LCD Layout Panel?

Does anyone use or plan on using an overhead LCD monitor to display their layout panel(s) using JMRI PanelPro or similar computer software?

I have a 9 X 12 bedroom size layout in a “J” shape and plan on mounting a 26” LCD TV on the wall to the left of the closet (see attached photo) at the walk in side of the layout. The screen will display layout panel(s) showing turnout status and block status as well as allowing for interactive operations or monitoring of CTC operations. This will be particularly helpful for monitoring hidden staging tracks.

I’m in the process of setting up a Digitrax Super Chief using LocoNet along with DS64’s to control all turnouts and BDL168’s for block control. I will be using a PR3 to interface with a dedicated computer.

The deal is this I could have set up toggle switch panel(s) on the fascia or use an old computer and TV for about the same money. So I’m thinking why not try something cutting edge?:tb-wacky:

Let me hear your ideas.

Jerry

 

I had a similar plan, but now I'm thinking about distributing some of the control and display. Essentially, I think I'll have a centralized computer panel for the mainline & distributed pushbutton type panels for locals switching areas and yards.

 

Although I've not seen it done, I've seen enough of JMRI and Panel Pro to know it can be done.

My opinion: I think you have to be a professional programmer or otherwise qualified geek to be able to do it this way. For example, my buddy at the club who has been working on a Panel Pro panel for our club layout (admittedly much larger than yours) has developed some kind of script shortcuts for generating turnout data without mistakes. Not the kind of thing I would know how to do.

If you're comfortable with all that kind of stuff, if indeed you're going to enjoy doing it, I say go for it.

 

I may end up using your idea when it is all said and done.:thumbs_up: Just thought I would give it a try at the computer display level first. It may take some getting used to versus operating with a more tactile toggle switch panel. My goal was to operate the layout as much as possible without having to reach into the layout with my hands / arms. Since all turnouts can be thrown from the throttle and monitored by LocoNet and easily viewed on the computer display I saw this as a way to achieve my goal.

I’ll keep you posted as this project developes.

Jerry

 

I will be the first to admit I am an odd duck (geek).:tb-nerd: I programmed computers for twenty years and can easily obtain and modify the JMRI script code if necessary. The majority of effort using JMRI will have to do with building the various tables that drive the program. The less desirable part of building certain tables is setting up test parameters that determine if / then / else and true / false logic to control certain operations logic. This is related more to route building, signaling and CTC functions.

My initial task will be primarily aimed at using the computer display to reflect the status of each turnout and block occupancy on the layout. This will be of most importance to hidden staging to avoid any wrecks. Of course I will also use the computer to set up decoder using DecoderPro.

I think the size of my layout including the number of turnouts and number of blocks is about the limit to which this type of layout panel can handle and still fit on an easily viewable display.

Jerry

 

I love this idea and I am planning a similar solution myself. For now, my turnout controls are going in the fascia. Eventually, I will install keylock switches at all of the fascia mounted turnout controls that will allow an operator to place a turnout in manual mode. When this happens, the turnout can be operated via the fascia switch. Otherwise, the turnout will be operated via computer controlled CTC and the fascia switch will be "locked out" (it does not operate the turnout when the keylock has not been placed in the manual position). My CTC panel will be a laptop and a large flat panel display in the dispatchers office (adjacent room), not in the actual layout room as you have described. If you have a programming background like I do, go for it. There are LOTS of programming opportunities for model railroading, especially since you are a fellow geek! Jamie

 

:tb-biggrin:I am quite fortunate to have one wall “layout free” to mount the computer monitor on. I could also use the dual video output and set up another smaller computer display on the opposing wall if necessary. Initially I have set this up on my home theater with integrated computer system to determine the logistics and was very pleased with the viewable results. The size of the monitor and viewing distance are very critical to an enjoyable result. The use of a Bluetooth mouse would also be of benefit if you intend to manually interact with the layout panel.

As I stated in a previous post my usage at this point will be more for status display of turnout position and block occupancy. I may find operating the turnouts using the throttle to be a chore during fast clock operations or CTC assisted operations.

If desired I can operate the layout without using the PC and let my eyes tell me the turnout status and which blocks are occupied. I think once I get accustomed to tuning into the computer display I will not want to be without it.

I’ll keep you posted of my progress.

Jerry

 

Thanks for sharing that tid bit on JMRI Robert!

The possibilities are far greater than most model rail roaders want to spend time working on. I figured after setting up the computer for DecoderPro why not give PanelPro a shot. I needed something to give me a heads up on hidden staging and by designing in a shot block at both ends of each staging lane I’ll know when the loco arrives at the stopping point and later if a loco is present on that staging lane which direction it is headed.

I plan to share my findings as I proceed with this project so other can enjoy the benefits. I should be in full swing after the holidays. The lack of user friendliness is a deterrent to most when it comes to setting up and using both the hardware and software. I would like to cut to the chase on many of the unknowns and document a set up procedure from start to finish.

Jerry

 

You have done an outstanding job on those panels Rick!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up: Since your children will also be operating the layout, the more tactile layout panels will perform well for them.

After getting the basics set up and working I will move on to getting the track permanently laid down, assembling buildings and doing scenery. I will come back at some point to incorporate train routing, signaling and automated CTC. That is what makes this such a great hobby. You can dabble with anything you want and when you get bored or frustrated move on to something else.

Jerry

 

Wonder if anyone's already made a touchscreen interface to control turnouts, blocks, etc.

 

Now that would be cutting edge in terms of operating a model railroad.:thumbs_up:

Jerry

 

Update on LCD Layout Panel

This is an update with photos to show the progress on this project. I am using a small Dell tower (running Windows Vista) placed horizontally on an adjustable shelf under the bench work. The monitor is a 26 inch Samsung widescreen television set at 720p resolution. Viewing distance will not exceed five (5) feet while operating at any place in the train room. Keyboard and mouse will be located under the bench work on a slide out tray. Optional Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse may replace existing units if needed.

As previously stated I will be using JMRI software. Initially I plan to use this mostly for a visual aid for the hidden staging tracks. I will also use it for CTC dispatching operations as a primary operator of mainline trains during fast clock operations so that I can manually perform yard operations in the background. This will give me an op session without having to have a human for dispatching and mainline operations. By allowing plenty time for scheduled routes to be run under CTC ops I should be able to keep up on yard duties.

Jerry

 

Looks great...

Please keep us informed of your progress implementing CTC operations. We want to the same thing at the club (using JMRI), but it will be a while before it happens.

 

This is pretty cool!

It just so happens that my planned layout will be in our computer room / office, and the staging yard is currently planned to be behind the monitor of our Mac Mini.

So I'm planning to integrate the computer desk into the layout (it's a high shelf, so the computer will be on a lower shelf) and control the trains with JMRI (or something).

I'll be watching your progress closely!

 

You and I both know there are unlimited possibilities once you reach this point. In fact I hope someday to mount a wireless cam on the lead loco and have the video displayed onscreen in real time mode as if I were sitting in the cab. I say if you're going to dream then dream real big!

Thanks guys for your interest and I will definitely keep you updated on this project.

Jerry

 

Wonder if the newly-announced Apple iPad can do that...