Not just a digital controller to run your sound and control your loco’s, but a PC using some type of program to interlink with your layout some how? Not sure if this would even have a use or if it is used at all…
Is there software out there for this or have I crossed some invisible line that shouldnt be discussed?
Ken
Possible, been done and overkill.
David B
I want to interface my layout to the PC to work signals and detection and maybe DCC. Since DCC is digital you figger the would be someone to make such. I have seen home brew stuff to do it, its not impossible, I would like to see a pure PC DCC system, but better turnkey version may be better should the PC crash in the middle of an operating session…
Theres a company or 2 out there making PC CTC controllers to work thru DCC. Us e the PC as a CTC panel.
Its available, for a price. Also, you need to do your research on which DCC systems have a computer connection capability and which dont.
David B
Hi ArticCat
ARRGH!!! isn’t there some where we can Keep those infernal machines out of???[V]
As you can tell I find the idea totally without any merit.
This aside you can get a computer interface and programs for the layout and run it with a computer
I know they are available but have no idea what and where you would get them from.
But the down side I can see is the need for and extra $2000 Au for a computer to be totally dedicated to the Model Railroad, with nothing in the way of programs, except drive the railroad, and definitely no connection to the Internet or out side world.
If it has to be a multi function computor that has a conection to the internet, or other purpose not related to the Model Railroad don’t do it under any circumstances, or you could find yourself without a Model Railroad while the mess that incoming virus has just made is sorted out.
However others will disagree so you should get plenty of usefull input on the questions.
Thats my[2c] on it
regards John
Funny you should mention “crashing”…I’ve been working on a program in Linux to do just that. Computers are another passion of mine, and I haven’t used Windows in over 3 years. My computer doesn’t crash anymore and I thought it might be a great way to run DCC thru a computer.
See my sig…I’m a Linux convert for sure [:D]
Wow…I can buy a used PIII computer for 30 bucks…about the price of a single decoder.
David B
Ken,
There are a number of products available to do just that. C/MRI has been around since the '80’s, and even though it doesn’t interface directly with a DCC system, it has been dovetailed quite nicely into the DCC era by a number of folks:
http://www.jlcenterprises.net/
There are a number of software packages available that allow you to interface your PC with your DCC system, as long as you have a DCC system with the correct interface hardware (as Dave B has already pointed out). My favorite is JMRI, which is free:
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/index.html
I should also point out that JMRI can be used both for “passive” DCC tasks such as decoder programming, as well as “active” tasks such as layout automation. And by “layout automation”, I don’t (necessarily) mean running your trains for you, but rather signalling, lighting, sounds, animation, etc. It can also tie your DCC system together with your C/MRI.
Finally, there is software that “interlinks” with your layout in a way some folks don’t usually consider: Switchlist-type software that selects cars, builds trains, etc. By creating and implementing an operating scheme that defines what trains move what cars to what destinations, it truly does exert “control” over your layout. One example that lots of folks seem to like is RailOp:
Wow, trash must be expensive Down Under! [:D] My town has a spring cleanup day and you can find computers more than suitable for a model railroad set out with the trash!
The software to interface that computer with your layout is also free:
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/index.html
As is a good anti-virus program:
http://free.grisoft.com/
HTH,
Steve
NO
I figured there would be some programs out there. Thanks for all the info, maybe in a few years, when I figure this all out, Ill look into it.
As for the PC costing $30. I have a few laying around the house… besides, old PCs, that could be used for running a simple program, are a dime a dozen. My work is allways offering old pc’s for anyone who wants them, The most money spent on it would be the program and cable… And Id think that the PC would be able to start on its own, where a controller would most likely have to be turned on and operated by a person… either way, it was an intriguing thought, you all helped scratch the surface, Thanks,
Ken
Don’t be a scardey cat… If it’s hooked to the internet you can run your trains from work…lol
The only thing i use a PC for is to run decoderpro to program my locomotives’ decoders.
Sure it would be the ultimate challenge to run a layout with a PC but in the end, I believe it would take all the fun out of operations if the PC did all the work for me. Even though railroads are becoming high tech and train movements are sometimes guided by a computer, in most cases, they still need an engineer and a brakeman to conduct train movements over the road to run the trains, throw switches, and deliver / pick up rolling stock. IMO, a PC controlled layout would take all the fun out of running a railroad…chuck
I agree with Chuck, it would take all the fun out of it.
About four years ago, I built my own DCC system (basically just a booster that hooks up to the computer’s serial port) for about $50. It’s not exactly a high-end system, but it lets me play around and do a bit of decoder programming until I can get the money scraped up for a better system.
http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/7706/index.html is where I found the plans and software (The software is free, as are the plans. You provide the parts.).
If you’re looking for an interface with an existing DCC system, the only one I’m aware of is the LocoBuffer for Digitrax. I’m not familiar enough with the other manufacturers’ DCC systems, so I don’t know if/how they can be interfaced with a computer.
If that’s what you’re looking for, like others have said, there are a variety of programs out there once you have a connection between the computer and DCC. I’m partial to JMRI, myself.
I’d tend to agree with Chuck and others, though…I don’t want the whole layout CONTROLLED by the computer. The main reason I can see for hooking up a computer would be to operate signals and other animation.
Have Fun!
Run my trains with a PC? Why? PC’s are for making toast:
The JMRI website that others have referenced includes information on interfaces. If you use Lenz or Xpressnet protocol (such as Roco) you can use a Lenz LI101. I believe some systems already have an interface; you just need the correct cable.
I’m partial to JMRI, as well, mostly because it will work with my Mac.
Arjay, I’d be curious to see what you built. Sounds like a fun winter project.
You might look at www.kamind.com, It is a computer dispatcher program. I seen it demonstrated several years ago.
As for the internet connection…I would bet that there is some disgruntled and frustrated ex-model railroader out there somewhere that is searching the web right this second for a unsecured link up with a layout that is running on auto-mode from a PC. His first course of action will be to close a turnout when 1/2 a consist is thru, 2 days later he disables your track blocks on a rotating basis and for his weekend finale… he plays demolition derby with your brass…
Ok, maybe he won’t close the turnout…[swg]
You’ve missed your calling. Homeland security has armies of people who’s job is to dream up ways someone can get us, and even though no one has ever actually tried any of them, spend millions trying to protect us from them. Ironically, making everyone aware of the new threat, actually publishes the idea for the bad guys who hadn’t thought about it until now.
I use my computer. I’m not afraid of the bogey man.