Monthly Archives: June 2026

DCC Commander

Connecting DCC-EX to a Layout

This post assumes that you have built a DCC-EX command station and installed the firmware. If you have not completed those steps then please do so. The most challenging process of DCC-EX, assembling the DCC-EX command station, is now complete. Now it’s time to have some fun: verify your DCC-EX command station is fully functional and run some model trains.

Connecting the Track Power

  • Connect the power leads from the DCC-EX motor shield to your model railroad track. Polarity does not matter. Either lead can be attached to either side of the track. Your choice will determine which direction is forward and which direction is reverse on your layout. You can always swap the leads if you choose.
  • From the previous post, you should have one positive lead (connected to PA+) and one negative lead (connected to PA-) on the motor shield.
  • Connect each one of those leads to one of the rails of your track. You could solder the leads to the track or purchase a crimp-able alligator clips to make the connection easier.

Connecting the Power Supplies to the Wall

The DCC-EX command station has two power supplies. One for the track power (the larger 12 volt supply) and one for the Mega power (the smaller 9 volt supply). It’s recommended to plug the AC adaptors of both of those power supplies into a single surge protector with multiple outlets. This will allow you to power on the DCC-EX command station with the flip of a single switch on the surge protector.

Final Power Connections to the DCC-EX

  • Connect the 12 volt power supply adaptor into the adaptor on the motor shield
  • Connect the 9 volt power supply adaptor into the Mega board
  • Note, the USB connection on the Mega board can be left open since you will be using WiFi to communicate with your DCC-EX and not USB

Power on Test

With all of the power connections complete you can now power on the DCC-EX command station via the switch on the surge protector.

Next Step

The next step is Installing DCC Commander (iOS or Android) on your mobile device to use as a DCC throttle and actually run your model trains.

DCC Commander

Installing DCC-EX firmware

This article assumes that you’ve assembled a DCC-EX command station in a well-defined manner as detailed in this article. The DCC-EX firmware is a set of instructions that tell the Mega how to generate the DCC timing and signals to control your model railroad layout. The easiest method to install the firmware on the DCC-EX hardware is to use the DCC-EX Installer. If you experience any issues with firmware installation and you are not using the well-defined DCC-EX then review the full DCC-EX Installer documentation to find settings that will support your specific needs.

  • Download the DCC EX-Installer for your operating system
  • Connect your assembled DCC-EX command station via USB cable to your system running DCC-EX Installer
  • A green LED on the Mega 2560 should illuminate telling you it’s powered-on and ready for a firmware update
  • The USB cable will supply power to the Mega 2560 to allow it to accept the firmware update. There is no need to plug in the 9V or 12V power supplies used for actually running trains
  • Launch the DCC-EX Installer you just downloaded from the DCC-EX website
  • Select “Manage Arduino CLI”
  • Select “Install Arduino CLI” if it is not already installed
  • The install process could take a minute, select “yes” if prompted to allow the installer to access your network
  • Select “Select your device” to continue
  • Since you used well-known parts to build your DCC-EX command station, the installer will automatically find your DCC-EX command station
  • Select “Arduino Mega or Mega 2560 on COM-X” (the above image shows COM4)
  • Select “Select product to install”
  • Select “DCC-EX, EX CommandStation”
  • Select the default options “Latest Production – Recommended”
  • Select “Configure options on the next screen”
  • Select “Configure EX-CommandStation”
  • Select “I have WiFi”
  • Select “STANDARD_MOTOR_SHIELD” from the “Select your motor driver” list box
  • Lastly select the “Wifi Options” tab located on the top-center
  • Select “Connect my EX-CommandStation to my existing wireless network”
  • Enter the WiFi SSID for your wireless network
  • Enter the WiFi Password for your wireless network
  • Select “Compile and load”
information

Note

The WiFi SSID and password are the same you use to connect any wireless device to your network.

  • A confirmation prompt is displayed. Select “Load” to program the firmware on your DCC-EX command station
  • You should see a status bar at the bottom of the installer window and the Mega will blink a few times. Be patient!
  • A final status window will be displayed
  • Congratulations! You’ve now programmed the firmware and you have a fully functioning DCC-EX command station.

Next Step

The next step is to attach your DCC-EX to your model railroad layout, verify your DCC-EX command station is fully functional, and start running trains!

DCC Commander

Direct Command Control (DCC)

What is DCC?

DCC stands for Digital Command Control. It’s a standard used in model railroading that allows multiple locomotives to be independently controlled on the same section of track. National Model Railroad Association developed and maintains the DCC standards used by most manufacturers. For many hobbyists, DCC is the model railroad equivalent of moving from an old analog telephone system to a modern digital network. It transformed layouts from “control the track” to “control each locomotive individually.”

DCC Commander

DCC Commander is a mobile control center for Digital Command Control (DCC) model railroads, allowing operators to control locomotives, turnouts, routes, and layout functions from their iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Features include:

  • Controlling locomotives (up to 10 throttles per screen)
  • Throwing turnouts
  • Communicating with JMRI (WiThrottle-compatible communications) and compatible command stations
  • Communicating with DCC-EX command stations directly
  • Managing layout operations from a mobile device (iOS and Android)
  • Building layout schematics
  • Using swipe gestures to route locomotives along a layout

Tutorials and Setup

DCC-EX

DCC Commander