Your PanelsDCC account
Create an account on the Panels DCC website so cloud configuration and your layout can be tied to your Pi and command station.
Step 1: Register on the Panels DCC website
Open the web app in a browser (your PC, tablet, or phone is fine — it does not have to be on the layout network).
Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account (register). Complete any email verification the site asks for.
Step 2: Sign in from PanelsDCC Control
On a device on your layout network, open PanelsDCC Control on your Pi. Use the hostname below (no :9000 in the URL for Control).
PanelsDCC Control
Sign in from Control (no port in the URL). The hostname is saved in this browser like on other getting started pages.
Use the same hostname as in Raspberry Pi Imager (we recommend panels-dcc). You can also enter a .local name or IP address. Your choice is saved in this browser.
Run trains and panels in the browser — no port in the URL.
http://panels-dcc/
Open Settings, then use Log in (or any login prompts Control shows) and sign in with the account you just created.
Step 3: Confirm you are signed in
Stay in Settings after logging in. You should see your account reflected there — for example your signed-in identity or account status (exact wording can change with app updates). If Control does not accept your credentials, double-check the site registration completed and try again.
Step 4: Check your profile and controller
Return to the Panels DCC website in a browser and open your profile:
https://dev.app.panelsd.cc/auth/profile
With your DCC command station plugged in and powered on, and Connect running as in earlier steps, your profile should list your controller and confirm that a DCC controller has been detected. If nothing appears, check Connect, wiring, and power, then refresh — the device must be present for detection to show.
Next steps
When you are happy with your account and hardware showing correctly, move on to Chapter 2 — Configuration to set up trains, accessories, and panels on the Panels DCC website.