How to control points with a DCC accessory decoder
Wire solenoid point motors to a DCC accessory decoder, give each point an address and switch it from your handset, app or software.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cost
- Moderate cost
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- A DCC accessory decoder suited to your point motors (solenoid, motor or servo)
- Point motors fitted under the points
- Hook-up wire in several colours Search Amazon for hook up wire kit 22 AWG
- Small screwdriver for terminal blocks Search Amazon for precision screwdriver set
- Wire strippers Search Amazon for wire strippers
- Optional separate power supply for the decoder (check its manual)
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Before you start
- Never leave a solenoid permanently energised – it can overheat.
- Don't leave accessory decoders operating unattended (ESU).
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check the decoder suits your motors
Accessory decoders differ. For example, ESU's SwitchPilot 3 Plus has 16 outputs in 8 pairs for up to 8 solenoid points (or 16 other loads), rated 1.5 A per output (2.5 A for 100 ms) and 2 A for the whole module, with overload protection. Servo or motor-driven points may need a different decoder.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Decide how to power it
Many accessory decoders can run from track power or from a separate supply. The SwitchPilot 3 Plus accepts 12–20 V DC, 12–16 V AC or the digital track voltage. A separate supply keeps point-switching current off the track.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Wire the point motors
Each solenoid point uses an output pair: one coil to output A, the other to output B, and the motor's common to the decoder's common terminal, as shown in your decoder's manual. Keep runs tidy and label both ends.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Connect the decoder's DCC input
Wire the track (DCC) input to your track bus or to the command station's accessory output if it has one.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Set the addresses
Accessory decoders use their own address range, separate from loco addresses (NMRA S-9.2.1). Many decoders have a programming button or, like the SwitchPilot 3 Plus, a small display. ESU notes its outputs are addressed in groups of four, and that some command stations (Roco Multimaus/Z21 are named) number points differently – check both manuals if point 1 on your handset moves point 5.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Test each point
Select each point address and switch it both ways. By NMRA convention, one command means 'normal/closed' and the other 'diverging/thrown' – if a point moves the wrong way, swap its two coil wires.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Set the pulse time if needed
Solenoids should only be energised briefly. The SwitchPilot switches its outputs off after a programmed time; adjust only as the manual describes.
Tips
- Write each point's address on the panel diagram.
- Not every handset can switch accessories: ESU notes the Roco Lokmaus 2 sends only loco commands.
Questions people ask
Can I use servos instead of solenoids?
Yes, with a servo-capable decoder or controller. DCC-EX, for example, defines servo points with SERVO_TURNOUT(id, pin, active_angle, inactive_angle, profile).
Can points be programmed on the main?
Some accessory decoders support programming on the main; the SwitchPilot 3 Plus supports POM and the programming track.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- ESU SwitchPilot 3 Plus instruction manual (distributor copy) (intermountain-railway.com)
- NMRA S-9.2.1 DCC Extended Packet Formats (Jan 2025) (nmra.org)
- NMRA S-9.2.2 Configuration Variables (July 2012) (nmra.org)
- DCC-EX: EXRAIL command reference (dcc-ex.com)
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Printed from dcctrainautomation.uk/guides/control-points-with-an-accessory-decoder/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Follow the maker’s instructions for your own equipment, and keep mains wiring inside properly made, enclosed power supplies.