> ## 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: Browser-Based DCC Throttle for Model Railroads

> BigFred is a browser-based DCC throttle system for model railroads. Open it on any phone, tablet, or desktop — no app installation required.

BigFred is a web-based DCC throttle system for model railroads. You open it in any browser — on your phone, tablet, or desktop — and drive locomotives directly from the local network without installing anything. Whether you're running trains at a club night, a home layout, or a fremo/fredi event, BigFred gives every operator a full-featured throttle in their pocket.

## Who is BigFred for?

BigFred works equally well for solo home modelers and large multi-operator club layouts. At a club session, each driver logs in with their own account, picks the active layout, and gets their own roster of vehicles to drive. At fremo or fredi modular events, BigFred handles the coordination layer — interlockings, leases, radio chat — so operators spread across a long layout can work together without shouting across the room.

## Supported Command Stations

BigFred talks to the hardware you already own:

| Command Station                    | Connection           |
| ---------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| Roco / Fleischmann Z21             | UDP (Wi-Fi or wired) |
| LocoNet (Digitrax, JMRI, etc.)     | Serial / USB port    |
| LocoNet over TCP (lbserver / JMRI) | TCP network          |

One layout can have multiple command stations attached at the same time. Z21 and WiThrottle-compatible handset apps can also connect *inbound* to BigFred as remote throttles — this is configured per command station by your admin.

## Key Capabilities

* **Multi-user layout sessions** — every operator logs in independently; the dashboard shows who is online and what they are driving.
* **Vehicle roster** — register your locomotives and motorized wagons by DCC address; your roster travels with your account across sessions.
* **Train consists** — group multiple vehicles into a consist and drive them as a single unit, with per-member speed multipliers to match real-world decoder differences.
* **Interlockings** — virtual signal boxes where operators queue, coordinate movements, and chat with the signalman.
* **Lease system** — temporarily lend driving rights for a vehicle or train to another operator, with an optional speed cap.
* **Remote handset pairing** — pair a physical Z21 handset or WiThrottle app directly to a command station through BigFred.

## Ready to get started?

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

  <Card title="Core Concepts" icon="book-open" href="/user-guide/concepts">
    Understand layouts, vehicles, trains, interlockings, and more before you start.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>