Noel,
I've been contemplating going DCC for quite some time, introducing it as soon as layout construction eventually begins, Apart from the cost of enough decoders to run even a token selection of my Irish loco fleet (NOTE: I DON'T plan to equip my entire stud, only enough to fulfil the requirement for a railcar depot and adjoining P.W. yard (based on Adelaide NIR), I have spent a few years observing layouts at exhibitions and following industry advances and keeping a keen eye on system prices.
I have finally come to the conclusion that a wireless system with throttle knob would be ideal. You are correct to raise the problem of having to keep looking at the sreen when using mobile phone via operating apps. This coupled with the relatively short, few hours battery life of smart phones (I don't have one, I'm still on a "dumb phone" where one charge lasts 4 -- 5 days!) has meant I hadn't found the ideal system.That is until a few weeks ago. I watch a lot of USA model railroading channels on You Tube and by chance came across "What's Neat This Week" by Ken Patterson (it was one of the Oct or Nov 2017 episodes). On it there was Matt Herman, ESU USA's general manager introducing the new ESU CabControl system - yes, the same firm famous for it's sound decoders. It's an android based, touch screen hand controller with an integral throttle knob which comes with power pack and wireless LAN control box. The ESU USA website is:www. lokSound.com and includes full demonstration videos with Matt himself explaing the system. Fantastic I thought. Until I discovered the downside, it's only available from ESU in the North American and Australian markets! ESU are still in the planning stage of introducing a European market version which seems incredible as it has been available in the USA for nearly 18 months now. However it isn't all despair.......
ESU just happen to produce DCC contollers for PIKO, the German model railway manufacturer, obviously with PIKO branding. PIKO have a control system called "PIKO SMART" which is a wireless, handheld with throttle knob system. By now you should be ahead of me. The PIKO controller is 99.99% identical to ESU CabControl. Added to which it is available from UK based retailers, such as Gaugemaster and Coastal DCC among others. All it would seem to need is a two pin adapter mains plug to set it up. You could if so desired just by the throttle units to use as an add on to an existing system. But at a cost of roughly £375 per throttle you can buy the whole kit with power supply and wireless for £425.
I'm sold on it and intend splashing out on one just as soon as my finances get over buying all of those new IRM A class goodies.
Bill.