Driving your first train

Step 1: Open PanelsDCC Control

PanelsDCC Control

Driving happens here — not on port 9000 (that is Connect, for setup).

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.

PanelsDCC Control port 80 (default)

Run trains and panels in the browser — no port in the URL.

http://panels-dcc/

Open Control

Step 2: Install as a PWA on phone or tablet (recommended)

If you use Control on a phone or tablet, installing as a Progressive Web App (PWA) makes it easier to return to the layout.

iPhone / iPad (Safari): open PanelsDCC Control, tap Share, Add to Home Screen, then Add.

Android (Chrome): open Control, tap the menu (...), then Install app or Add to Home screen.

Step 3: First launch and login

When Control loads, it may ask you to log in to a PanelsDCC account.

You can skip login and operate trains only — useful to prove everything works before you create an account.

Step 4: Connection status

Check the strip at the top of Control:

  • Ready — connected to PanelsDCC Connect, with a controller detected.
  • No controllers — Connect is reachable but no command station is detected. See Connecting your DCC controller/s.
  • Offline — this device cannot reach Connect (network or URL).

Quick test: drive without logging in

  1. Open Trains.
  2. Choose Select by DCC number.
  3. Enter your locomotive’s DCC address.
  4. Set speed and direction; try the function buttons.

If nothing moves, re-check status above or Connect setup.

Next steps

When driving works, continue to Your PanelsDCC account (step 5) so you can sign in and link cloud configuration. After that, Chapter 2 — Configuration covers trains, accessories, and panels on the Panels DCC website; day‑to‑day operation reference starts at Chapter 3 — Control.