screen layouts:

Simple

Throttle Web View Preferences 

The Throttle Web View is a smaller (approximately half page) Web browser window that will appear at the bottom of the Throttle Screen, and is difference to the main Web View Screen. The two are configured independently.

The following preferences provide options for options for Throttle Web View appearance.

Throttle Web View?

If this preference is enabled to other than ‘none’, Engine Driver will show a Web View area on the Throttle Screen which is essentially a Web Browser.

Options are:

none
Top
Bottom

‘Top’ and ‘Bottom’ refert to top or bottom of the Throttle Screen.

Larger Throttle Web View?

This preference is used to instruct Engine Driver to increase the Throttle Web View size to 60% for small screens

Initial throttle Web Page 

This preference is used to set the initial throttle Web Page (such as ‘/panel/’) for when the Throttle Web View first opens.

Enter the initial Web Page (such as ‘/panel’) for the Web View Screen

Note that this is different to the ‘Web View Screen’ initial Web Page which is set with the Initial Web Screen Page preference.

Swipe Up-Down Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for options for swipe up or down on the Throttle Screen.

Use Immersive Mode for Throttle view?

If this preference is enabled, Engine Driver will display the Throttle view full screen. The Navigation bar and the Status Bar will be hidden, Swiping down from off the screen will temporarily show them again.

Swipe down action in the Throttle view?

This preference is used to select what should happen when you swipe down on the Throttle Screen.

Options:

None
Hide Web View
(requires Throttle Web View? preference to be set)
Lock and Dim Screen
Dim Screen
Immersive Mode temporarily enable-disable
Switch Throttle Screen Layouts

Swipe up action in the Throttle screen?

This preference is used to select what should happen when you swipe up on the Throttle Screen.

Options:

None
Hide Web View
(requires Throttle Web View? preference to be set)
Lock and Dim Screen
Dim Screen
Immersive Mode temporarily enable-disable
Switch Throttle Screen Layouts

Screen Dimming % Value 

This preference is used to enter the brightness setting/level to use when dimming the screen (0%-99%). Disables Auto or Adaptive Brightness if set.

Requires that one of the following preferences is enabled to Lock and Dim Screen or Dim Screen to have any effect:

Swipe down action in the Throttle view?
Swipe up action in the Throttle screen?
Accelerometer (Shake) Preferences

Accelerometer (Shake) Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for options for what happens when you shake your device / phone while on the Throttle Screen.

Shake Action 

This preference is used to select what happens when you shake your device phone.

Options:

None
Hide Web View
(requires Throttle Web View? preference to be set)
Lock and Dim Screen
Dim Screen
Immersive Mode temporarily enable-disable
Switch Throttle Screen Layouts

Shake Threshold 

This preference is used to enter the threshold level at which the shake will register. (1.5 - 3.5) Lower value will respond to a gentle action. Requires restart of engine Driver after changing to take effect.

Background Image Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for showing a background image on the Throttle Screen.

Background Image 

This preference is used to have Engine Driver show a background image on the Throttle Screen, as long as one is selected in the Background Image File Name preference.

Background Image File Name 

This preference is used to select a image file that will be used as the background o the Throttle Screen. This has no effect unless the Background Image preference is enabled.

Clicking on this preference launches your image chooser app. As this can be different on different devices / manufacturers, it is impossible to describe the required steps here. In general, use the app’s navigation features to find the image you want and select it.

Note: You can install additional apps to do the same job for the Play Store.

Background Image Position 

This preference is used to select how the background image will be positioned and/or resized on the screen.

Options include:

Fit - Shrink/expand
Fill - Crop one edge pair
Center - No scaling
Fit - Shrink only
Fill - Distort if needed

Fit - Shrink/expand

Using this option will cause the image to be:
- proportionally reduced in size in too big to fit the screen, such that the image fills the screen in at least one dimension
- proportionally increased in size in too small to fill the screen, such that the image fills the screen in at least one dimension
Fill - Crop one edge pair

Using this option will cause the image to be:
- proportionally reduced in size in too big to fit the screen, such that the image will be cropped on either the top/bottom or the sides, so that the image fills the screen
- proportionally increased in size in too small to fill the screen, such that the image will be cropped on either the top/bottom or the sides, so that the image fills the screen
Center - No scaling

Using this option will cause the image to be centred on the screen. It will not be either shrunk or expanded.

Fit - Shrink only

Using this option will cause the image to be proportionally reduced in size in too big to fit the screen, such that the image fills the screen in at least one dimension. If it to smaller than the screen in both dimensions it will not be resized.

Fill - Distort if needed

Using this option will cause the image to be forcibly:
- reduced in size in too big to fit the screen, distorting the image if needed to fill the entire screen in both dimensions
- increased in size in too small to fill the screen, distorting the image if needed to fill the entire screen in both dimensions

Semi-Realistic Throttle Preferences 

Refer to Preference Settings for the SRT for information on the SRT.

Acceleration Speed Step Repeat Delay 

This preference adjusts how long between acceleration speed steps repeats (in milliseconds).

Smaller is faster.

This setting (combined with the Speed Step Amount) is used to provide a basic level of SRT create momentum to loco movement.
Think of it providing a smoothing function to the speed control (given that the Load settings will be the primary means of determining major impacts on train performance)
The default settings provide a moderate momentum.
To effectively turn off this basic SRT momentum (and rely entirely on the decoder momentum),
- set the delay time to 100,
- step amount to 40.

Deceleration Speed Step Repeat Delay 

This preference adjusts how long between deceleration speed steps repeats (in milliseconds).

Smaller is faster.

Note

See description of the SRT throttle and speed changes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Speed Step Amount 

This preference adjusts how much the actual speed step jumps each step to the target speed.

Larger is faster.

Note

See description of the SRT throttle and speed changes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Maximum Throttle Percentage (SRT)

This preference adjusts the maximum allowed slider value in % in ALL throttle sliders in ALL Throttle Screen types.

Note

See description of the SRT throttle and speed changes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Throttle Notches 

This preference adjusts how the Throttle slider is displayed. Either as a percentage, or by a specific number of steps/notches*

Note

See description of the SRT throttle and speed changes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Stop Button Action 

This preference adjusts what the Stop button does.

Options are:

Throttle to Zero
- Has the same effect as selecting step zero on the throttle slider.
- The commanded speed to the decoder will decrease slowly to zero based on the basic momentum setting of the SRT, the SRT Load setting and the SRT brake setting.
- In other words, in this case Stop brings the loco to a stop under full control of the SRT features.
Throttle to Zero + Full Brake
- As above with the addition that the SRT Brake goes to its maximum setting (as defined in the Maximum Brake Percentage preference).
Speed to Zero
- The commanded speed to the decoder goes to zero.
- In effect this overrides the SRT basic momentum settings, the SRT Load setting and the SRT Brake setting if the Decoder Brake Type option is NOT active.
- The loco will decelerate based on the decoder momentum (i.e. CV4) and any decoder functions set up in the Decoder Brake Levels option will be activated depending on the position of the Brake.
Speed to Zero + Brake to Zero
- The commanded speed to the decoder goes to zero and the SRT Brake goes to zero.
- The loco will decelerate based on the decoder momentum (and any other decoder functions activated by the operator).

These stop options allow the user to control the deceleration of their train in a variety of ways when using braking. The user can choose to use the SRT momentum and braking, or choose to use the decoder momentum and braking. The advantage of the later approach for some users will be that the sound production of a sound decoder that is determined by the momentum/speed in the decoder is fully preserved.

Note

See description of the SRT Air Brakes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Number of Brake Steps 

This preference adjusts the number of steps in the Brake Slider. It affects the display of the Brake control.

Notes:

The percentage Brake applied at each step is annotated on the brake view
The amount of brake per step increases exponentially.

Note

See description of the SRT Air Brakes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Maximum Brake Percentage 

This preference adjusts the maximum percentage of the Brake slider. (5-100%) 100%=immediate zero

Note: Setting the Maximum Brake to 100% will result in the unrealistic speed drop to zero almost immediately, if the Brake is dragged to the top of the slider.

Note

See description of the SRT Air Brakes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Disable the Air Reservoir 

If this preference checked the fill state of the air reservoir and air will not impact available brakes.

Note

See description of the SRT Air Brakes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Rate the air brakes refresh 

This preference adjusts the rate that the Air Brakes will refresh/refill (in milliseconds).

Smaller is faster.

Note

See description of the SRT Air Brakes on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Number of Load Steps 

This preference adjusts the number of steps in the Load Slider. It affects the display of the Load control.

Notes:

The Load applied at each step is annotated on the Load view
The amount of Load per step increases exponentially.

Note

See description of the SRT Load Slider on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Maximum Load Percentage 

This preference adjusts the maximum percentage of the Load Slider.

(100-2000%) 100% = loco alone

Note

See description of the SRT Load Slider on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder Brake Type 

This preference sets whether or not to activate the Brake functions on the decoder.

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder Low Function Number(s)

This preference sets which Decoder Function(s) to activate at Low Brake Value.

(-1 to ignore)

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder Low Brake Value (Percent)

This preference sets what Percentage Brake to activate the Low Function(s)

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder Mid Function Number(s)

This preference sets which Decoder Function(s) to activate at Mid Brake Value.

(-1 to ignore)

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder Mid Brake Value (Percent)

This preference sets what Percentage Brake to activate the Mid Function(s)

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder High Function Number(s)

This preference sets which Decoder Function(s) to activate at High Brake Value.

(-1 to ignore)

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder braking on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Decoder High Brake Value (Percent)

This preference sets the Percentage Brake to activate the High Function(s).

Note

See description of the SRT integration with decoder on the Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) page.

Throttle Screen Action Bar Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for showing additional buttons on the Action Bar, primarily at the top of the Throttle Screen though some will show on many screens.

Emergency Stop button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display an Emergency Stop button in Action Bar of most of the Main Screens.

Clicking this button will attempt to quickly stop all locos controlled by the device / phone. Locos controlled by other people/devices are not stopped.

Layout Power button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display a Layout Power button in Action Bar of most of the Main Screens.

Clicking this button will turn on/off the power to the track. The colour of the button will change colour:

‘Amber’ = unknown state
‘Red’ = Power is Off
‘Green’ = Power is On

Flashlight button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display a Flashlight button in action bar of the Throttle Screen.

Clicking this button will turn on/off the Device’s camera light.

This preference will be disabled (unable to be set) if the device does not have a camera.

Fast Clock Display 

Use this preference to set the format for Fast Clock display in action bar:

none
12 Hour format
24 Hour format

Throttle Web View button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display a button in action bar of the Throttle Screen to show/hide Throttle Web View. Requires Throttle Web View? preference to be enabled.

Clicking this button will show / hide the Throttle Web View on the Throttle Screen.

Note: If the Throttle Web View? preference is not enabled the button will do nothing.

Layout Switch Button Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for an optional button on the Action Bar to switch Throttle Screen layouts.

Show Layout Switch button?

Enabling this preference shows the Throttle Layout Switch button in the Throttle Screen Action Bar to allow quick changing between to preset Throttle Layouts.

Clicking on this button will immediately change the layout of the Throttle Screen between the layouts select in the First Screen Layout and Second Screen Layout preferences.

Cycle Through All Layouts?

Enabling this preference will change the Layout Switch Button such that it will cycle through every Throttle Layout, not just the two below.

First Screen Layout 

This preference allows you to select one of the two Layouts that the Layout Switch Button will switch between. (This throttle layout and the next preference.)

Ignored in Cycle Through All Layouts? is enabled.

Note

See the Throttle Screen Layout preference for the available options.

Second Screen Layout 

This preference allows you to select one of the two Layouts that the Layout Switch Button will switch between. (This throttle layout and the previous preference.)

Ignored in Cycle Through All Layouts? is enabled.

Note

See the Throttle Screen Layout preference for the available options.

In phone sounds button 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show an action bar button on the Throttle Screen to easily change the in phone loco sounds options.

Clicking the button shows the In Phone Loco Sounds Screen.

Show Server Description 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display the description of the current server on the Action Bar.

App Icon button?

This preference allows you to select what the App icon will do when pressed.

None - Do nothing (Default)
Emergency Stop - Will do the same as pressing the Emergency Stop button.

DCC-EX button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver to show an additional button on the Action Bar that allows you to quickly to the DCC-EX Screen.

Refer to this page additional information.

Throttle Control Preferences 

The following preferences provide options for how the throttle on the Throttle Screen will behave.

Speed Units 

Use this preference to change how the speed is displayed and functions on all the throttles on the Throttle Screen.

Options:

Percent 0 - 100%

Auto Speed steps

8 steps

10 steps

14 steps

28 steps

128 steps

Note that the Speed button Change Amount preference will work in whatever units that you choose here.

Maximum throttle Percentage 

This preference allows you to set the maximum allowed throttle slider value in % on all the throttles on the Throttle Screen.

Maximum throttle Change 

This preference allows you to set the Maximum allowed throttle change in % on all the throttles on the Throttle Screen.

This is used when a slider touched and held.

If the difference (as a percentage) between the current speed and the touched speed is greater than this value, the speed will change gradually (in steps) by the amount in the Speed button Change Amount preference, until the speed equals the touched speed.

If the difference is less than the value in this preference, the speed will change immediately to the touched speed.

Speed button Change Amount 

This preference allows you to set how much the Speed buttons jump/change the speed.

Note that this works in the units chosen in the Speed Units preference. i.e. If your Speed Units are ‘8 Steps’ and your Speed button change amount is ‘4’ then just two click will get you from zero to 100% speed.

Speed button Repeat Delay 

Use this preference to change how long between repeats on speed buttons. Smaller is faster. Excludes gamepad buttons.

Note that this is independent of the equivalent gamepad preference. (Speed button Repeat Delay (gamepad))

Speed step on Decrement?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will force the Speed button Change Amount to be used when long pressing a lower speed on the slider. If not enabled, the speed will immediately jump to the touched speed.

Stop on Phone call?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will stop all loco(s) controlled by the device /phone when a phone call is answered or placed.

Direction change while moving?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will allow you to change the direction of the locos controlled by a throttle to instantly change direction. i.e. Both directions buttons are allows available.

Stop on direction change?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will stop the locos controlled by a throttle if you click the opposite direction while the loco(s) are moving. Effectively this means that the ‘opposite’ direction will (also) act like a stop button.

‘Limit Speed’ & ‘Pause’ button Preferences 

These preferences allow for additional buttons to appear in the Function Button area of each Throttle on the Throttle Screen, but are not related to DCC Functions.

Show ‘Limit Speed’ button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show a Limit Speed button in all the throttles in the Throttle Screen.

When clicked, Engine Driver will temporarily restrict the maximum speed on the individual throttle. The speed that it limits to is set with the ‘Limit Speed’ button preference.

‘Limit Speed’ button 

This preference is used to set the amount, as a percentage (%), of the throttle that the speed will be temporarily limited to when you click the Limit Speed button.

Note: If the Show ‘Limit Speed’ button? preference is not enabled this has no effect.

Show ‘Pause’ button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show a Pause button in all the throttles in the Throttle Screen.

When clicked, Engine Driver will gradually slow and stop the loco(s) of a throttle. When pressed again Engine Driver will return the loco(s) to original speed.

‘Pause’ button Rate 

This preference is used to set the number of milliseconds between speed step changes for the Pause action.

Only relevant is the Show ‘Pause’ button? preference is enabled.

‘Pause’ button Step 

This preference is used to set amount, as a percentage (%), of the throttle that the speed will change by (step) each time after the Pause is clicked.

Only relevant is the Show ‘Pause’ button? preference is enabled.

Consist Function Follow Preferences 

These preferences allow for change the way DCC functions will behave in a Consist / Multiple Unit unit train.

Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style 

Which style of rules to follow in a consist when function buttons are pressed.

The Consist Function Follow feature provides comprehensive control over which loco(s) in a Consist / Multiple Unit is sent Function commands.

Options:

Simple text matching (original)
Complex text matching - Lead loco always activated, Trail follows rules below
Special Exact - Lead and All Trail activated if they exactly match the function labels
Special Partial - Lead and All Trail activated if they partially match the function labels

Note: If Use Default function labels? is enabled, ‘Special Exact’ and/or ‘Special Partial’ will also apply to the lead (or only) loco.

Note

See the Consist Function Follow page for detailed information on the different rule types and how to use them.

Selective Lead Unit Sound?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will send Horn/Bell functions to only the Lead unit in an EngineDriver consist (mu).

(Only/any function with a ‘label’ that includes ‘bell’, ‘horn’ or ‘whistle’ as part of the label.)

Always treat F1 as Sound?

If this preference is enabled, F1 one is always treated as a sound and is always propagated to all locos in a consist.

Only relevant if the Selective Lead Unit Sound? preference is enabled.

This preference is ignored if ‘Complex’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Always treat F2 as Sound?

If this preference is enabled, F2 one is always treated as a sound and is always propagated to all locos in a consist.

Only relevant if the Selective Lead Unit Sound? preference is enabled.

This preference is ignored if ‘Complex’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

If All matches Fail Action 

Which locos in the consist should react to the function buttons if none of the rules below are meet.

For the ‘Complex’ option only. This preference is ignored if ‘Simple’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Note

Also see the Consist Function Follow page for information on the different rule types and how to use them.

Headlight specific String 1 

Comma separated string(s) to look for in the function labels of the locos in the consist to recognise the 'Headlight' function (normally F0).

For the ‘Complex’ option only. This preference is ignored if ‘Simple’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Note

Also see the Consist Function Follow page for information on the different rule types and how to use them.

Headlight specific Action 1 

Which locos in the consist should react to the found headlight functions.

For the ‘Complex’ option only. This preference is ignored if ‘Simple’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Each ‘action’ can be one of:

Lead Loco - Partial Match
Lead+Trail Locos - Partial Match
All Locos - Partial Match
Lead Loco - Exact Match
Lead+Trail Locos - Exact Match
All Locos - Exact Match

Note:

‘Lead+Trail’ refers to the first and last locos in the Consist / Multiple Unit train.
i.e. If there are only two locos, then ‘Lead+Trail Locos’ will give the same result as ‘All Locos’.
If more than two, then ‘Lead+Trail’ will give a different result. The locos in the middle will not receive the function.

Note

Also see the Consist Function Follow page for information on the different rule types and how to use them.

String 2, 3, 4, 5 

For the ‘Complex’ option only. This preference is ignored if ‘Simple’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Note

Also see the Consist Function Follow page for information on the different rule types and how to use them.

Action for String 2, 3, 4, 5 

This applies to Action for String 2, Action for String 3, Action for String 4, Action for String 5.

For the ‘Complex’ option only. This preference is ignored if ‘Simple’ or ‘Special’ options are selected in the ‘Consist Functions - Follow Rule Style’ preference.

Note

Also see the Consist Function Follow page for information on the different rule types and how to use them.

Additional Throttle Control Source Preferences 

Engine Driver allows for methods, other than the touch screen, to control locos. The following preferences allow you change options relating to these.

Volume Button Preferences 

Engine Driver will allow you to use the device/phone’s hardware Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to control speed. The following preferences allow you change options relating to these.

Speed button Change Amount (Volume)

This preference allows you to set the amount, as a percentage (%), of the throttle that the speed will change by (step) each time the device/phone’s hardware Volume Up and Volume Down buttons are clicked.

Only relevant is the Disable Volume keys? preference is DISABLED.

Disable Volume keys?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will DISABLE the hardware Volume keys on the phone/tablet that would otherwise control speed

If this preference is DISABLED, Engine Driver will allows you to use the device/phone’s hardware Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to control speed of the selected loco (indicated by a ‘v’ in the Speed Amount area of the Throttle.

Volume keys follow touch?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will the Volume keys speed control to follow the last touched throttle. Otherwise you need to touch the speed amount area of a Throttle to change the Volume keys to control that throttle.

Gamepad Preferences 

Engine Driver will allows you to use the inexpensive gamepads to control speed. The following preferences allow you change options relating to these (if connected).

Note

See the Gamepad Operation page page for more information on using gamepads.

Gamepad type 

Engine Driver supports the following gamepad types and modes:

None = disable gamepad support
Mocute iCade
Mocute iCade+DPAD
Mocute MTK
Mocute Android-Game
VRBOX/Android- A Mode
VRBOX/Android- A Mode - DPAD rotated
VRBOX/Android- C Mode
VRBOX/Android- C Mode - DPAD rotated
VRBOX/iOS- C Mode
VRBOX/iOS- C Mode - DPAD rotated
MagicseeR1 Android-Game B
Flydigi Wee 2
Utopia 360 Android-C
ESP32 DIY (4x4 Keypad +Encoder)
ESP32 DIY (3x4 Keypad +Encoder)
Keyboard

Choose the option that best supports your gamepad, ‘None’ to disable gamepad support.

Note

See the Gamepads page page for more information on selecting a gamepad.

Only One Gamepad?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will NOT check for multiple gamepads. Any additional gamepads will all control the same throttle.

Test Gamepad settings now!

This preference allows you to confirm that the chosen setting are working correctly. The Gamepad Test screen will launch IMMEDIATELY on selection.

Note: that you may need to repeat the test process when you return to the Throttle Screen and use the gamepad for the first time.

Speed button Change Amount (Gamepad)

This preference allows you to set how much each press of the Gamepad buttons changes the throttle speed

Use this preference to set the amount, as a percentage (%), of the throttle that the speed will change by (step) each time a gamepad’s buttons are pressed.

Only relevant is the Gamepad Type preference is set to other than ‘None’ and you have configured any of the gamepad’s buttons to speed up or down.

Gamepad Button Click Volume %

This preference allows you to set the volume, as a percent, for gamepad button clicks.

Speed button Repeat Delay (gamepad)

This preference allows you to set how long, in milliseconds, between repeats on Gamepad speed buttons. Smaller is faster.

Gamepad button action <!– X –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the X button on the gamepad.

Note: depending on the gamepad type you are using, this may have a different label and or location.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad button action <!– Y –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the Y button on the gamepad.

Note: depending on the gamepad type you are using, this may have a different label and or location.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad button action <!– A –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the A button on the gamepad.

Note: depending on the gamepad type you are using, this may have a different label and or location.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad button action <!– B –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the B button on the gamepad.

Note: depending on the gamepad type you are using, this may have a different label and or location.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad button action <!– Start(Lower) –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the Start(lower) button on the gamepad.

Note: depending on the gamepad type you are using, this may have a different label and or location.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad button action <!– Return(Upper) –>

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the Return (Upper) button on the gamepad.

Gamepad DPAD Up action 

Choose the action when you press the DPAD Up on the gamepad.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad DPAD Right action 

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the DPAD Right on the gamepad.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad DPAD Down action 

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the DPAD Down` on the gamepad.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Gamepad DPAD Left action 

This preference allows you to set the action that Engine Driver will perform when you press the DPAD Left` on the gamepad.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Swap Direction buttons with Screen buttons?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will will swap the two Gamepad Direction buttons if the Screen Direction buttons are swapped.

Note

This is only relevant if the Swap Direction buttons? preference and/or the Long press Swap Direction buttons? preference is enabled.

Enforce Gamepad Testing?

If this preference is enabled you will be forced to test each gamepad every time they are connected.

Use Simple Test?

If this preference is enabled, when a gamepad is used for the first time in a session, you will only test that you can reduce speed, not have to test all eight standard buttons. (Normally the DPAD Down.)

ESU MobileControl II Options 

The following preferences allow you to change the way a ESU MobileControl II behaves (if connected).

Device Stop button options 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Device Stop button on a ESU MobileControl II behaves (if connected).

Stop Button long-press delay 

Use this preference to adjust how long a ‘long-press’ is required to be considered a long press for the Stop button.

A ‘long-press’ stops all active throttles; a ‘short-press’ pauses the current throttle. Smaller is faster.

Enable Short Press 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will respond to a ‘short-press’ to pause the currently controlled loco/consist. It ill revert to original speed when operations resume.

Device side button options 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Device Side button on a ESU MobileControl II behaves (if connected).

Top-left button action 

This preference allows you to choose the action when you press the Top-left button.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Bottom-left button action 

This preference allows you to choose the action when you press the Bottom-left button.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Top-right button action 

This preference allows you to choose the action when you press the Top-right button.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Bottom-right button action 

This preference allows you to choose the action when you press the Bottom-right button.

Note

See the Configuring the buttons section of the Gamepads page for information on the available options.

Button repeat delay 

This preference allows you to adjust how long is required between repeats on device side buttons. Smaller is faster.

Control Knob options 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Control Knob on a ESU MobileControl II behaves (if connected).

Control Knob Zero Trim 

This preference allows you to set the Control Knob zero trim setting. Smaller is closer to counter-clockwise end-stop position. Permitted range 0-255.

Direction Change at end-stop 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will allow the Loco to change direction when the control knob is at counter-clockwise end-stop position.

Show disable Knob button 

Enable this preference to allow the control knob to be disabled by an action button on the Throttle Screen

Additional selected loco Indicator 

If this preference is enabled additional highlights of the Loco Select button is displayed.

Options include:

None
Both Volume and Gamepad 1
Gamepad 1 only

Voice Response Preferences 

Engine Driver can ‘speak’ certain events, most related to the use of the gamepads, where you may not be looking at the screen. These can also be helpful for the visually challenged. This is also referred to as ‘Text to Speech’ (TTS).

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Voice Responses behave.

Voice Response 

This preference allows you to configure when Engine Driver should speak using Text to Speech (TTS).

Note: Effectively it is either ‘on’ or ‘off’, and you can use the following preferences to control what is actually spoken.

Options include:

none
Key Events Only

On Gamepad Throttle change 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will speak when you select a different throttle on the gamepad.

Options include:

None
Throttle
Throttle + Loco
Throttle + Speed
Throttle + Loco + Speed

On Gamepad Speeds 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will speak when the speed hits certain speeds when using a gamepad.

Speeds that will be spoken are:

None
Zero and Max
Zero and (Max + Speed)

Note that third option is mainly relevant when using the optional Limit Speed button where the ‘Max’ speed may not be 100%.

On Gamepad Test start 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will speak when the gamepad test screen is launched.

On Gamepad Test complete 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will speak when the gamepad test screen is successfully finished.

Note that what constitutes a successful finish of the test will change depending on the Use Simple Test? preference.

On Gamepad Test key press 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will speak when each buttons is pressed in the gamepad test screen. Engine Driver will speak the name of the button and the function assigned to it.

Select Loco Preferences 

The following preferences affect how the Select button appears and behaves.

Stop on Release?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will stop a loco(s) when it released from a throttle.

Drop Loco before acquire?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will Drop and release the current loco before acquiring new loco. i.e A throttle can only control one loco at a time. i.e. It is not possible to create an on-the-fly (in-phone) Consist / Multiple Unit train.

Allow loco select while moving?

If this preference is enabled the Select button is Disabled if the loco(s) is moving. i.e. It is not possible to Select (add or remove) locos if they are moving.

Default Address Length 

This preference is used to set the default Loco Address Length.

Auto will set the length based on if the Address entered. If it is less that 127, Engine Driver will assume it ‘Short’ Address. 127 an higher will default to ‘Long’.

Options

Short
Long
Auto

Roster in Recent Locos?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will include Server Roster selections in Recent Locos list.

Roster Names in Recent Locos?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will include Loco names from the Server Roster in Recent list in the Loco Select Screen screen.

Maximum Recent Locos 

This preference is used to set the maximum number of Recent Locos to show in the Recent Locos list on the Loco Select screen.

Control consist Lights on long click 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will allow you to change the Lights of the individual locos in a Consist with a long click on the Loco Select button. You will be taken to the Consist Lights Edit Screen.

Note this only will work while the Select button is Enabled. If the Allow loco select while moving? preference is disabled, the Select button is Disabled while the throttle is greater than zero.

Filter Roster 

Enter text into this preference to only show Server Roster entries with names containing that text only.

Note

Note this is that same as entering text in the filter field on the Select Loco Screen. i.e. changing it here will change it there and vice-versa.

Filter Roster by Roster Owner 

Only show roster entries containing the specified text.

Roster Sort Order 

This preference allows you to select the order that the roster entries will appear, by default, each time you start Engine Driver.

Options are:

Name
ID (DCC Address)
Position (the order they are received from the Command Station/Server)

Always use function labels from server 

If this preference is disabled, Engine Driver will use the default labels for locos selected by address (not Roster), ignoring server default labels.

In Phone Loco Sounds 

Important

The IPLS feature of Engine Driver uses the Notification features of Android, not the Media Player features.

That means that, at the Android system level, the volume is controlled by the ‘Ring and Notification volume’ not the ‘Media volume’.

Engine Driver can play synchronised loco sounds through the speaker of your Android device/phone, or through BlueTooth speakers connected to your device/phone.

There is built in Support for a number of different type of locos:

Steam - 4 in-built profiles
Diesel - 3 in-built profiles
Plus you can create you own Custom profiles

The following preferences provide options for the In Phone Loco Sounds (IPLS).

Note

For additional information see the In Phone Loco Sounds (IPLS) section of the Operations page.

Throttle 1 Loco Sounds 

This preference allows you to select which profile of loco sounds in the phone for locos controlled by Throttle 1 on the Throttle Screen.

Options include:

Generic Steam (Fast)
Generic Steam (Slow)
Steam (Class 64)
Steam (Class 94)
Diesel (EMD 645 Turbo)
Diesel (GE 7FDL)
Diesel (EMD NW2)
+ any custom .IPLS files loaded on the Device/Phone

Throttle 2 Loco Sounds 

This preference allows you to select which profile of loco sounds in the phone for locos controlled by Throttle 2 on the Throttle Screen (if the chosen Throttle Screen layout supports more than one throttle).

Options include:

Generic Steam (Fast)
Generic Steam (Slow)
Steam (Class 64)
Steam (Class 94)
Diesel (EMD 645 Turbo)
Diesel (GE 7FDL)
Diesel (EMD NW2)
+ any custom .IPLS files loaded on the Device/Phone

Additional Preferences 

The following preferences provide additional options for how the In Phone Loco Sounds behave.

In Phone Momentum 

Engine Driver can’t tell the actual speed of your loco, only the throttle setting. This is most apparent when the loco has momentum configured in the decoder. This preference allows you to approximate the momentum of your loco for the IPLS in Engine Driver.

Enter a delay (momentum) per step change in milliseconds (0-2000).

Don’t clip loco step sounds 

If this preference is enabled, the Loco step sounds will play till their end, before changing step. The In Phone Momentum amount (above) becomes a minimum time only.

In Phone Loco Sounds Volume 

This preference allows you to set the volume for Loco/Engine sounds in the phone (1-100) when using the In Phone Loco Sounds (IPLS). This is a percentage of the media volume you have set for you Android Device/Phone (outside of Engine Driver).

In Phone Bell Sounds Volume 

This preference allows you to set the volume for Bell sounds in the phone (1-100) when using the In Phone Loco Sounds (IPLS). This is a percentage of the media volume you have set for you Android Device/Phone (outside of Engine Driver).

In Phone Horn/Whistle Sounds Volume 

This preference allows you to set the volume for Horn/Whistle sounds in the phone (1-100) when using the In Phone Loco Sounds (IPLS). This is a percentage of the media volume you have set for you Android Device/Phone (outside of Engine Driver).

Bell button Latching/Momentary 

If this preference is enabled, the Bell button will be momentary (not latching). i.e. That the Bell sound will only play while the button is being clicked. As apposed the default state where the Bell starts playing on the first press and stops in the next click.

F1 and F2 activate Bell and Horn?

If this preference is enabled, F1 and F2 DCC Functions also activate the IPLS Bell and Horn.

i.e. The Bell and Horn/Whistle (long) can be activated by the DCC Function buttons (F1 and F2) if the the preference is enabled.

Connect Preferences 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Connection Screen appears and behaves.

Maximum Recent Connections 

This preference allows you to set the maximum number of Recent Connections to show in list on the Connection Screen.

Auto-Connect to WiThrottle Server?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will connect automatically to the ‘first’ WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server discovered each time you start|ed|. This will effectively bypass the Connection Screen.

Hide Demo Server 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will hide the Demo Server (‘jmri.mstevetodd.com’) in the connection list on the Connection Screen.

Initial Connection Timeout 

This preference allows you to set the initial connection timeout in milliseconds.

Socket Timeout 

This preference allows you to set the socket read timeout in milliseconds.

Mobile Data connection?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will allow your device to connect to JMRI, or any WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server, using your phone’s Mobile Data.

Note

See the Using Mobile Data instead of WiFi section of the WiFi Issues page for more information on the use of this preference.

Feedback on Disconnect 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will play a sound (Audible alert) and will vibrate if there is an unexpected disconnection from the WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server.

Note

See the Disconnections section of the WiFi Issues page if you are having consistent disconnections.

Show WiThrottle PoM Page 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show and additional item in the menu Menu ‣ DCC-EX CV Prog on MAIN.

This additional menu option allows you to program CVs in decoders on the main (Operation mode programming) on some systems / DCC Command Stations.

Note

See the WiThrottle - Programming on the Main Screen for more information.

Background Alert 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will play a sound (Audible alert) when the app is sent to the background.

Note

See the Pushing the app to the Background section of the Operation - Details Instructions page for more information.

DCC-EX EX-CommandStation Preferences 

Use Native DCC-EX commands 

This preference tells Engine Driver which protocol to use when connecting to the Command Station/Server.

Options:

Yes
No
Auto

If this preference is set to Yes, Engine Driver will attempt to connect to all DCC Command Station using the Native DCC-EX Protocol not the WiThrottle Protocol.

Engine Driver can then ONLY connect to a DCC-EX EX-CommandStation. Using this with any other brand of DCC Command Station Or JMRI will cause Engine Driver to fail to connect.

When enabled, this provides additional features specific the DCC-EX EX-CommandStation.

Refer to this page for details on how to use the Engine Driver features that are only available when using the Native DCC-EX Protocol when connecting to a DCC-EX EX-CommandStation.

If this preference is set to No, Engine Driver will attempt to connect to all DCC Command Station using the WiThrottle Protocol.

If this preference is set to Auto, Engine Driver will attempt to connect to all any DCC Command Station with “DCC-EX” or “DCCEX” in the server name, or any server with a port of 2560, using the Native DCC-EX Protocol. All other DCC Command Stations, it will connect using the WiThrottle Protocol.

Show protocol option 

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show an additional question on the Connection Screen which allows you to easily change the Use Native DCC-EX command preference when connecting to different brands of DCC Command Station.

Refer to this page additional information.

Web Screen Preferences 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Web View Screen behaves.

Web Screen Orientation 

This preference allows you to select the orientation for the Web View Screen.

Options include:

Portrait
Landscape
Auto-Rotate

Initial Web Screen Page 

This preference allows you to enter the initial Web Page (such as ‘/panel’) for the Web View Screen. i.e. The page that will open the first time you open the Web View Screen, for each session that you use Engine Driver.

Note that this is different/separate to the ‘Throttle Web View’ initial Web Page which is set with the Initial throttle Web Page preference.

Turnouts/Points and Routes Preferences 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Turnouts/Points behave.

Hide Sys Route Names?

If this preference is enabled, the ‘system names’ for the Routes are not shown in the Routes List. This is a cosmetic change only and can be used to save space on ‘Route list’.

Location Delimiter 

The ‘Turnout/Points List’ and the ‘Routes List’ can be filtered. The filtering relies on the idea that the first part of every Turnout/Point name and every Route name is a ‘Location’, followed by a common separator, then the actual name for the Turnout/Point or Route name. The ‘filter’ then allows you to select one of those locations and Engine Driver can just show the Turnout/Points or Routes at the ‘Location’.

This preference allows you to set the character that marks the end of the Location portion of Turnout/Point and Route names. By default it is a colon (“:”) but any character can be used.

Hide if no user name?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will omit any Turnout/Point/Route from list if the user name is empty.

Turnouts/Points Sort Order 

Order that the Turnouts entries will appear, by default, each time you start Engine Driver

Options are:

Name
ID
Position (The order they were received from the Command Station/Server)

Routes Sort Order 

Order that the Routes entries will appear, by default, each time you start Engine Driver

Options are:

Name
ID
Position (The order they were received from the Command Station/Server)

Always Show Throw/Close?

If this preference is enabled, Engine Driver will always show both the Throw and Close buttons for Turnouts/Points, never the Toggle button.

Children’s (Timer) Preferences 

Engine Driver provides options for time controlled running. This was originally intended for providing a way to have children have a fair share of the use of a loco, but can be used for timed control for any purpose.

Note

See the Children’s Timer page for more information on how to use the timer.

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Children’s (Timer) behave.

Time limited running 

This preference allows you to restrict the amount of time that the loco will run.

Options:

Disabled
1 minute
2 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Run complete Should not be manually selected - used by Engine Driver

Note this is independent of the value set in the Default time for Button preference. i.e It can be different to the default time if use the button to activate the timer.

Restart Password 

This preference allows you to set the password to restart the children’s timer with the current settings.

Defaults to “0000”

Reset/Disable Password 

This preference allows you to set the password to reset/disable the children’s timer settings.

Defaults to “9999”

Allow Reverse?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will enable the Forward and Reverse buttons while the children’s timer is running. i.e. if you want them to be able to reverse the locos.

Show Timer button?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will display the Timer Button on the Action Bar of the Throttle Screen, to easily activate the Children’s timer.

Default time for Button 

This preference allows you to set the default time if using the Action Bar Button (Show Timer button?) to activate the timer.

Options:

Disabled
1 minute
2 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Run completed Should not be manually selected - used by Engine Driver

Note this is independent of the value set in the Time limited running preference. i.e It can be different to the default time if use the menus to activate the timer.

Import/Export/Reset & Log Preferences 

The following preferences allow you to change the way the Imports/Exports/Reset behave.

Import, Export or Reset 

You can use this preference to a) Export preferences to a file in the /Android/data/jmri.enginedriver/files/ folder (exported_preferences.ed), b) Import you saved preferences from a file in the /Android/data/jmri.enginedriver/files/ folder, or c) Reset all the preferences to a state similar to when Engine Driver was initially installed. or Reset them.

Options:

None
Export
Import
Reset

WARNINGS:

The action will occur IMMEDIATELY on selecting the option and confirming the dialog.
With Reset` and Import, Engine Driver will restart!

Note

You can transfer the preferences to a different phone by copying the file. See the Moving to a New Device/Phone page for more information.

Auto import from all Servers?

Engine Driver is able to automatically import a preference file from a WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server if it exists.

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will automatically import the preferences from all servers (if they exists) on connection. i.e. If the file <jmri railroad base folder>/prefs/engine_driver/auto_preferences.ed is on the server and if it is more recent that the last time checked.

Include recent loco list?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will include the locos in the recent loco list in Imports and Exports.

Auto host specific import/export?

You can set up different preferences for different server/railroads and have them automatically load when you connect to that WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server. The most common use of this (so far) is to remember the locos relevant to that railroad. e.g. I run N scale and HO Scale. When I connect to one of the N Scale layouts I use it shows me my N Scale locos in the recent locos list, but when I connect to one of the HO layouts I use, it shows me the my recently used HO locos.

Enable this preference if you wish, on every connection to a host, to AUTOMATICALLY ‘Import’ preferences for that host, and optionally ‘Export’ them on disconnect.

Options:

None
Auto import/export on connect/disconnect
Auto import on connect only

When enabled:

on connection to a WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server, Engine Driver will save a file to the /Android/data/jmri.enginedriver/files/ folder in a file named <witServer Name>.ed.

IMPORTANT!

To constantly reset back to a known state, set to Auto import on connect only only after the first time you have connected to that server and exited Engine Driver, or after a Manual host specific export.

Manual host specific import/export 

‘Import’ or ‘Export’ your preferences for a specific host to the /Android/data/jmri.enginedriver/files/ folder. The host must be in your recent connection list.

This is only relevant if you have, or have previously had, the Auto host specific import/export? preference enabled and have connected to a host (that you want to import the preferences for) at least once.

Note: this preference is only available when not currently connected to a WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX Server. i.e. On the Connection Screen.

WARNINGS:

This will ovewrite the current preferences with the imported preferences.
The action will occur IMMEDIATELY on selecting the option and confirming the dialog.

Show Timestamps on Log?

If this preference is enabled Engine Driver will show Date Time for each entry on the Log Screen.