IB-Control
 

Briefly: The IB-Control, as you can see, provides you with an 2 additional controls for operating more engines independently. And, like the Intellibox, it provides the same bright LCD display.  All the functions of the Intellibox are available on the IB-Control. So, what's the difference between the Intellibox and the IB-Control. Very simply, the Intellibox is the "brains" of the system and the IB-Control can be thought of as a "slave" unit. The "only" plugs in the back of the IB-Control are to enable you to connect it to an Intellibox or FRED unit. Some of the advantages of the IB-Control include:

· Flexibility - You can position the IB-Control anywhere on your layout; it doesn't have to be placed next to the Intellibox (although you can do that too if you'd like). Many people place their IB-Control on the far side of their layout, making it easier to start/stop or control their layout from a remote location.  The connection is with a simple 6-wire phone cable; you're not restricted by length as to how far away from the Intellibox you can place it.
· Convenience - With the extra controllers -- and the ability to place the IB-Control virtually anywhere on your layout -- you can have your friends or children operate their own engines independently of those you control.
· Expandability - You can add ("daisy-chain") additional IB-Control units around your layout to provide added, convenient control for yourself or others.
· Added features - Unlike the Marklin controllers, 2 people can actually operate the same engine at the same time.  The LCD will warn you that someone else has control of an engine, but it will still let you operate it.
· Value - The IB-Control costs LESS than a comparable Marklin 6036, yet provides 2 controllers and a lot more functionality.