FAQ

TrainControl is a Quebec-based brand specializing in WiFi-enabled DCC (Digital Command Control) systems for model trains. Its flagship product is the TrainController: a complete DCC control unit that you connect to your tracks, accompanied by a free app for smartphones, tablets, computers, and web browsers. The app communicates wirelessly with the TrainController to control your locomotives, turnouts, and signals.

DCC (Digital Command Control) is the international standard (NMRA) for digital control of model trains. Unlike analog systems, where the voltage on the tracks controls speed, DCC sends digital commands to each locomotive individually. This allows you to control multiple locomotives on the same track independently, activate lights and sounds, and much more.

The TrainController works with any locomotive equipped with an NMRA-compliant DCC decoder. This includes the vast majority of decoders on the market: ESU LokSound, Digitrax, SoundTraxx, NCE, TCS, Lenz, BLI (Paragon), and many others. If your locomotive is “DCC Ready” or “DCC Equipped,” it will work with the TrainController.

The TrainController is designed for HO, N, OO, and Z scales. These scales all operate at a track voltage of 12 to 16V, which the TrainController provides. Larger scales (O, G, S) require more power and are not supported by the current version.

Yes. The TrainController is a fully featured DCC controller. You don’t need a Digitrax, NCE, or any other controller: the TrainController replaces them all with a modern interface on your devices or web browser.

The main difference is the interface. Traditional control systems use physical controllers with LCD screens. The TrainController uses your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control via Wi-Fi, featuring a modern visual interface. You also get photos for your locomotives, customizable function buttons, switch control via an interactive map, and automatic firmware updates.

For now, yes, but future updates will allow you to use the TrainController without necessarily needing a home Wi-Fi network. Both modes will work.

The native app works on iPhone (iOS 26+), iPad (iPadOS 26+), and Mac (macOS 26 Tahoe+); Android and Windows apps will also be available at launch (June 2026). A web app is also available at app.traincontrol.ca and works in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), including on Windows, Linux, and Android.

There is no software limit on the number of locomotives. The practical limit depends on the current capacity of your power supply and the number of locomotives running at the same time. Typically, you can run up to 20–25 HO-scale locomotives at the same time without any problems.

Absolutely. The voltage on the tracks is 14 to 16V with a limited current. It’s comparable to a phone charger: completely harmless to the human body. The TrainController also includes a current sensor and automatic short-circuit protection.

The TrainController is designed and assembled in Quebec, from the design of the printed circuit board through final assembly to the development of the app.

The TrainController, a power cable, the connection wires for your tracks (HO scale included), and a quick start guide.

It's simple: connect the power supply to the TrainController, then connect the two output wires to the rails of your layout. That's it, no soldering required. The DCC signal is sent directly to the rails.

1. Turn on the TrainController: the status LED will light up.

2. First time using it? Connect your device to the “TrainControl-Setup” Wi-Fi network (password: setup1234).

3. Open the app: it automatically detects the TrainController on the network.

4. In the app settings, configure the TrainController to join your home Wi-Fi network. The app will automatically find it after a restart.

Check the following points in order:

1. Is the TrainController turned on? The status LED should be lit.

2. Are you connected to the correct Wi-Fi network? If this is your first time using it, connect to the "TrainControl-Setup" network. Otherwise, make sure you are on the same Wi-Fi network as the TrainController.

3. Restart the TrainController by unplugging and plugging it back in.

4. Restart the app and wait a few seconds: automatic discovery uses several methods and takes a moment. You can also go to Settings ⚙️ > Search for TrainController 🔎 .

5. As a last resort, you can enter the IP address manually in the app settings.

If the TrainController can no longer connect to your Wi-Fi network, it will automatically switch back to setup mode (the "TrainControl-Setup" network). You can also force a reset by connecting to it via the app, then going to Settings ⚙️ > Reset TrainController 🔄.

Tap the + button in the app. Give your locomotive a name and enter its DCC address (by default, most decoders are set to address 3). You can also add a photo from your library to help you recognize it easily.

By default, most new set-top boxes are configured to address 3. If you have changed the address and can’t remember it, use the Read CV function in Service Mode (programming channel) to read CV1 (short address) or CV17/18 (long address).

Each locomotive has its own control panel with a vertical slider for speed (0 to 126 units) and a direction button (Forward/Reverse). Slide the slider up to accelerate and down to slow down.

Each locomotive control panel features a grid of function buttons (F0 through F31). F0 is typically for the headlights. The other functions depend on your decoder: horn, bell, engine sounds, cab lighting, smoke, etc. Consult your decoder’s manual to find out the assignment for each function.

On a phone or tablet, press and hold a function button. On a computer, right-click. A menu will appear with over 30 icons organized by category (lights, sounds, movement, signals) to help you identify each function at a glance.

Train groups allow you to control multiple locomotives together as a single train, just like distributed power in real life. You can assign each locomotive to a position: Lead, Middle, or DPU. All locomotives in the group respond together to speed and direction commands.

Sequences, also known as E-Functions (extended functions), are automated sequences of commands. For example, you can create a "Realistic Start" Sequence that plays the engine sound, waits 2 seconds, sounds the horn, waits 1 second, and then gradually increases the speed. It’s like a small program that you trigger with a single button.

TrainController supports DCC accessory decoders for turnouts and signals. You can control them in two ways: via the main view (module list) or via the interactive map of your layout. Assign a DCC address to each accessory and control it with a single tap.

The map lets you create a visual representation of your layout. Add modules (tracks, turnouts, signals) and place them on the map. Each module is linked to a DCC address and can be controlled directly from the map by tapping on it.

CV stands for "Configuration Variable." These are parameters stored in the memory of each DCC decoder. They control all aspects of the locomotive's behavior: address (CV1), starting speed (CV2), acceleration (CV3), deceleration (CV4), maximum speed (CV5), and hundreds of other parameters depending on the decoder.

Service Mode (programming track) uses a dedicated track isolated from the main network. This is the most reliable mode: it can read and write CVs. Only one locomotive at a time should be on this track. POM (Programming on Main) allows you to program a locomotive directly on the main track while it is running by targeting its DCC address. It’s convenient, but it can only write to, not read, CVs.

In the app, open your locomotive’s profile and go to the CV programmer. The “Address” tab will guide you step by step. You can program a short address (1–127, CV1) or a long address (128–9999, CV17/18). The programmer automatically adjusts CV29 (configuration) according to your selection.

Use the CV programmer in Service mode and enter the value 8 into CV8. This triggers a factory reset on the vast majority of NMRA decoders. The address reverts to 3, and all settings return to their default values.

Check the following in order:

1. Connection: The indicator in the app should be green. If it is red, the TrainController is not connected.

2. Track power: Make sure the track ON/OFF button is enabled in the app (lightning bolt icon).

3. DCC Address: Verify that the address in the app matches the one programmed in the decoder. The default is 3.

4. Rails: Check for a proper electrical connection between the rails and the TrainController. Clean the rails if necessary.

The TrainController automatically cuts off power to the tracks in the event of a short circuit. The most common causes are: a derailed locomotive, a metal object on the tracks, or faulty switch wiring. Remove the cause of the short circuit, then restore power in the app. The protection will reset automatically.

Some audio decoders require that the main audio function be enabled first (often F8 or F1, depending on the manufacturer). Enable it before trying the other audio functions. Consult your decoder’s manual for the exact function assignments.

Some sound decoders with built-in capacitors (including the BLI Paragon 2, SoundTraxx Tsunami 2, and MTH) may have difficulty detecting acknowledgments (ACKs) in Service Mode. This is a known limitation of these decoders, not a problem with the TrainController. Possible solutions: use POM mode instead of Service Mode, or try “blind programming” by writing the CVs without waiting for confirmation.

Some tips:

1. Wi-Fi range: Move closer to the TrainController or your Wi-Fi router.

2. Interference: 2.4 GHz networks can be congested. If possible, set the TrainController to a less-used Wi-Fi channel.

3. Sleep mode: On iPhone/iPad, the app may disconnect when the screen turns off. Keep the screen on while using the app, or use Live Activity (Dynamic Island) to keep the controls visible.

4. Home Wi-Fi network: If you’re using your home network, make sure your router doesn’t disconnect inactive devices.

Updates are performed wirelessly directly from the app. When a new version is available, a notification will appear in the settings. Tap "Update" and wait for the process to finish (about 1–2 minutes). Do not disconnect the TrainController during the update.

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Before purchasing

Installation and Connection

Using the app

CV Programming

Troubleshooting

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