DCC for dummies question

[crazy-mp]

I am new to the DCC model railroading programs, I have several question if somebody would be so kind as to answer.

1. With DCC can one train be programed to run a specific route over and over like on a run around?

2. Can one train control multiple turnouts?

3. Is it possible to have a train like a switcher move 5 cars over and over on 3 diffrent tracks like in a industrial area?

4. If you have a passenger service on your layout can you program a train to stop at a station and stay there for a specific time?

Like I said I am new to DCC and most information is about wiring it what unit(s) to buy.

 

[Toyguy]

I'm new too, but here's my take on it....

I think all of those things are possible, but not with a basic DCC system. You will need to go with some sort of layout automation software and/or hardware. NCE showed an example at the Springfiled show last weekend with their MiniPanel product that basically did something like that, sequencing loco movements around a small yard.

I only use NCE, but those systems have the ability to run macros, which just send out strings of DCC commands to various components, such as setting a route through a yard all at once. It's not automated though, you have to trigger it each time. As far as I know, none of the commercial DCC systems do automation out of the box. They have the necessary interfaces to hook up a PC, for example, but they don't actually do the controlling.

I'm looking at the open source JMRI software right now, to see what that can do for me.

 

[fast_ian]

AFAIK - #'s 1,3 and 4 are all possible, but only given a computer and some "fancy footwork" in S/W. [How well do you know Java & XML?]

#2 - Trains do not control turnouts..... Routes can be set (without a computer) in many of the stationary decoders used for T/O control.

Cheers,
Ian

 

[fast_ian]

...I'm looking at the open source JMRI software right now, to see what that can do for me.

I presume that's going well?......

JMRI (specifically, for newbies, Decoderpro) is, IMHO, the reason to connect a computer! If you don't have a computer, go and buy one just to run JMRI!

Seriously.

Cheers,
Ian

 

[completenewbie]

While I am very new to model training and DCC as well, I have been doing a lot of research in this area due to the fact I've been in the 'puter business for over 30 years.

This is what I know...

1. With DCC can one train be programed to run a specific route over and over like on a run around?

Yes - and quite a bit more. You can program slow downs, speed ups, stops at designated locations etc.

2. Can one train control multiple turnouts?

What I know is, it is not the train the controls the turnouts - you need a separate digital connection such as a servo or other connection. You then need to write a program to make the switch occur based on the total signals being sent to the controller - this is actually more difficult to explain than to program of course depending on your level of experience and if you are using a 'puter to do the work (which is what I want)

3. Is it possible to have a train like a switcher move 5 cars over and over on 3 diffrent tracks like in a industrial area?

Yes - easily done see # 1 above

4. If you have a passenger service on your layout can you program a train to stop at a station and stay there for a specific time?

Absolutely - From what I've been reading, there are quite a few things you can do with these DCC systems which makes running the trains much more "life like" and with little to no operator intervention.

Now depending on the amount of complicated "automation" you want, the level of computer and programming required is increased and can become quite extensive - controlling turn outs, automating figures etc.

Like I said that's what I've learned and I will of course defer to anyone with direct knowledge of these systems until I get mine up and running

Here is something I'm looking into as well: Model Train Software if it does what it says, it's a very exciting way to run a train system

 

[fast_ian]

...Yes - and quite a bit more. You can program slow downs, speed ups, stops at designated locations etc.

Hopefully clarifying, while the loco (& potentially, signals, T/O's etc) are "listening" via DCC and generally a somewhat proprietary network, the programming required for this is done from the 'puter..... Then there's (typically) a USB <-> DCC "black box" that puts the commands on the rails/network and listens to responses.

What I know is you need a separate digital connection such as a servo or other connection. You then need to write a program to make the switch occur based on the total signals being sent to the controller

That makes it sound scary! - JMRI will, for example, populate itself with the address of all the stationary decoders on the layout. Click on one (assuming a T/O) and it will throw. No programming required! You can of course use Panelpro (another part of JMRI) to build a virtual CTC panel. Which can control signals and so on......

No programming required! - I'm a little out of touch, but guess over 95% of users have no programming/computer knowledge. Most start out using Decoderpro, and then "venture" onwards.......

Cheers,
Ian

 

[completenewbie]

Ian,

I've been looking at the JMRI and the Decoderpro - very impressive stuff - I guess I just come at it from a programming perspective that usually what I want I have to create.

The Decoderpro and Panelpro look like it's all point and click for the average 'puter user (excellent stuff) which has come light years from what I remember it 10 years ago (I was actually going to create this back then, but got busy)

 

[bnsf971]

Some of the newer Broadway Limited locomotives will allow you to program a series of starts, stops, and sounds by recording them into the decoder's memory.

 

[fast_ian]

... I guess I just come at it from a programming perspective that usually what I want I have to create.

Indeed. And the OP asked some pretty specific questions that would need the help of someone like you [ie, a little beyond what comes out of the box, even if it does include a 'puter... ]

The Decoderpro and Panelpro look like it's all point and click for the average 'puter user (excellent stuff) which has come light years from what I remember it 10 years ago (I was actually going to create this back then, but got busy)

JMRI is always looking for help! [I tried to start a Wiki a few years back, but I too got "distracted" I am very kindly still credited though ]

Cheers,
Ian

 

[fast_ian]

Some of the newer Broadway Limited locomotives will allow you to program a series of starts, stops, and sounds by recording them into the decoder's memory.

Cool! I presume the best way to do that is via Decoderpro?......

As I've already said, I'm a little out of touch, but getting "good" definition files for these "newer" decoders used to be an issue - The guys doing the code can't have all of 'em on hand, so rely on others to post 'em. Dunno if that's still the case though.

Cheers,
Ian

 

[completenewbie]

[I tried to start a Wiki a few years back, but I too got "distracted" I am very kindly still credited though ]

Impressive, wiki's are a pain to moderate IMO. I was thinking there needed to be something for model railroading as well - it seems there was this: www.modeltrainwiki.com but it's gone.

 

[fast_ian]

Impressive, wiki's are a pain to moderate IMO.

Nah! - Bob J is the impressive one! [I think it got "attacked" a couple of times, but was easily fixed.....]

...I was thinking there needed to be something for model railroading as well - it seems there was this: www.modeltrainwiki.com but it's gone.

Indeed. I dunno what it is about wiki's that they don't seem to "take off" in the wild. They're the perfect medium for pretty static, yet updating info IMHO. The DCCwiki is still around, but I don't think it's been updated in a while for example.

I think it's a shame - BB's are constantly "recycling" the same Q&A's (who uses search after all! ) that could be wiki'fied (IMHO).

Cheers,
Ian

 

[crazy-mp]

Thanks for all the information, I have been thinking about upgrading the family computer, and now I have something to do with the old one.

 

[completenewbie]

The guys doing the code can't have all of 'em on hand, so rely on others to post 'em. Dunno if that's still the case though.

From what I've read - there are several ways to code these - text files or XML - both are relatively easy given you take one as a sample and modify it to work with the decoder you're using.

At least that's what I've gleaned from my research so far. I've not looked at the decoder files yet, but once I have my benchwork laid out I'll be looking into this a bit more.

I have the code for software running on my lap top now, but need the interface to get it completely up and running - it all takes time LOL.

I'd like to hear more once you get it up and running crazy-mp - keep us informed?

 

[fast_ian]

From what I've read - there are several ways to code these - text files or XML - both are relatively easy given you take one as a sample and modify it to work with the decoder you're using.

Indeed.

However, "we" don't want to scare folk into thinking the above is the norm!.... Chances are very good that the vast majority of users will never need to poke at any decoder files unless it's something really new, in which case they probably know what they're doing.

In the vast majority of cases, Decoderpro will recognize the make & model of the decoder and thence offer screens applicable only to it - It knows, for example, that a Digitrax DH123 has only two functions that can be altered whereas a DH163 has 6 that can be changed.

No XML or text editing needed!

Cheers,
Ian

 

[fast_ian]

...I have been thinking about upgrading the family computer, and now I have something to do with the old one.

Excellent! I guess it's currently running good old Windows XP? How much memory does it have?

If so, and without wishing to get into religious debates about operating systems, I strongly suggest you take a look at Linux. Specifically, Ubuntu Linux release 10.10 as of this writing.

It's *super* easy to install (particularly onto "older" H/W). You can even download a "live" version (to CD or USB stick) and test your computer using that (to ensure it recognizes all the H/W) - If that's OK (& I'll bet it will be), use it to wipe the hard drive (*after* you've got everything off it of course!) and install (generally following the defaults is good enough).... It's rock solid and fast. It even includes all the "common" stuff (WP's, spreadsheets, photo editing etc) that Microsoft charges extra for. And no more worries about viruses etc!

Then you download Java (easy!) and install JMRI and live happily ever after!

Cheers,
Ian

 

[completenewbie]

Apologies - didn't mean to scare anyone into thinking there was only one way to do this or that it was overly complex to use - which it really isn't.

I was just pointing out the xml/text files can be easily created for those decoders not recognized.

I'll shut up now

 

[fast_ian]

Apologies - ......I'll shut up now

No offense intended or apologies needed! Your comments are absolutely correct, but it's easy for us geeks to disappear off into "programming land" and that "worries" a lot of folk - I just wanted to make sure that people know you don't need to be any kind of geek to get JMRI working it's magic [For that's what it is!]

Cheers,
Ian