Opinions on layout control software?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

I’m working on a large layout project. My client wants to have the layout automated so he can sit down at a computerized dispatch panel select a train at point A, pick a destination at point B, and have the computer take care of routing and train control. I’ve been surfing around for software that can do this and have found two potential candidates.

Kam Industries Layout Comander

RailRoad & Co. TrainController

I’d like the opinions of anyone who has used either of these software packages or suggestions of another program I should consider.

One of the other challenges with using these systems is to put together hardware that can interface with the computer to supply occupancy detection and signal control. I know there are a lot of options for this equipment. I’m considering a line of products from CTI Electronics.

Again, any opinions from people who have used CTI’s hardware/software or recommendations for competing products?

Thanks in advance for your input.

2

I have the CTI system and had it connected to a DC layout. It will do everything that you want it to do. It is now compatible with DCC systems, but I am not using mine that way. I am also a member of an email support group for CTI, and it can be used with DCC as you have described because other members are doing just that. You also say ‘client’, so I assume that you would be setting it up for someone else. IMHO, any computerized system that you set up for someone else will require constant support unless they like to fool around with the operating programs themselves. If you only have to set up a ‘few’ routes, you may be better off going with a hardwired system using relays. I know this is considered old technology, but at least you won’t have to be linked to your client for life.

I have also elected not to go with RR & Company because of the cost, and I think that I also saw, when researching them, that support for CTI is about to be suspended. I may not be correct on that statement however. I am using CTI’s program and writing my own code.

Elmer.

3

You might want to take a look at JMRI. It interfaces with quite a range of hardware (both DCC and non-DCC), and can communicate with more than one system at a time. That can be quite helpful if you feel one approach is better for signalling/turnout control and another for locomotive control, eg CTI and DCC.

Plus, JMRI is free!

Main page: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/

List of supported hardware: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/index.shtml

Active and helpful JMRI users group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmriusers/

HTH,
Steve

4

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback. I’m a fulltime layout builder, but this is the first layout that will be “fully” automated. Fortunately, cost is not much of an impediment on this project. The layout will over 3200 sq. ft., so a few hundred bucks worth of software is a drop in the bucket.

I’m working with a programmer who will tailor some of the I/O software for our needs. The open source project looks interesting, but I’m not sure it has the necessary capabilities for what we want to do. Perhaps there’s an opportunity there to add to the project.

I’ve been evaluating some of the demo software. So far I have to say the RR & Co Train Controller looks to be the most refined package, but it also has the strictest user agreement.

Anyone else with user experience on any of these systems?

5

Does it have to be computereised? there are a number of dedicated control systems also available, such as http://www.signalresearch.com/latest_news.htm which i happened to see in an old MR just after I read your post. See also all the marklin and Uhlenbrock and similar gear coming out of Europe. You can automate a layout without a PC (though I admit I am doing it).