This tutorial takes you from first launch to real model railway operation: project setup, drivers, DCC, rolling stock, signals, turnouts, lighting, panels, scenes and automation.
On first launch, name your project and choose a signalling system. A project stores your layout configuration, rolling stock, drivers, control panels, scenes, sequences and automation rules.
The dashboard is the operator workspace. Add widgets for train control, favorite scenes, control panels, upcoming automation and local network access through a QR code.
Open Components -> Drivers and add the devices that physically operate your layout: the local server, Arduino boards, PCA9685 PWM expanders, MCP23017 modules and other input or output hardware.
The app shows connections and keeps port mapping organized, so it is easier to see which outputs drive signals, turnouts, lights, sensors or special modules.
In project settings, choose a DCC command station or simulated mode, then add locomotives and train sets. For each vehicle, define the DCC address, type, decoder, image and decoder functions.
From the rolling stock list you can quickly change speed, direction, stop a train and trigger common functions. The card view lets you operate several vehicles without opening each detail screen.
The vehicle detail screen gives more room for operation: speed slider, direction, stop, the full decoder function list and sequences assigned to that locomotive.
Use it to test new vehicles, organize function labels and verify that the DCC address, image, decoder vendor and track power state match your layout.
In Control Panels, draw a station or full layout diagram. Add straight tracks, curves, turnouts, signals and labels from the toolbox, then align them on the grid.
Visual elements can be bound to real project components, so the panel becomes an interactive operating surface rather than just a diagram.
Operation mode shows the panel without editor tools. The operator can switch turnouts, watch signals, use zoom and open the panel fullscreen.
This view is useful during running sessions, exhibitions and club operation because the key layout elements stay in one place instead of scattered across lists.
Sequences are chains of actions executed immediately or after a delay. They can control lights, scenes, signals, turnouts, DCC functions and other layout elements.
With sequences, repeatable effects such as a camera flash, departure announcement or locomotive startup procedure can be launched with one button.
Automation combines triggers, conditions and actions. A trigger can be a schedule, sensor, RFID tag, component state or another layout event.
Actions can run scenes and sequences or change lights, signals, turnouts, track power and DCC functions. This lets you build exhibition and semi-automatic operation without writing code.
The signals list shows names, driver bindings and the current aspect. From here you can quickly see which signals are configured and which still need ports assigned.
DioramaControl uses signalling profiles, so the same interface can operate different signal types and aspects used on your layout.
In the signal detail view, choose the signal type and assign every lamp to a driver and output port. Color-coded sections make wiring checks easier before saving.
This screen also gives access to output settings and calibration, so you can safely test wiring before using the signal in a panel, scene or automation.
Line block automation connects an entry signal with a chain of automatic block signals. Configure each block section and its preceding signal.
This speeds up building more realistic route logic, especially when the layout has multiple sections, sensors and signals working together.
Before connecting an active layout, verify port mapping, power, servo directions, DCC addresses and emergency stop behavior. Test single components first, then scenes and automation rules.
DioramaControl helps organize the configuration, but wiring, power supplies and safe operating tests remain the layout operator’s responsibility.
Yes. The app supports DCC command-station control for track power, speed, direction, stop and decoder functions, plus a rolling stock catalog with DCC addresses, speed step modes and photos.
Yes. The app interface is the same; the main differences are system port names and the installer for each platform.
No. You can begin with a test project and simulated mode, then connect drivers, sensors and a DCC command station later.
Download DioramaControl, create your first project and start with a small setup: one driver, one light, one turnout, one signal and one locomotive with a DCC address.