# WiThrottle

> Wireless mobile device throttle for model railroad DCC control via JMRI or modules. (iPhone/iPad app by Beth Hoffman.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Beth Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/344172581)
- Category: Utilities, Entertainment
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 40 App Store ratings · 65 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-12-12
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578/reviews.md

## What is WiThrottle?

Use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a throttle for model railroad control!
**PLEASE NOTE**  This App is not a stand-alone product!  Other hardware and software are required.

Link to the popular JMRI software through a local Wi-Fi network to access throttle, address, and function controls wirelessly.
-or-
Connect directly to an MRC Prodigy WiFi module.
-or-
Connect directly to a Digitrax LnWi module.
-or-
Connect directly to a WifiTrax WFD-30/31.

Digital Command Control (DCC) is now the most common control method for earnest model railroaders, allowing multiple trains to be controlled simultaneously anywhere on the track.  JMRI is an interface program that works with most brands of DCC and is very popular because it simplifies DCC programming, signaling, control, and many other aspects of running a permanent layout.  It is also free and multi-platform.  

Instead of direct control through the DCC system, WiThrottle links with JMRI or a dedicated module.  This provides a universal interface to many possible combinations of technology and model railroads.  As DCC evolves, JMRI is updated as needed to match current technology.

JMRI Requirements:
- JMRI 2.12 or higher, JMRI 5.2 or newer recommended
- DCC system interfaced to a computer and a model railroad
- Local Wi-Fi network

MRC Prodigy WiFi Requirements:
- MRC Prodigy WiFi module
- MRC Prodigy DCC system

Digitrax LnWi Requirements:
- Digitrax LnWi module
- Digitrax DCC system

WifiTrax WFD-30/31 Requirements:
- WifiTrax WFD module
- NCE DCC system

If you operate at either a club or private home that uses JMRI for operations and has Wi-Fi, access to the local network (host may need to share their password) is all you need.  Multiple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad mobile devices may use their own WiThrottle app simultaneously during an operating session.  If you would like to sample WiThrottle, we offer a Lite version at no charge.  This allows you to confirm compatibility before buying the full App.

Please visit our website for additional information.  Our goal is to enhance your model railroading experience by providing convenient, wireless control of your existing system.  WiThrottle is the final piece of the puzzle.  

Features:
- Select road or yard throttle control arrangements
- Dual throttle screen
- F0 - F68 function controls
- Build and break Advanced Consists
- Link multiple addresses for control by one throttle (Universal Consists)
- Control JMRI routes & turnouts
- Imports roster list and function labels from your JMRI files
- Access the JMRI WebServer for control panels and more
- Adjust sensitivity of the throttle slider
- Set for right or left hand use
- Acquire and dispatch addresses wirelessly
- Train idles if interrupted (e.g. phone call)
- Control track power
- Fastclock display
- Automatic networking
- Flashlight for devices equipped with camera flash

WiThrottle will integrate seamlessly if:
- you can already control a train using the built-in throttles of JMRI 2.12 or later
- your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad can access your local wireless network (not cellular or Bluetooth)

## Key features

- Wireless throttle control
- JMRI integration
- Function controls F0-F68
- Control routes & turnouts
- Import roster & function labels
- Acquire & dispatch addresses

## Chart rankings

- #120 in Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

## What do users think of WiThrottle?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🚀 Works great with JMRI
- 📱 Controls trains wirelessly
- 💡 Excellent value for money
- 🔧 Great customer support
- 🎛️ Controls multiple throttles
- 🎛️ Customizable function buttons
- 📱 Works on iPhone and iPad

**Cons**

- 🐛 Connection drops when backgrounded
- 🐛 JMRI connection issues
- 🐛 Some features not working
- 🐛 UI could be improved
- 🐛 Limited on iPhone vs iPad
- 🐛 Not compatible with all systems
- 💰 Expensive full version

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Power ON/OFF broken
- Horn gets stuck on with DCC-EX
- Minor glitchy unresponsive throttle slider
- App would not connect to JMRI 5.2
- Connection to JMRI server drops when app goes to background
- Bug with controlling turnouts
- Blank screen and app crashing on iPhone with WifiTraxx WFD-30
- Connection bug fixes needed
- iPhone XR will not connect to server (Digitrax LNWI)
- Network set to autodetect causes issues
- Problems getting switch names and function labels from Decoder Pro
- When switching locks, loco stops instead of continuing
- App crashes when selecting throttle tab after selecting locomotive address

**Most requested features**

- Support for DCC-EX
- Night mode and dark mode
- Turnout/Points control in main UI
- Routes support with MRC Wi-Fi module
- Customizable features like Android app
- Support for ESU decoders with 30+ functions
- Keep trains running when app closes/phone sleeps
- Support for landscape orientation
- Show layout with JMRI and switch orientation
- Ability to throw switches
- On-cab signaling, block announcement
- Ability to make and break consists
- Turnout controls
- Juggling two locos on one screen
- SS control throttle option
- Screen rotation support
- Control accessory addresses
- Disable auto-stop feature
- Multiple train control
- Consisting
- Ops mode programming
- Switch control
- Torch icon on top of screen
- Ability to change CV values in operations mode
- Volume buttons adjust speed

## Recent user reviews (10 of 65)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578/reviews.md

### 5/5 — 4 at once

*2026-02-13*

This app works great on the iPad. You can control four throttles at one time. On the iPhone I can only control two at a time. It’s a great app.

### 3/5 — Missing some key features

*2025-05-14*

Rock solid and reliable but missing some features that are found in other apps such as Engine Driver. Turnouts/Points is missing from the main UI. Night mode and dark mode function to match the system interface would set this app apart from others

### 3/5 — No Routes

*2025-04-20*

The app does not handle routes with the MRC Wi Fi module. Unfortunately you do not find this out until you have purchased the full version

### 1/5 — Power ON/OFF broken

*2025-04-13*

The interface is reminiscent of my first Fischer Price toy dash board filled with buttons and knobs that all did nothing.  Basic but important features such as a power button failed to work.   Purchased the full version of the app for the power on/off feature alone only to feel fleeced out of my hard earned $10. Unfortunately this app is underdeveloped with promised but basic features not working at all.  Adding insult to injury I was refused any refund after several requests.  "Fooled me once" is the worst business model, good luck.

### 3/5 — Needs updated for DCC-EX also a Bug

*2025-03-21*

The defacto throttle for iOS.  Works great with things like JMRI and Sprog, but it needs updated to support DCC-EX. 

There’s also a bug when using DCC-EX where sometimes the horn gets stuck on.

The UI, while functional and easy to read, could use sprucing up.

### 4/5 — works great.

*2024-03-06, version 3.8.3*

awesome app, very simple to use. minor glitchy unresponsive throttle slider for me but otherwise great app. wish it had dcc-ex functions and customizable features like the free android app.

### 2/5 — Nice but needs updating

*2023-04-04*

Nice little app but needs to be updated to keep it functional with jmri. Had to go back to jmri 5.0 because this app would not connect to jmri 5.2

### 3/5 — Works great until you change focus to another app.

*2023-03-23*

This app does everything I want as long as my phone doesn't go to sleep or I change focus to a different app. When that happens connection to the JMRI server drops and I have to reconnect. This is a problem if I get a text or phone call or want to look something up while running my loco. Other apps don't stop if they go to the background. Not sure why this one does.

### 5/5 — Works great on iPad

*2023-03-10*

Love this app! I had trouble understanding how to connect it to the MRC transformer. Sent inquiry to support and heard back the next day.
Great support! Got it connected and am enjoying it very much! The ‘Roster’ is great as I can set up a file for each locomotive and give the function keys a name instead of having to look at a sheet with the function number assignments.

### 4/5 — Good app but needs to support way better

*2023-03-04*

This app is great in all with everything you can do with it, but with esu decoders using up to 30+ functions it really limits you with their decoders. If the developers of WiThrottle are reading this please can you support this in the future so we can get past those limitations that we have now.

## Frequently asked questions about WiThrottle

### What does WiThrottle do?

WiThrottle allows you to use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a wireless throttle to control model railroad trains. It connects to the popular JMRI software or specific hardware modules, providing comprehensive control over train addresses, functions, and layout elements like routes and turnouts.

### What are the key features of WiThrottle?

Key features include wireless throttle control, integration with JMRI for accessing roster lists and function labels, control of routes and turnouts, the ability to acquire and dispatch addresses, and comprehensive function controls from F0 to F68. It also offers features like dual throttle screens and the ability to build and break advanced consists.

### How much does WiThrottle cost?

WiThrottle is a paid application. There is also a Lite version available at no charge, which allows users to confirm compatibility with their system before purchasing the full app.

### What are the system requirements for WiThrottle?

Requirements vary depending on your setup. If using JMRI, you need JMRI 2.12 or higher (5.2 or newer recommended), a DCC system interfaced to a computer and railroad, and a local Wi-Fi network. Direct connection options require specific MRC Prodigy WiFi, Digitrax LnWi, or WifiTrax WFD modules and their associated DCC systems.

### Can multiple users control trains with WiThrottle simultaneously?

Yes, multiple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices running the WiThrottle app can be used simultaneously during an operating session if they are connected to the same local Wi-Fi network and have access to the JMRI host or compatible module.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.8.3 — 2024-01-18

Minor bug fix.

### 3.8.2 — 2023-07-17

Minor bug fix.

### 3.8.1 — 2023-05-14

Fix overlapping text.

### 3.8 — 2023-05-06

Allow control of functions up to F68 on systems that support it.
Minor bug fix.

### 3.6 — 2022-08-24

Improved VoiceOver support.
Sort routes & turnouts by location.
Setting to sort roster by name or number.
Minor bug fixes.

## Apps similar to WiThrottle

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| [Blunami](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blunami/id6450242596) | 4.6 (8) | Free | Utilities |
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## More apps by Beth Hoffman

- [WiThrottle Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle-lite/id344190130)

All apps by Beth Hoffman: https://appshunter.io/developer/344172581

## Related topics

[modelcontrolnet device controller](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/modelcontrolnet-device-controller) · [railrunner dcc wifi throttle](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/railrunner-dcc-wifi-throttle)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*