DCC FAQ
Last updated: 05.04.2025
Getting into model railroading just a few month back, I was (and still am) regularly overwhelmed by the complexity of the hobby. I had many questions like “What is DC and how does it differ from DCC?” or “Can I control my PIKO locomotive with the EX‑CommandStation?” Knowing the struggle, I decided to start a FAQ regarding DCC, and answer some of the questions a beginner of the hobby might have (which includes me). It will be updated regularly as new things come across on my journey.
What does DCC stand for?
DCC is short for Digital Command Control.
What is DCC?
DCC is a standard established by the NMRA to control your model trains. To have a unified standard allows model trains of different manufacturers to understand the same “language” and run on the same layout simultaneously.
Is DCC equal to “digital” control (as in opposed to “analogue”)
Not quite, no. There are many different digital systems to control model trains (for example Märklin Digital, KATO or Digitrax), and DCC is simply one amongst others. So if you want to digitally control a model train (as in opposed to analogue), you have to make sure that your train “understands” your command station (i.e. both support the same digital standard).
Are there also other standards?
Yes, there are many other standards, for instance Märklin Digital, KATO or Digitrax. Find out more about digital model railway control.
My locomotive has a PluX22 sound decoder—is that another digital standard?
No, PluX22 is not another digital standard, but rather a hardware standard that specifies the decoder’s dimensions and the number of pins (amongst other things). You must still make sure that the decoder has the correct digital standard for your command station. For instance, the #56607 PIKO SmartDecoder XP Sound PluX22 for Diesel locomotives SM31 PKP H0 supports “DCC, mfx®, and Motorola® digital systems as well as traditional DC or AC analog layouts.”
Are there free/open source DCC command stations?
Yes, there are. The EX‑CommandStation or OpenDCC are two examples. I currently use the Ex-CommandStation to control my layout and am very happy with it.