I've just gotten a Pi400 and am starting to try and build my DCC++EX system around it. I have a MakerFab wifi shield and want to include it in this build up. Question: While the Pi400 is running JMRI will I be able to run the RR without the serial cable attached to the Arduino Mega 2560? I have downloaded M Steve Todd's OS for this and have it running but I haven't tried it without the serial cable. TIA ps' The Pi400 is a pretty nice package.
JMRI needs to be connected the same way it was when you configured it. When you setup a new JMRI profile, you define the connections. If not connected as expected, JMRI reports the error, etc. Another reason you will want to use the USB connection is if you use the diagnostic functions to diagnose a problem decoder within the JMRI DCC++ Monitor screen. These diags only report via the serial/USB connection. When you have a wifi shield and you use JMRI - - -- If you use the accessory controller functionality of DCC++EX and/or EXRAIL automation, you might use Engine Driver connected to DCC++EX to control your layout. -- You can still connect to the JMRI withrottle server, as you would without a shield -- JMRI supports multiple DCC++EX WiFi connections -- a Mega with wifi can be utilized for its accessory controller functionality, perhaps applicable to larger layouts or to simplify wiring (much like using multiple CMRI nodes -- but no programming required). Your layout looks like it might be the right size for a single Mega + WiFi. I encourage you to use the DCC++EX accessory controller functionality and give EXRAIL a try. And when accessories are defined in myAutomation.h and mySetup.h, JMRI automatically populates its sensor and turnout tables at startup. Join the discussion on the discord server. Read the Introduction to EXRAIL https://dcc-ex.com/automation/EX-RAIL-intro.html
