I have N scale layout running under pc control. I use JMRI 2.13 on it. Now I want to turn my layout to the automatic running. I don't know is the JMRI able to do that? Did anybody do the same? I have no idea how it can be done so I will be glad to any help. Thank you. My trains on the youtube here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCtBQ0W0G9k
Running trains automatically using the computer is not possible within the JMRI software at this time. Jerry
Here's what I use (Silver Version). This is an all-encompassing product that supports almost, if not all, DCC systems. It has a learning curve but good documentation and a forum hosted by the product developer: Model Railroad Computer Control with TrainController ....Tom
????? Could have fooled me: JMRI Layout Automation It may be easier in some of the other software packages, but it is certainly possible with JMRI.
No, because I've been using this product for 8-10 years, so I just had to pay the upgrade price but there is no question that this software is pricey, and the price of the software is not the only thing to consider. I use Tortoise switch machines which have to be controlled by NCE Switchit's so that the software can control the turnouts. In addition, you have to install occupancy detection of some kind so the software knows where the locomotives are. NCE BD20's do the job for me or you can use Digitrax Transponding which does more than just sense a locomotive is in a certain block. It actually identifies which locomotive. I don't mean to scare you off. I just happen to be one of those guys who likes to watch trains run. I find that when I run them manually, they usually end up in the corn field or worse, on the floor. Computer control is exactly what I wanted. The learning curve is steep, the price is kinda high and the electronic devices needed is daunting. But, the installation of all this stuff ain't that tough. I didn't know anything about these things when I started and mine has been running great for a lot of years. Hell, I can even fix the rare problem when it occurs. Here's the problem...unless you know exactly what you want the computer to control, there is no easy way to put your toe in the water on this. You kind of have to jump into the middle of the lake (with your wallet wide open) and start swimming like hell. Railroad & Co. has a demo version of Traincontroller. If you're willing to invest some time and a "little" money, I would strongly recommend you download the demo, take a small sheet of plywood and build a demo track with some blocks, couple of sidings and the appropriate occupancy detectors and crank up the software and try the tutorial. Even that is a considerable task but I think it's better than the "middle of the lake." ....Tom
The layout panel (CTC screen) is automated, meaning the train position indicator is advanced on the display as the train is manually operated. This part of the software also allows loco and rolling stock identification with the intended purpose of establishing car forwarding switch lists. The complexity is not the issue; the JMRI software certainly does not automatically handle layout train movement. This is clearly stated in the documentation downloaded with the software. Reference: See "Dispatcher", Introduction section "Note". Let me know when you hear of someone solely using the JMRI software to automatically run trains on their layout using the computer. At this point in time there is a third party add on indicated on the JMRI website that may perform this task. Sorry, Jerry
Here is the reference you refer to: This reference is referring to Dispatcher itself, one of the programs contained within JMRI, which will not handle fully automated dispatching; however, you can automatically run trains in JMRI using scripts. Did you even look at the link I posted? Well, there are two examples of automated running right on the JMRI web site under Scripting Examples: Back and forth using sensors and back and forth using timed delays. Now these are extremely simplistic examples, but they are examples of fully automated running using nothing more than JMRI, and using the ideas presented in these and other examples you can write scripts for some pretty complicated automatic running.
Yes, I did look at the link you listed. I have been looking at the entire JMRI website for the past three years as well as the included program documentation. The Dispatcher in JMRI is the basis for defining your made up trains that are going to run on your layout. In conjunction with a fast clock, routes, blocks, etc. it will provide all the information necessary to automatically run trains using the computer. The scripting examples run trains just like the JMRI throttle runs trains. The problem is you have to manually call these up to run. I fail to see the automation in this in terms of the computer taking full control of the trains. At the user level once the scripts are written and integrated with Dispatcher it will be possible to run trains automatically using a computer. Until then you would have to write your own scripts at the programmer level that could either function on their own or integrate with Dispatcher. You may be asking how I know this. I am a computer programmer and can write the scripts in question, unfortunately I got into this hobby to get away from my job. I think the user level is where we should contain this discussion. For all practical purposes that makes it impossible for the average model railroader to automate their layout using a computer with JMRI. Keep in mind that complete CTC control of your layout is the goal of JMRI. It will just be a matter of time. This is a case where we are both right. Jerry
I have finished my project. My layout has been controlled by my PC running JMRI. See here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4HDsk8UBZk
Yes. It is possible. This is respond for the main question here. And I know how to do that with JMRI - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6LfYmsO1XQ
I watched both videos. "Yes. It is possible." Just to clarify you are saying that it is possible for all operations to be carried out automatically by the pc running under JMRI once the initial sequence is initiated, with no further actions requiring human intervention. If this is the case then you have made an awesome accomplishment in reaching your goal. Would you be willing to share with us an overview of how you accomplished this feat? Jerry
