I found a site where a modeler was controlling his trains with his computer from the printer port. He wrote his own software in Basic and explained how to adapt his program to your own layout and add other features too. All the info I got from his site was lost in a HD crash from a lightning strike. I am looking for any and all help To write a program like that to control all sorts of gadgets and motors and trains and stuff from a printer port output. Is anyone doing anything like that or can tell me how it can be done? I am buying visual basic.net2003 and starting from scratch. Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. walt AnjetD
Welcome Aboard Walt! Model Railroader did a series on this in the early 80's called TMRI: Computer Model Railroad Interface. Though a tad expensive to do at the time with the lack of computer equipment available I am sure that it would be quite inexpensive to do now. It too utilized a serial (printer) interface. I remember that the project covered almost a year's worth of issues but took you step by step. I hope that this helps. Russ P.S. I also seem to remember that the programs were written in Basic as well.
Anjet, I am planning on PC operation myself and came across JMRI in my research. I beleive it is a spin off of CMRI mentioned previously. It may be what you are looking for. http://jmri.sourceforge.net/
A well noted (HO) model railroader named Bruce Chubb has written on this topic. Perhaps Kalmbach Publishing has a book out? With some of his input? You might check at your hobby shop, or their web site. Boxcab E50
Anjet: Welcome to trainboard.. I can control the JJJ&E on my computer using Lenz and JMRI software. I've written a post on Computerizing the JJJ&E in this DCC forum Computerizing the JJJ&E Have fun...... Stay cool and run steam..... [ November 18, 2005, 06:22 PM: Message edited by: Powersteamguy1790 ]
