Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you start.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have other questions? Contact us.

Once your account is created, everything works without a network: control, emergency stop, editor, routes, shuttles, signalling. Your project is on your disk — the cloud holds a copy. The only limit: the application must have contacted the server at least once every 48 hours, and an account is required from the very first launch.

Yes, your layout, your locos and your settings are automatically backed up to the cloud with every change. A version history lets you go back to a previous version if needed.

Yes, both are our reference command stations. Loco control is validated on the DR5000 and the Z21. Feedback and accessory control are not yet verified on the Z21. The connection is set up by choosing the manufacturer, the model and the network settings in the application.

Yes, with no commitment and no fees. You can cancel from your customer area at any time. You keep access to your plan until the end of the billed period. Data retention periods are detailed in our privacy policy.

LocoPilote is a modern SaaS designed for the 21st century: automatic updates, cloud backup, accessible from any PC with your account. No complicated perpetual licence, no heavy installation. The interface and support are available in English, German and French.

With a Pro or Club plan, you can install LocoPilote on several PCs and manage your account from any browser. The Club plan, coming soon, will include multi-user mode for clubs.

Installation & Setup

How do I install LocoPilote?

The Windows beta is not yet available for public download. Sign up on the Download page to receive the link as soon as it goes online. Installation will be guided and take less than 2 minutes.

Do I need to open ports on my router?

No. The application initiates the outgoing connection to the LocoPilote servers over HTTPS. No incoming firewall rule is needed.

Can I use LocoPilote on Mac or Linux?

LocoPilote is currently Windows only (10/11 64-bit). The account management interface works in all modern browsers. A macOS and Linux port is planned for 2027.

Subscriptions & Billing

How do I change plan?

From your customer area > Subscription, you can move up or down a plan. The difference is calculated pro rata for the current month.

Are there any commitment fees?

No. All plans are commitment-free. You can cancel at any time from your customer area, with no cancellation fees.

Which payment methods are accepted?

Card payment (Visa, Mastercard) via Stripe. SEPA transfer is planned for clubs with the Club plan, coming soon.

Technical

What is the latency between the command and the loco?

The DCC command goes directly from the application to the command station, over USB or your local network, without going through the internet. Latency is that of your local link — well below anything that would affect control.

Can the layout keep running if the internet drops during a session?

Yes. LocoPilote is a desktop application that controls your command station directly, without going through the internet. Loco control, emergency stop, editor, routes, shuttles, signalling: everything carries on. Only the copy to the cloud is interrupted — it resumes automatically on reconnection. Your project is stored on your disk; the cloud is a secondary copy. Good to know: if the application has been unable to contact the server for 48 hours, a reconnection is requested. If that deadline falls while trains are running, the application does not leave you without control — see the next question.

Two panels: on the left, what works without internet (loco control, emergency stop, layout editor, routes, shuttles, signalling, local backup); on the right, what the internet is used for (first sign-in, cloud copy every two minutes, access from another PC, account re-check every 48 hours); at the bottom, the behaviour if the 48 hours run out while trains are running: a screen lets you stop each loco gently before reconnecting.

What happens if my session expires during an exhibition?

The application does not close and does not leave you without control. A screen appears that lets you slow down and stop each loco gently, cancel the routes in progress, and trigger the emergency stop. You then take back control, and reconnect whenever you wish.

How many locos can I control at the same time?

There is no software limit on the LocoPilote side. The limit comes from your DCC command station.

Didn’t find your answer?

Our team is available in English, German and French.