> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dcc-5ccd5152.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# BigFred: Mobile DCC Throttle for Model Railroads

> BigFred turns your phone or tablet into a full-featured DCC throttle over your local network. Drive locomotives, manage your fleet, and coordinate with other operators.

BigFred is a modern DCC throttle system that runs entirely in your web browser over your local network. Open the app on any phone, tablet, or desktop, select your locomotive, and drive — no app store required. BigFred supports Roco/Fleischmann Z21, LocoNet (serial and TCP), and WiThrottle command stations, and lets multiple operators share the same layout at the same time.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/user-guide/quickstart">
    Log in, add your first locomotive, and drive in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Key Concepts" icon="book-open" href="/user-guide/concepts">
    Layouts, vehicles, trains, interlockings, and leases explained
  </Card>

  <Card title="Throttle Guide" icon="gauge-high" href="/user-guide/throttle/driving">
    Drive locomotives, build consists, and use the full throttle UI
  </Card>

  <Card title="Admin Guide" icon="screwdriver-wrench" href="/admin-guide/installation">
    Install BigFred, configure command stations, and manage users
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Get started in four steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open BigFred in your browser">
    Navigate to the BigFred URL on your local network (for example `http://192.168.0.10:8080`). You will see the login page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in with your credentials">
    Enter your username and PIN. Your administrator will provide your login details. On a fresh install the default account is `admin` / `123456` — change the PIN immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a vehicle to your roster">
    Go to **My Vehicles** and register your locomotive's DCC address and name. Optionally assign function labels (lights, horn, bell, etc.).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Drive">
    Open the **Throttle** page, select your locomotive, pick a command station, and use the on-screen slider or a gamepad to set speed and direction.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What BigFred can do

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Web Throttle" icon="mobile-screen">
    Drive any DCC locomotive from a phone or tablet without installing an app. Full-screen throttle UI with function buttons and speed slider.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Train Consists" icon="train">
    Couple multiple vehicles into a train and drive them as a single unit with synchronized speed scaling.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lease System" icon="handshake">
    Lend control of a locomotive to another operator for a set duration and speed limit. Great for club sessions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Interlockings" icon="traffic-light">
    Coordinate entry and departure at busy locations with the interlocking and signalman features and built-in radio chat.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Remote Handsets" icon="gamepad">
    Accept connections from physical Z21 handsets and WiThrottle apps and pair them to locomotives in your roster.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Decoder Programming" icon="terminal">
    Read and write CVs, program addresses, adjust volume and brightness, and reset decoders from the `loco` CLI.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>