ThrottleCard Connection & Compatibility Guide
Step-by-step guide to connect ThrottleCard with your DCC command station using WiThrottle or DCC-EX protocols.
October 4, 2025
ThrottleCard Blog
ThrottleCard works with two protocols:
- WiThrottle protocol → Compatible with many systems (Digitrax, NCE, ESU, JMRI, etc.)
- DCC-EX native protocol → Adds advanced features like CV programming, command station management, and future intelligent programming
ThrottleCard will try to auto-discover your command station, but you can also connect manually using IP and port if needed.
🛜 Direct Connection
These stations connect directly to ThrottleCard (additional hardware/modules may be required):
| Command Station | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DCC-EX | Fully Tested | Native + WiThrottle protocols, advanced features |
| NCE + WiFiTrax WFD-30/31 | Fully Tested | Requires WiFiTrax module |
| ESU ECoS | Community Verification Needed | Requires firmware 4.2.14+ |
| ESU CabControl | Community Verification Needed | Creates own Wi-Fi network |
| Digitrax + LNWI | Community Verification Needed | Requires LNWI module for wireless |
💻 JMRI Bridge Connection
These require JMRI WiThrottle Server running on a computer:
| Command Station | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCE (without WiFiTrax) | Fully Tested | Requires JMRI + USB/serial interface |
| Digitrax (without LNWI) | Community Verification Needed | Requires JMRI + LocoNet interface |
| Roco Z21 | Community Verification Needed | Via JMRI bridge |
| Lenz LZV100 | Community Verification Needed | Requires LI-USB or LI101F interface |
| MRC Prodigy | Community Verification Needed | Limited features via JMRI |
| Hornby Elite | Community Verification Needed | Via JMRI bridge |
❌ Not Compatible
Currently unsupported systems:
| System Type | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| DC-only power packs | Not Compatible | Non-DCC (note: DCC-EX can control DC locos) |
| Proprietary Bluetooth throttles | Not Compatible | No WiThrottle bridge available |
| Systems without WiThrottle support | Not Compatible | No compatible protocol |
Step-by-Step Setup
Each section below includes auto-discovery and manual connection steps. Expand the one that matches your command station.
🛜 DCC-EX (Recommended)
Auto-discovery
- Configure DCC-EX with Wi-Fi credentials in Station Mode.
- Connect your iPhone/iPad to the same Wi-Fi.
- Open ThrottleCard → it should appear automatically.
Manual connection
- Find DCC-EX IP from router or serial monitor.
- In ThrottleCard: Add Connection → Manual Entry.
- Enter:
- IP: e.g.,
192.168.1.42 - Port:
12090(WiThrottle) or2560(DCC-EX native)
- IP: e.g.,
- Save & connect.
📚 More Help:
🛜 ESU ECoS (fw 4.2.14+)
Auto-discovery
- Update to firmware 4.2.14+.
- Connect via Ethernet to your home router.
- Enable WiThrottle server in ECoS settings.
- Open ThrottleCard → select ECoS.
Manual connection
- IP: Shown in ECoS network settings.
- Port:
12090 - Add manually in ThrottleCard if needed.
📚 More Help:
🛜 ESU CabControl
Auto-discovery
- Power on → CabControl creates its own Wi-Fi.
- Join that network on your device.
- Open ThrottleCard → it should appear.
Manual connection
- Default IP:
192.168.4.1 - Port:
12090 - Enter manually in ThrottleCard if needed.
📚 More Help:
🛜 Digitrax + LNWI
Auto-discovery
- Plug LNWI into LocoNet; power it.
- Join LNWI Wi-Fi (SSID usually starts “Digitrax”).
- Open ThrottleCard → LNWI should appear.
Manual connection
- Default IP:
192.168.7.1(if using LNWI’s AP mode). - Port:
12090. - Or check router for IP if using Station Mode.
📚 More Help:
🛜 NCE + WiFiTrax WFD-30/31
Auto-discovery
- Connect module to NCE Cab Bus.
- Join its Wi-Fi (SSID often “WiFiTrax…”).
- Open ThrottleCard → it should appear.
Manual connection
- Default IP:
192.168.4.1(AP mode). - Port:
12090. - Check router for IP if in Station Mode.
📚 More Help:
💻 JMRI Bridge (All Other Systems)
Auto-discovery
- Install Java 11+ and JMRI on PC/Mac.
- Configure your command station in Preferences → Connections.
- Start WiThrottle Server (Tools → Throttles).
- Open ThrottleCard → it should appear.
Manual connection
- Find your computer’s IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.55). - Port:
12090. - Add manually in ThrottleCard.
📚 More Help:
🛠 Troubleshooting
- Nothing appears? Try manual IP + port.
- Locos don’t respond? Dispatch/re-acquire address.
- JMRI unstable? Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for the computer.
- Still stuck? Restart router, command station, and app.
👍 Recommendations
- Best choice (new users): DCC-EX (native + advanced features).
- Premium: ESU ECoS / CabControl.
- Digitrax or NCE owners: Add LNWI or WiFiTrax module.
- Other systems: Use JMRI as a bridge.
ThrottleCard is always evolving. If you’ve had success—or issues—with your hardware, please share with us so we can update this guide and expand compatibility!