Basic Command Stations

Control speed and direction of a limited number of trains. Some allow programming, others do not. These stations usually cost between $200 and $400.

Full Featured Command Stations

Control speed and direction of up to 127 trains. Can access between 99 and 9,999 locomotive addresses. Control accessory decoders. Control limited throttles. Allow programming of decoders. These stations offer a wide variety of options and features. They cost between $350 and $800.

Computer Control Command Stations

Control the layout from your PC or MAC. Software prices range from "Freeware" to over $100. Some packages require command stations to generate the DCC packets others use boosters and the computer directly generates the packets.

Multi-Format Command Stations

Can generate command control signals for DCC along with command control signals for other command control systems at the same time on the same track. For example, DCC decoders and Marklin "Motorola" format decoders can run on the same set of track with a multi-format command station.

... UNDER DEVELOPMENT ...

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