A recent review in MR of a new Marklin DCC product raised a question for me. Is anyone working on or contemplating building a software program which would allow one to use their personal computer to both program and then control a DCC decoder with a handheld throttle? The Marklin product is a big step in this direction as it is Unix based and has a context sensitive display.
I have been using my old laptop and a program called WinLok to run my RR for about five years. I have the Digitrax DCC system and this is Loconet certified and I can not only run the RR but program my Booster, T/O switches etc. I use DecoderPro to program my decoders via the laptop as well. There are several programs out there that can do this and some are shareware.
Terry
[8D]
Are you referring to the computer being in or part of the handheld throttle itself? That seems to be a very European thing, with the Marklin product you mentioned and the Zimo MX31.
But if you’re referring to using a personal computer with your existing DCC system, that’s old news. Look at http://jmri.sourceforge.net/index.html for what I believe is the best of these products. There are others, but when you factor in the abilities, features, support, and especially the price, JMRI comes out on top.
HTH,
Steve
I believe the Lenz Set LI with Loco CE by Kam Industries uses the Personal Computer as the main interface with the operator. However, it does still need a sperate command station.
My LHS Train Buddy uses this exact system. He has four pre-programmed “flights” of train runs programmed into the system. For example, one that is setup he kicks off the one steam engine, it starts up with the sound of steam, then the bells and whistle blows for backing out of the siding. Then the switch is thrown and it starts out on the main line grade and makes it way around the circuit, then progresses back to the siding, makes a few whistle and bells then goes back into the siding, backs up a little bit, more bells, then comes to a stop.
All this was done with one click of the mouse in the WinLok system.
also look at http://www.cti-electronics.com/index.htm . it does a lot more than just adding a throttle , it gets into compete computer control of trains . maybe more than you want , but at least you can look at all the options