Kato - 22-019 - Accessories, Smart Device Controller - Kato Precision Railroad Models

Specific Item Information: Enjoy a brand new way to operate your UNITRACK layout – your phone or tablet! Using the Kato Smart Controller, take control of your trains with hands-free throttle operation using your smart device’s Bluetooth connection. Better still – when paired with the Kato Sound Box, the Smart Controller gives you control over all of the Sound Box’s functions – from the sound controls themselves down to the sync and volume adjustments. Everything the sound box can do – you can too, from the palm of your hand!

The Kato Smart Controller can pair with any* Android or Apple Device using a free App that can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple iTunes Store! Simply activate your phone or tablet's bluetooth connection, turn on the Smart Device Controller, push the "pairing" button, and open the app - the app will do the rest, pulling up the ID of your local Smart Device Controller on a list and giving you full control over your layout's throttle and directional controls!

* Must be using Android 5.0 or later, iPhone 5 or later, iPad pro, iPad 4th generation, iPad Air/Air 2, iPad mini 2 or later model. Features: Allows bluetooth operation via Android or Apple Smart Phones or Tablets. Easy to set up - get up and running in minutes. Can be used with both N and HO Analog layouts. Alternate A/C Adapters (sold separately) 22-082 and 22-083 can be used to provide more or less power depending on your layouts' needs. Can be fully integrated with the Kato Sound Box, putting full control over the full suite of sounds at your fingertips!

Road Name History: KATO U.S.A. was established in 1986, with the first U.S. locomotive model (the GP38-2, in N-Scale) released in 1987. Since that time, KATO has come to be known as one of the leading manufacturers of precision railroad products for the modeling community. KATO's parent company, Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Brand/Importer Information: Kato Precision Railroad Models (関水金属株式会社 Sekisui Kinzoku Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer of model railroad equipment in N and HO scales. The Tokyo-based company manufactures models based on Japanese prototypes (such as the Shinkansen bullet train) for the Japanese market, North American prototypes for the North American market and European high-speed trains for European market.
The Kato (pronounced kah-toe) model railroad companies were founded by Yuji Kato, father of current president Hiroshi Kato, of the parent company Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd.

The design and distribution of models for the North American market are handled by their U.S. subsidiary, Kato USA, located in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The design of special models for the European market is handled for some of them by their partner, Lemke, whereas the general distribution of Kato products in Europe is handled by NOCH; both companies are located in Germany.
As a result, some Kato European models are sold as Kato Lemke and others as Kato (alone).