How to Control a Model Railway with a Tablet
Tablets make running your DCC-EX or JMRI-powered layout easier than ever. Here's how ThrottleCard turns your iPad into the ultimate model railway controller.
Have you ever wondered how to control a model railway with a tablet?
With the right app, your iPad can replace bulky handheld throttles and give you a big, clear view of your entire layout. That’s exactly what ThrottleCard was designed to do.
Why Use a Tablet for Train Control?
Model railway operators are discovering the benefits of tablets every day:
- Bigger Screens – More space for speed sliders, function buttons, and turnout controls.
- Touch-Friendly – Intuitive taps and swipes make controlling multiple trains a breeze.
- All-in-One – Manage locomotives, routes, and accessories from a single device.
- Portable – Walk your layout with a lightweight tablet instead of being tied to one spot.
Tablets offer the perfect balance between mobility and visibility.
ThrottleCard + Your Command Station = Tablet Power
ThrottleCard works with the most popular digital command control systems:
DCC-EX makes digital command control simple and affordable. ThrottleCard connects directly over Wi-Fi, discovering your command station automatically.
JMRI with WiThrottle turns your computer into a powerful command station. ThrottleCard uses the WiThrottle protocol to give you access to JMRI’s full roster, turnout controls, and route management.
Command Stations with WiThrottle Servers Built in Connect directly to command stations that have native WiThrottle Servers on board. Check your command station documenation or manufacture’s website for more information.
No messy IP addresses or complex setup — just launch the app and start driving.
On iPad, ThrottleCard takes full advantage of the larger display:
- Multi-Train View – Control two or more locomotives side by side.
- Turnout Control – Manage switches with just a tap, right on the same screen.
- Flexible Layout – Portrait or landscape modes adapt to how you use your tablet.
It’s like having a full control panel in your hands.
Extra Features That Shine on Tablet
ThrottleCard goes beyond basic throttles:
- Consisting & Roster Management – Group locos together or swap quickly between favorites.
- Customizable Controls – Arrange buttons and sliders the way you want them.
- Game Controller Support – Use your tablet as a hub, then add a Bluetooth controller for physical knobs and sticks.
Together, these make for a more immersive and flexible operating experience.
Easy Setup for Any Hobbyist
Getting started takes just a few minutes:
For DCC-EX:
- Connect your DCC-EX command station to your layout.
- Join your device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open ThrottleCard on your iPad.
- Watch it discover your command station automatically.
- Start running trains!
For JMRI/WiThrottle:
- Set up JMRI on your computer and connect to your DCC system.
- Enable the WiThrottle server in JMRI’s preferences.
- Join your device to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- Open ThrottleCard on your iPad.
- Select your JMRI server from the discovered list.
- Access your full JMRI roster and start operating!
No extra hardware or cables required.
🚂 Ready to experience how easy it is to control a model railway with a tablet?
Download ThrottleCard on the App Store
ThrottleCard is built by hobbyists, for hobbyists. Whether you’re running a simple loop or a full yard, your tablet just became the best controller on the layout.