JMRI not a easy as I expected

[Don]

I use JMRI panel pro and have designed my RR on my laptop. I had a few problems but the guys on the JMRI yahoo group were quick to help. I find it very helpful for operations, tracking trains, controlling turnouts, etc. I really like the train roster for keeping track of all the information for each engine. Also, I'm able to use the computer as a throttle or two, or three.
I don't use decoder pro, it is complicated and sometimes misleading. I'm happy programing with my NCE Power Pro, quick and easy.
Don Perla

 

[tootnkumin]

Gonn'a have a break from it for a while, maybe take a couple of locos down to the new club this week, see if I can get the guy who does the JMRI setting up there (only seems to be 1 that does it) to do them while I watch and pester.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I agree with ya tootn. Some of the JMRI stuff is just overwhelming. If they could just use a reference page of the end result then telk ya how to get there, that might be good.

 

[fcwilt]

JMRI does indeed have the look of something designed by committee - and we know how well that usually works out.

Yes JMRI does have a lot of raw capability but its user interface, that which gives access to that capability, is primitive in the extreme. As a retired UI specialist it's painful to interact with. It's a bit like watching a train wreck happening fascinating yet horrifying at the same time.

And the UI doesn't need to be as bad as it is. Granted top notch Java based UI design is a bit of a bear but that's why folks like me have/had jobs.

For those with the resources and who don't wish to suffer through learning JMRI, Train Controller is a much better approach, IMO.