Advanced question for TMCC users

[Big_Boy_4005]

I think this was one of the first posts I ever did here on CTT. It got NO RESPONSE. With all of the new "faces" here these days, I thought I would give it another shot.

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Has anyone ever used the serial port on the back of the command station, and hooked it up to a computer?

I have been reading the manual, and understand that every cab 1 command is echoed through the port, and commands can be entered into the port. The codes are also listed in the manual. I have plans to try some total automation on my layout.

I have a lot more questions, but they are very technical, and involve electronics and how the TMCC system works. Feel free to email me if you want to hear them.

[Anonymous]

There's a few threads on the OGR forum that might interest you. Here's one:

http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=63160042&f=54860292&m=238005775

Try the TMCC section and you will find several others dealing with this issue. You only have till June 1st to communicate for free, but lurking can still offer some rewards.

[Anonymous]

Here's the mother load for advanced TMCC via pc:

http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=63160042&f=54860292&m=236005976

dig in!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Drillerdude, the first one wasn't much, but the second one is very interesting. Actually, I've seen the second one before, but it has gotten a lot longer since I last looked. Now with the link handy, I can flip back and forth. I will eventually get through all 15 pages, and then try to keep up.

I tried getting started over at OGR, and for a variety of reasons decided to stay here. None of those reasons had anything to do with personalities, I pretty much get along with everyone. While I was there, I started talking via email with Keith Brigode. He's one of the main guys in that big conversation.

I also noticed that Tony is rather involved in that conversation, and I wouldn't be surprised if this topic catches his eye later today. I saw that he was asking about CMRI, and I posted an answer on that.

The truth is that I originally posted this topic two days after I joined here, more as a rhetorical question to see if there were any high tech members here. I was hoping to get a conversation going like the one on OGR. This topic actually predates that one, but missed the audience, as they were there and I was here.

I had to do a little digging to bring this one back from the dead, but it seems to be working.

[Anonymous]

Elliot:

Yep, you're right, this one caught my eye!

I haven't written any code to send commands to the Command Base. Keith Brigode has a lot more experience with that and is infinitely more knowledgable about it than I am.

Train America Studios is supposed to be releasing a new product called Layout Control System (LCS) some time this year. I'm actually looking forward to this one. Here's a link to the page on TAS's site for the software:

http://www.tastudios.com/LCS_Info/lcs.htm

Their prices seem reasonable, though it's not yet clear exactly what will be required to interact with a given layout. Also, the LCS pages haven't been updated in a while (if you look at the delivery schedule, it still shows 10/2003 as the delivery date for stuff that hasn't been released yet).

In any event, there was a thread on the OGR TMCC Forum that talked about the bit stream and the serial parameters you need to use to communicate with the command base. People who have tried to do this have had success. Two people come to mind besides Keith: Greg McMurry & Illinois Central have both written software to communicate with the Command Base.

I haven't gotten involved in writing code for this for a number of reasons:

1. I've been programming for a living for about 20 years now and I'm not inclined to start a project of this type on my own time, especially with two small kids trying to get my attention when I come home from work.

2. I'm not that familiar with the Windows serial port programming mechanisms. Not that this would stop me for long -- I pick up things quickly.

3. I haven't done any serious Windows programming in C in years. Gotta chip off all the rust off of that skill set.

4. If a system that will do the job is going to be available & affordably priced in a few months, I think I'll just wait for it & play. I like playing a lot these days [:D]

Tony

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well Tony, I'm going to run to the lumber yard, and pick up some more stuff for the layout construction. That's one nice thing about wearing all of the hats, while I work on the actual construction, I can be thinking about the control system.

I know enough about programming to be "dangerous", and have a copy of C++. One of my problems is that I'm a wimp when it comes to understanging how Windows works. I figure that my project will require the use of two serial ports. One for CMRI talking to the layout, and the other for talking to the TMCC command base. this is why the software being developed may not work for me, or only solve part of the problem.

I think we are going to have to combine your topic and mine into one like on OGR. It will be interesting to see if any of those guys come over here, I'll have to ask Keith which way he's planning on going.

[Anonymous]

Elliot:

I did a lot of Windows development back in the early Windows 3.x days. Nothing for work, just some stuff on my own. This was before I got married.

Anyway, I have a copy of Visual Studio 6.0 at home. I can fire it up & read on the serial interface stuff. As I recall, you get a "handle to a device context" and use it in subsequent calls. Now, if that last statement hasn't scared anyone away from this topic, I don't know what will. Maybe a picture of me naked?

Tony

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Tony, I'll keep that in mind, no ru***hough. I got so wrapped up in reading the OGR thread I decided to pass on the lumber yard for today, I'll do that tomorrow.[;)]