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Installation

Getting the DEJA Server running takes about two minutes. One command does everything — downloads the server, detects your CommandStation, and starts it up.

Requirements

  • Node.js 20 or later — check with node --version. If you need to install it, visit nodejs.org.
  • A USB cable connecting your DCC-EX CommandStation to the computer running the server.
  • A supported platform:
PlatformNotes
macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon)Works out of the box
Linux (x86_64 or ARM64)May need serial port permissions (see below)
Raspberry Pi (Pi 4 or 5)Runs great — plug in your CommandStation via USB
WindowsSupported through WSL — run the installer from a WSL terminal

Install

Open a terminal on the computer connected to your CommandStation and run:

curl -fsSL https://install.dejajs.com | bash

You can also find a personalized install link in the Cloud app under Settings → Install. That link includes your account info so you won't need to enter it manually.

What the Installer Does

The installer runs through these steps automatically:

  1. Detects your platform — confirms macOS, Linux, or Raspberry Pi and the correct architecture.
  2. Checks Node.js — verifies you have Node.js 20 or later. If not, it tells you how to install it.
  3. Links your account — connects the server to your DEJA Cloud account using your User ID and Layout ID. If you used the personalized install link, this is automatic.
  4. Sets up configuration — creates the ~/.deja/ directory with your environment file and credentials.
  5. Detects serial ports — scans for USB devices that look like a DCC-EX CommandStation.
  6. Downloads the server — pulls the latest release and installs dependencies.
  7. Installs the deja CLI — adds the deja command to your terminal so you can manage the server.
  8. Starts the server — launches the server and connects to your CommandStation.

Serial Port Permissions (Linux / Raspberry Pi)

On Linux, your user account may need permission to access USB serial ports. If the installer warns you about this, run:

sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER

Then log out and log back in for the change to take effect. This only needs to be done once.

Reinstalling

If something goes wrong or you want a fresh start, just run the install command again:

curl -fsSL https://install.dejajs.com | bash

This downloads a clean copy of the server and reconfigures everything. Your account and layout stay the same.

What Gets Installed

Everything lives in ~/.deja/ inside your home directory:

PathWhat it is
~/.deja/bin/dejaThe deja CLI command
~/.deja/server/The server runtime
~/.deja/config.jsonYour account and layout configuration
~/.deja/.envEnvironment variables (Firebase credentials, feature flags)
~/.deja/logs/Server log files

Next Steps