Most DCC Throttles (also knows as Cabs) are different from any conventional throttle you have ever used. This is because DCC gives you many more options than you had with conventional throttles.

DCC throttles have the traditional throttle & direction control. In addition, these units might also access locomotive functions such as turning lights on and off and activating sounds. Some of these throttles even let you run more than one train at the time!

Some customers want simpler DCC throttles or throttles that are more like throttles on an older system they ran before DCC. Simple DCC throttles are available but they don’t give you access to all the possibilities of DCC. If you are worried about complex throttles, think back to the first time you read about block control and how complicated it all seemed then. If you are worried about how to explain these new-fangled doo dads to your operators, consider the "joys" of explaining how to run your present blocked system to them.

Converting to DCC does involve a learning curve but the rewards of prototypical operation are worth it!

Full Featured Throttles

Can access addresses for locomotives on the layout. Can set up consists of locomotives. Some Full Featured Throttles can assign trains to limited throttles and control locomotive functions and control accessory decoders on the layout.

Limited Throttles

Throttles that are used as input devices with Full Featured and Computer controlled Command Stations.

Wireless Throttles

Radio and IR Throttles that are used as input devices to radio and/or infrared receivers. These receivers relay the input information to the command station.

... UNDER DEVELOPMENT ...

Adapted from "Digital Command Control: The Wave of the Future", by Zana and A.J. Ireland.