Quick Start / Getting Started

  • Install Engine Driver from the Google Play Store or by direct download.

  • Confirm that your devices meet the Prerequisites

  • Start your WiThrottle server

    • For JMRI, Start the WiThrottle function of JMRI, located in DecoderPro under Tools, Throttles.
      It is also highly recommended that you start the JMRI Web Server function (Tools, Start JMRI Web Server).

    • For other server devices, turning them on and waiting a minute or two should be sufficient.

      See the Prerequisites page for more information.

  • On your Android device/phone

    • In you Android Devices system network and WiFi settings, make sure you are connected to same network as the WiThrottle Server’s or DCC-EX EX-CommandStation’s network.

    • Start Engine Driver

      • The first time you run Engine Driver you will need to go through the Setup Wizard to agree to the permissions and select a few key preferences

        See the Setup Wizard page for more information.

    • Wait for your server’s address to show up in ‘Discovered Servers’

    • Click on the Discovered server

      • If your WiThrottle Server does not show up, check that are on the same network as the WiThrottle Server or DCC-EX EX-CommandStation.

      • If the server never appears in the discovered list, type in the IP address and Port of the WiThrottle Server (Using the values shown on the JMRI WiThrottle window) and press Connect.
        Note: this situation is sometimes possible even if you are on the same network.

        See the WiFi connection page for more assistance if you have connection issues.

    • If needed, turn the track power on with Menu ‣ Power and confirm the button is ‘green’ (This is not required by all DCC Command Stations.)

    • On the Throttle screen, click on the Select loco button

    • On the next (Loco Select) screen, either:

      • Click on a loco from the Roster or Recent lists
        or

      • Enter the loco address (verify short or long), and press Acquire

        You will be returned to the Throttle Screen.

        For Consists / multiple units, see the note below.

    • Operate your loco

      • Use the slider, or volume hardware buttons, or optional buttons for speed

      • Use the Forward and Reverse buttons to control direction

    • Press your phone’s Menu button to access screens for Turnout, Route and Power control, as well as adjust settings and set numerous preferences

    • You can also ‘swipe/fling’ left or right to jump quickly back and forth between the Throttle, Routes, Turnouts and Web pages. (Use Preferences to choose which are in the left / right swipe list)

    • To release a single loco (or consist), click Select again and click the Release button

    • To release all locos, just press the Back button and exit the app.
      This will also stop your locos (can be overridden in preferences)

Note:

  • To create a consist ‘on-the-fly’, simply select additional locos for the same throttle, then select which way the new loco if facing. Direction and speed will be sent for all. Release will release all for that throttle