Using JMRI® to Operate Trains

What is DCC?

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In short, DCC is Digital Command Control, a system for operating model railroads in a more prototypical manner. Each locomotive contains a tiny, specialized controller. These controllers (DCC decoders) accept digital commands over a network (the rails) addressed to them and interprets them to control the locomotive's speed, direction, lighting effects, sound, and other functions. Each decoder responds only to those commands addressed to it. Not every decoder will have functions beyond basic throttle commands available. Although there are NMRA® standards for the format of communication (allowing the decoders from different manufacturers to work on the same railroad), beyond that there is considerable variety in the functions supported and the implementation of those functions.

Although this Manual deals with just OperationsPro, the JMRI® suite of applications also contains software to program and run DCC equipped locomotives, turnouts and signals.

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