As I began building my layout, and learning about DCC and JMRI, I used a Mac laptop, and was able to program locos and turnout switches. I was also able to operate the switches from a test control panel I built on the computer using JMRI. I recently changed out the computer for a Lenovo ThinkPad touch-screen I got from my son. I connected the computer through a Digitrax PR3 to my Super Chief, and configured the COM port (necessary in Windows XP), and was able to program locomotive decoders. I then found that I could not operate turnout switches from the computer, control locomotives with JMRI throttles, nor could I turn off the track power from JMRI, all things I was able to do before the computer change. So, bottom line, I'm now only partially able to communicate via the computer, and I've come to the limit of my knowledge. Basic logic is failing me. I've tried re-configuring, re-installing, have retraced all my steps and can't find where I tripped up. Anyone have any thoughts where I might look for a cause/solution? Thanks. -Ron
Does JMRI see the commands from your regular throttles if you open the LocoNet Monitor? The fact that you could program would indicate communication (are you sure it programmed?), but the LocoNet Monitor will verify that it is really reading the bus. I use a LocoBuffer II USB, rather than PR3, so not totally sure where else to look. One other item to check is your Java version. I've had a couple of other programs give me trouble with Java 7 RTL installed, so stepped backwards (but only as a last resort)
Rick, Thanks for your ideas. I did see commands on the LocoNet monitor, even though the layout was not responding. And I was definitely programming the locos - that's what ultimately threw my thought processes off. I checked the Java version (it was 1.6xx), and then decided to hook up the Mac again. Something I should have tried earlier, but like I said, loco programming worked on the PC. The Mac controlled everything. So, I plugged the PC back in and started from the beginning. In JMRI preferences I was posed with the question of which COM port to choose. I had tried both during my troubleshooting, but neither would let me control the layout, or at least that's the way I recall it. The short story is that I tried COM4 again, and everything worked. Just a mystery of life, I guess. Thanks again for helping me think through this! -Ron
