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Layout Wiring For JMRI

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  • Member since
    March 2013
  • From: Australia
  • 158 posts
Layout Wiring For JMRI
Posted by tomcat on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 8:53 PM

Hi all

I was thinking about JMRI operations on my new layout and after much debate with my other half she isnt so keen for it ,(what happens when the computer crashes or fails?) So I get her point

My question is though Do I wire the layout differentely for JMRI or the same as without JMRI ?

And also if it is set up for JMRI how can the layout still be operated using the normal hand held.(NCE Procab-Powercab) ?

do I have to connect the throttle ports to the layout ? and how do I do that ? Currently my UTP port is connected to the booster via the flat cable provided so I am unsure how to connect them . I will need a few ports around the room. I will be using 2 NCE 5amp boosters.

Please help I am Lost !!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 10:01 PM

 JMRI Operations doesn't even need any connection to the layout.

Now if you want to run trains with a phone or tablet, you need a computer connection to the layout, it just acts as an additional cab on your system, it does not replace any of the stuff you already have. Layout wiring remains the same.

If by operations you mean signals and so forth, then yes, you will have to wire the layout differently - you will need to install block detection units and some method of connecting their output to the cab bus, or install a seperate bus for the signals and detection - JMRI can connect to multiple systems at the same time, and more than one NCE user has installed a standalong Digitrax Loconet for the signalling and detection because it just works better. You will need to gap the rails to make approriate detection sections, and then this info all feeds back to JMRI to control the signals.

                     --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 10:23 PM

  JMRI 'Operations' does not need to be connected to the DCC system on the layout.  It is a 'Stand-a-Lone' program for car/engine inventory and for generating work orders/switch lists.

  JMRI 'Decoder Pro' is usually connected to the DCC system(in your case the Powercab) via the USB interface.  If the computer hangs or crashes, your trains still run as the NCE system is what is controlling them(via the Procab throttles).

  There is nothing 'different' about wiring the layout for JMRI - Your NCE cabs are what is controlling your trains.  And yes, you will need to daisy chain some UPT ports(using that flat cable) around the layout if you are not 'wireless'.

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • 1,932 posts
Posted by Stevert on Thursday, May 22, 2014 8:40 AM

As already mentioned, for the "Operations" part of JMRI (train schedules and car routing), you don't even need a connection to the layout.

But for "layout operations" (detection, signalling, dispatching, etc), you'd wire the layout the same way for those functions whether you're using JMRI or not.  Think of JMRI as nothing more than a really, really smart throttle for whatever control system you're using (doesn't have to be DCC - JMRI supports several non-DCC systems.)

And forgive me for being so blunt, but "what happens if the computer crashes or fails" is a poor excuse for not using it.  What happens when it crashes or fails now?  Do you give up forever on email or facebook or this forum or whatever else you use a computer for?  I think most folks' response would be to reboot it after a crash, and fix/upgrade/replace it if there was some other type of failure.     

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