Current Standard System
PIKO SmartControl WLAN 55821
Compact 2 A DCC Basic Set with a colour display, wireless handheld controller and expansion options using additional controllers and boosters.
Control DCC locomotives wirelessly and precisely
PIKO SmartControl WLAN: Features & Buying Guide
PIKO SmartControl WLAN combines an ergonomic wireless handheld controller with a compact DCC command station. Discover how the Basic Set, SmartController, SmartBooster and new G-SmartControl system work and which solution suits your gauge and layout size.
Wireless throttle with a traditional rotary knob
What Is PIKO SmartControl WLAN?
PIKO SmartControl WLAN is a digital control system for locomotives and accessory decoders using the DCC format. The Basic Set consists of the SmartBox WLAN, SmartController WLAN, a power supply and a quick-start guide. The handheld controller communicates wirelessly with the command station, allowing you to move freely around the layout during operation.
Speed and direction are controlled with a sensitive rotary knob. Locomotives, functions and settings can be selected on the colour display. Up to 69 locomotive functions can be operated. This is particularly helpful for modern sound locomotives with numerous lighting, sound and shunting functions.
The standard Basic Set supplies a maximum of 2 amps to the track. This is sufficient for many small and medium-sized layouts with several H0, TT or N locomotives. The decisive factor is not the number of vehicles stored in the controller but the simultaneous current consumption of motors, sound, lighting and other loads.
As the layout grows, a SmartBooster 3A can divide it into additional power districts. Booster districts are electrically isolated and each receives its own short-circuit monitoring. A derailed vehicle will therefore not necessarily shut down the entire model railway.
In the current system, WLAN primarily refers to the wireless connection used by the dedicated SmartController. Anyone who specifically wants to operate the railway with their own smartphone or tablet should check the desired app and its compatibility separately before purchasing.
The current system and earlier product generations
Which PIKO SmartControl Versions Are Available?
Complete Model Railway Start
SmartControl WLAN Starter Sets
These sets include a digital train, track, SmartBox, SmartController and power supply. RailCom Plus-compatible vehicles can register automatically in suitable sets.
Large Garden Railway
PIKO G-SmartControl WLAN
Independent Gauge G system with 5 A, an adjustable voltage range from 16 to 22 volts, a programming track and powerful large-scale boosters.
Earlier Generation
PIKO SmartControl Light
Earlier DCC system with a wired handheld controller. Accessories and connections should not be combined with the current SmartControl WLAN system without checking compatibility.
Earlier Android Solution
PIKO SmartControl Classic
The original SmartControl generation used an Android-based handheld controller. It differs technically from the current SmartController WLAN.
Workshop and Decoders
PIKO SmartProgrammer
Supplementary programming device for compatible PIKO decoders, sound projects and individual settings. It does not replace the central layout control system.
Output and intended use compared directly
Compare SmartControl WLAN and G-SmartControl WLAN
| Feature | SmartControl WLAN 55821 | G-SmartControl WLAN 35055 | Practical Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital format | DCC | DCC with RailCom and RailCom Plus | Check the decoder format before purchasing |
| Output current | Maximum 2 A | Maximum 5 A | Plan according to actual current consumption |
| Track voltage | Suitable for the 16 V power supply | Adjustable between 16 and 22 V | Adapt the voltage to the gauge |
| Handheld controller | SmartController WLAN 55823 | G-SmartController WLAN 35051 | Do not confuse the controllers |
| Locomotive functions | Up to 69 functions | Up to 69 functions | Ideal for sound and lighting functions |
| Additional power | SmartBooster 3A 55827 | G-SmartBooster 5A 35052 | Create separate booster districts |
| Typical gauges | Z, N, TT, H0e, H0m, H0 and 0e | Gauge G and other large-scale DCC applications | Consider output and voltage together |
Important: The two current systems look similar and
use a comparable operating concept, but their command stations, power
supplies and boosters have different electrical ratings. Only connect
accessories after their system compatibility has been confirmed.
Three questions to find the right configuration
Which PIKO SmartControl System Suits Your Layout?
Drive, programme and operate together
Important PIKO SmartControl WLAN Features
Train Operation
Precise Rotary Controller
Speed and direction can be adjusted with one hand. The stop button switches off the track voltage in a hazardous situation.
Locomotive Management
Select Vehicles Clearly
Locomotive names, addresses and function assignments make it easier to switch between several digital vehicles.
Sound and Lighting
Operate Up to 69 Functions
Extensive sound decoders can be controlled with lighting, horns, couplers, shunting mode and many additional functions.
Multiple Operators
Add Additional Controllers
Several operators can take control of different locomotives. This is useful for families, shunting operation and modular layouts.
Power Expansion
Create Booster Districts
The SmartBooster supplies an electrically isolated section while the command station continues to generate all digital commands.
Decoder Maintenance
SmartProgrammer and SmartTester
Compatible decoders can be programmed, tested and provided with individual settings or sound projects.
From small scales to garden railways
Choose PIKO SmartControl by Gauge
Gauges Z, N and TT
Small locomotives usually require little current. The 2 A Basic Set therefore provides sufficient reserves for many compact layouts.
Suitable Solution
SmartControl WLAN 55821 with DCC-compatible decoders.
Pay Particular Attention To
Check the permitted track voltage of small vehicles and decoders.
H0, H0e and H0m
The system is particularly suitable for DCC two-rail layouts. Starter sets provide a complete introduction with a train, track, command station and handheld controller.
Suitable Solution
Basic Set, H0 SmartControl starter set or Basic Set with a booster.
Pay Particular Attention To
Include sound locomotives and illuminated coaches in the power calculation.
Gauge 0 and Gauge G
Large motors, smoke generators and sound increase the power requirement. The new 5 A G-SmartControl system with adjustable voltage is intended for garden railways.
Suitable Solution
G-SmartControl WLAN 35055 and G-SmartBooster 35052.
Pay Particular Attention To
Plan suitable cable cross-sections, weather protection and several track feed points.
From unpacking to the first train
Set Up PIKO SmartControl WLAN Correctly
Step 1
Connect the Track
Connect the SmartBox to the track with the specified connecting cable. Check older feeder tracks for interference-suppression components beforehand.
Step 2
Connect the Power Supply
Only use a power supply that is suitable for the system and model railway gauge.
Step 3
Switch On the Controller
Insert or charge the rechargeable battery and connect the handheld controller to the SmartBox.
Step 4
Select a Locomotive
Select an existing locomotive address or allow a RailCom Plus-compatible vehicle to register automatically.
Step 5
Test the Functions
First test the lighting, direction, stop button and additional functions with a single vehicle.
Step 6
Expand the Layout
Add further controllers, turnout decoders and boosters only after successful basic operation.
Avoid unsuitable purchases and operating faults
Common PIKO SmartControl Mistakes
Assuming WLAN Automatically Means Smartphone App Control
The current system is primarily operated with the dedicated SmartController WLAN. Check any desired apps separately.
Mixing SmartControl Generations
SmartControl, SmartControl Light and SmartControl WLAN use different components and connections.
Connecting Too Many Loads to 2 A
Sound, interior lighting and several moving locomotives may make an additional booster district necessary.
Failing to Isolate Booster Sections Correctly
Electrical isolation points must be installed exactly according to the applicable manufacturer instructions.
Using the Wrong Track Voltage
Smaller gauges are particularly sensitive to unnecessarily high track voltage.
Powering Accessories from the Track Supply
On larger layouts, turnouts, signals and lighting should receive a suitable separate power supply.
Command stations, starter sets, boosters and garden railway components
Suitable Products for PIKO SmartControl
This selection includes central system components, digital H0 starter sets and powerful Gauge G accessories. For individual devices, check the required additional components on the respective product page.
Z, N, TT, H0e, H0m and H0: System Components
Command stations, additional control devices, boosters and workshop equipment for DCC layouts in various gauges.
Digital Command Station
PIKO 55821 SmartControl WLAN
DCC Basic Set with SmartBox, wireless controller and power supply.
View Product →
Additional Controller
PIKO 55823 SmartController WLAN
Ergonomic wireless controller for an additional operating position.
View Product →
Power Expansion
PIKO 55827 SmartBooster 3A
Supplies an additional electrically isolated layout section.
View Product →
Track Connection
PIKO 55828 Connection Cable
Connects SmartControl components securely to the model railway track.
View Product →
Programme Decoders
PIKO 56415 SmartProgrammer
Edits compatible decoders, settings and sound projects.
View Product →
Test Decoders
PIKO 56416 SmartTester
Tests motor, lighting and sound functions before installation.
View Product →Gauge H0: SmartControl WLAN Starter Sets
Complete digital sets with a train, PIKO A Track, SmartBox, handheld controller and power supply.
Complete Two-Train Set
PIKO 59014 Two-Train Set
Passenger and freight trains for varied digital operation.
View Product →
Modern Freight Train
PIKO 59015 Class 185 Freight Train
Digital electric locomotive, three freight wagons and a large track oval.
View Product →
Classic DB Train
PIKO 59018 Class 220 Passenger Train
Diesel locomotive and two passenger coaches with ballasted track.
View Product →
Modern Private Railway Train
PIKO 59019 RegioJet
Yellow passenger train with wireless control and ballasted track.
View Product →
Shunting Operation
PIKO 59101 TGK2 Freight Train
Compact diesel locomotive and freight wagons for DR shunting scenes.
View Product →
Regional Services
PIKO 59102 Double-Decker Train
Class 146 and two double-decker coaches in DB AG livery.
View Product →
International Passenger Train
PIKO 59103 PKP Intercity
Taurus locomotive and two matching passenger coaches.
View Product →
Austrian Passenger Train
PIKO 59104 ÖBB Taurus
Digital Taurus passenger train with ballasted PIKO A Track.
View Product →
Swiss Passenger Train
PIKO 59107 SBB Set
Electric locomotive and two passenger coaches for Swiss operation.
View Product →Gauge G: G-SmartControl and Garden Railway Accessories
Powerful wireless control, boosters and weather-resistant turnout decoders for large vehicles and long routes.
Garden Railway Command Station
PIKO 35055 G-SmartControl WLAN
5 A DCC system with controller, power supply and programming track.
View Product →
Additional Gauge G Controller
PIKO 35051 G-SmartController
Wireless operating position for the new G-SmartControl system.
View Product →
Large-Scale Booster
PIKO 35052 G-SmartBooster
Additional 5 A power district with its own 100 VA power supply.
View Product →
Operate Four Turnouts
PIKO 35013 Gauge G Turnout Decoder
Splash-resistant DCC decoder for garden railway turnouts.
View Product →
Directly on the Turnout Mechanism
PIKO 35016 Add-On Decoder
Splash-resistant single-channel decoder requiring only short wiring.
View Product →
Earlier Gauge G Generation
PIKO 35037 Navigator V2
Wireless and wired controller for compatible earlier PIKO Gauge G systems.
View Product →
Expand the digital layout with suitable components
Manufacturer Pages, Guides and Product Categories
Answers before purchasing and expanding the system
Frequently Asked Questions about PIKO SmartControl
Who is PIKO SmartControl WLAN suitable for?
The system is suitable for DCC beginners, returning hobbyists and model railway enthusiasts who prefer a wireless handheld controller with a traditional rotary knob. It can grow gradually with additional controllers and boosters.
Can the system control Märklin mfx locomotives?
The current SmartControl WLAN is a DCC system. A locomotive with a multiprotocol decoder can operate when the decoder supports DCC. This does not provide native mfx registration.
Are 2 amps sufficient for an H0 layout?
Two amps are often sufficient for several small or medium-sized H0 locomotives. Sound, smoke generators and many illuminated coaches can, however, reach the limit quickly.
How many SmartControllers can be used?
The system can be expanded with additional compatible SmartControllers. This provides up to four operating positions for driving together.
Can I operate my layout with a smartphone?
The current system is mainly operated with the dedicated SmartController WLAN. Any desired smartphone app and its support should be checked explicitly before purchasing.
What is the SmartBooster 3A used for?
It supplies additional power to an isolated layout section. The driving and switching commands continue to come from the SmartBox.
What does RailCom Plus mean?
Compatible decoders can register automatically with a compatible command station and transmit vehicle information. Not every DCC decoder supports this function.
Is SmartControl WLAN compatible with LocoNet?
PIKO describes the system as open and suitable for combination with compatible LocoNet components. The connections, adapters and firmware versions must be checked for the specific configuration.
What is the difference from SmartControl Light?
SmartControl Light belongs to an earlier system generation with different components. Its controller, command station and expansions are not automatically interchangeable with the current WLAN system.
Which solution is suitable for a garden railway?
The 5 A G-SmartControl WLAN with adjustable track voltage from 16 to 22 volts and a compatible 5 A booster is intended for Gauge G. Suitable cable cross-sections and weather protection remain important.
Content status: 16 July 2026.
Before connecting the system, consult the current instructions for the
SmartBox, controller, power supply, booster and decoders. Firmware and
the available functions may be expanded through updates.
Plan the Complete Digital Model Railway Layout
Further guides cover digital protocols, decoders, track voltage, boosters, feedback, wiring and layout construction.