Getting Started
You'll be running trains in minutes
DEJA.js is the new DCC platform — built for today's devices, designed to replace outdated interfaces with something you'll actually enjoy using. Browser-based, multi-device, cloud-synced. Here's how to get started.
Video walkthrough coming soon
How It Works
Three pieces work together to control your railroad. You probably already have the first one.
Your Devices
Phone, tablet, laptop
DEJA Cloud
Real-time sync
DEJA Server
Your Pi or computer
CommandStation
DCC-EX via USB
CommandStation
The DCC-EX hardware you already have — Arduino Mega + Motor Shield
DEJA Server
Runs on the machine connected to your CommandStation via USB
DEJA Apps
Open in any browser — phone, tablet, laptop. All stay in sync.
What You'll Need
- A DCC-EX CommandStation (Arduino Mega + Motor Shield)
- A computer to run the server — Raspberry Pi, Mac, or Linux
- A phone, tablet, or laptop to control your trains
- A USB cable connecting the CommandStation to your computer
Create Your Account
Head to cloud.dejajs.com and sign up with Google, GitHub, or email. It takes about 10 seconds.
The onboarding wizard walks you through everything from here — you won't need to leave the browser until it's time to install the server.
Name Your Layout
Give your railroad a name and we'll generate a unique Layout ID. Your layout is officially created when you install the server — no commitment until then.
You can create multiple layouts later if you have more than one railroad (paid plans).
Choose a Plan
The free Hobbyist plan gets you started with up to 5 locomotives — no credit card, no commitment. Upgrade anytime to unlock turnouts, effects, signals, and more.
| Hobbyist | Engineer | Conductor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $7/mo | $18/mo |
| Locomotives | 5 | 25 | Unlimited |
| Turnouts / Signals / Effects | — | 15 each | Unlimited |
| Devices | 1 (default) | 5 | Unlimited |
| Remote Access | — | ✓ | ✓ |
Paid plans include a 14-day free trial. See the full comparison for details.
Install the Server
Open a terminal on the machine connected to your CommandStation and run one command:
The script handles everything — downloads the server, detects your CommandStation, and connects automatically. While it installs, you can start adding locomotives to your roster right in the browser.
Raspberry Pi? DEJA Server runs great on a Pi 4 or 5. Just plug your CommandStation in via USB and run the command above.
Windows users: install via WSL, then run the command from a WSL terminal.
Add Your First Locomotive
While the server installs, add a locomotive to your roster. You just need the DCC address (usually printed on the decoder) and a name.
Not sure of the address? Most new decoders default to address 3. You can always change it later.
Open the Throttle & Drive
Once the server connects, open throttle.dejajs.com on any device — your phone, a tablet, your laptop. Or scan the QR code:
Scan to open DEJA Throttle
Select your locomotive, turn on track power, and drive. 🚂 Everything syncs in real time — open the throttle on multiple devices and they all stay in perfect sync.
Managing Your Server
The deja CLI manages your server. Here are the commands you'll use most:
deja start
Start the server
deja stop
Stop the server
deja status
Check server status
deja logs
View server logs
deja restart
Restart the server
deja update
Update to latest version
What's Next?
You're driving trains — nice. Here's where it gets even better.