The command station on a model train set is the brains of any DCC system (besides the engineer!). The command station is basically a dedicated computer that communicates with all other parts of the DCC system.

The command station processes the signals from one or more throttles, and transmits them to the track via a ‘booster’. The throttles connect to the command station either directly via the socket on the unit or via a ‘network’ for more than one throttle.

Take care when selecting the brand and model of command station for your model train set, because it is the key to selecting the type of throttle controls as well as system features that can be expanded on.