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JMRI and decoder pro on a chromebook computer

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JMRI and decoder pro on a chromebook computer
Posted by ndbprr on Saturday, April 8, 2023 1:32 PM

Has anybody tried to run either one on a chromebook laptop?  Were you successful in doing so?  Details please.  Thank you.

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Posted by MrMe on Saturday, April 8, 2023 2:56 PM

ndbprr

Has anybody tried to run either one on a chromebook laptop?  Were you successful in doing so?  Details please.  Thank you.

 
Well, firstly, JMRI and DecoderPro are the same thing. You can't have one without the other.
 
JMRI is a set of tools, with various entry points based on which of those tools you intend to use. DecoderPro is one of those entry points, PanelPro is another, OperationsPro yet another, and so on.
 
So although the menus and so forth might be somewhet different based on which entry point you choose, you can perform any function from any entry point.
 
For example, I start DecoderPro to bring up all my panels for an operating session, and I access all the OperationsPro "stuff" (building/terminating trains, etc.) from there.
 
All that said, the short answer to your question is "Not easily".
 
Longer answer: JMRI requires Java, and the last I heard there wasn't a Java implementation for the Chrome OS. However, I've also heard there's a kludge where a knowledgeable person can make Java work on Chrome if they tear into it deep enough. 
 
Best bet is to ask your question on jmriusers at groups.io. The folks who write the JMRI code hang out there and could give you the best answer/guidance if you really want to try it.
 
EDIT: Fixed typo.
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Posted by tstage on Saturday, April 8, 2023 3:08 PM

Here's the installation page on the jmri.org website:

https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/setup/

You can install it on four OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi

No Chrome listed so...nope.

Tom

 

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by MrMe on Saturday, April 8, 2023 3:30 PM

tstage

Here's the installation page on the jmri.org website:

https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/setup/

You can install it on four OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi

No Chrome listed so...nope.

Tom

That's not entirely true, as I mentioned above. Please see:

https://groups.io/g/jmriusers/topic/95494346#211237

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Posted by PennCentral99 on Sunday, April 9, 2023 9:44 AM

MrMe
Longer answer: JMRI requires Java, and the last I heard there wasn't a Java implementation for the Chrome OS. However, I've also heard there's a kludge where a knowledgeable person can make Java work on Chrome if they tear into it deep enough. 

First....I am NOT a knowledgeable person, nor am I technically savvy, but I believe the version of Java is a key to whether or not JMRI runs successfully on any operating system.

I have used a Digitrax DCS51 with UP5's for at least 10 years and used a DT402 to program my locos. Although I have a programming track hooked up to the command station, I didn't have anything to interconnect with a computer to use JMRI. I recently decided to take the leap and purchased a PR4 to aid with programming locos. Until I find a laptop to interphase with the DCS51, I use the PR4 with a standalone programming track interconnected with my desktop computer.

After installing JMRI on my desktop, I had issues with JMRI reading and programming decoders. An internet search revealed the issue you are referring to regarding Java compatibility with JMRI. Even after updating Java, I still had some issues. I eventually uninstalled JMRI and re-updated Java. After updating Java and re-installing JMRI, it has worked. I even downloaded the latest firmware for my DCS51, without any issues (surprisingly for a non-tech savvy person like me).

Maybe this will help someone else.

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Posted by tstage on Sunday, April 9, 2023 4:30 PM

It also depends what version of JMRI you are installing and which version of Java you have installed.  The newest JMRI (V 4.99 and >) are designed for Java 11 so Java 8 will NOT work with it.

The link I provided eariler outlines which JMRI version is compatible with which version of Java. AND...you have to completely uninstall any previous version of Java FIRST before installing the updated version.

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by MrMe on Monday, April 10, 2023 1:01 PM

PennCentral99

I believe the version of Java is a key to whether or not JMRI runs successfully on any operating system.

I don't understand why folks have such a problem with this concept.

In addition to the general installation page Tom linked to, the release notes for EVERY version of JMRI since 4.99.1 tells you that you now need Java 11.

And those same release notes also have a link to a page with instructions for downloading and installing the proper Java version for each of the three supported OS's (Not four, the RPi runs a flavor of Linux.) 

In fact, the release notes for the two production versions of JMRI that require Java 11 have that exact information in bold right at the top!

When I was about to install 4.99.1 (I always run the latest JMRI version, be it test or production), I looked at the release notes which told me it needed Java 11. So I uninstalled Java 8 (actually 1.8), installed Java 11 using the link provided by the JMRI folks (I used the Azul .MSI (Microsoft Software Installer) file), then installed JMRI 4.99.1.

Simple as pie, and not a hint of a problem!

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Posted by CSX Robert on Monday, April 10, 2023 9:49 PM

tstage

Here's the installation page on the jmri.org website:

https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/setup/

You can install it on four OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi

No Chrome listed so...nope.

Tom 

Raspberry Pi isn't an OS.  The most common OSs for Raspberry Pi are flavors of Linux, though there are several other options.

Chrome is built on a flavor of Linux so...maybe.

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Posted by CSX Robert on Monday, April 10, 2023 9:52 PM

ndbprr

Has anybody tried to run either one on a chromebook laptop?  Were you successful in doing so?  Details please.  Thank you.

 

Chrome is built on Linux, andyou can enable full Linux support (at least in some versions), so it should be doable, though I've never tried. Here's more information on enabling full Linux support in Chrome: https://www.xda-developers.com/linux-apps-chrome-os/

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Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, April 10, 2023 10:07 PM

I joined the JMRI Groups.IO.  I thought I would learn trouble shooting of installation of JMRI.  There is plenty of trouble shooting going on, but way more than installation.

Today's post are:

  • Layout Editor Tips
  • Adding loco images
  • Labeling turnouts
  • JMRI Parse error
  • Reading decoder
  • RFID Experiments
  • Test version of JMRI
  • Positioning of track icons
  • Turnout status.

I don't mean to imply you could not get an answer in that group. Chromebooks are as common as dirt so I am sure the answer is known.  However I am amazed at the diversity of questions.

Henry

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Posted by tstage on Monday, April 10, 2023 10:26 PM

Some folks REALLY get into the capabilities of JMRI for panel and turnout control design.  I solely use it for Decoder Pro to record my roster and do some programming.

Maybe when I build my next layout I'll look into those other things...but I doubt it.

Tom

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Posted by MrMe on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 11:29 AM

CSX Robert

Chrome is built on a flavor of Linux so...maybe.

CSX Robert

Chrome is built on Linux, andyou can enable full Linux support (at least in some versions), so it should be doable, though I've never tried. Here's more information on enabling full Linux support in Chrome: https://www.xda-developers.com/linux-apps-chrome-os/

 
It's quite obvious you didn't bother to look at the link I posted.
 
It has been done, and at least one person who has documented the process.
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Posted by MrMe on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 12:12 PM

BigDaddy

I joined the JMRI Groups.IO.  I thought I would learn trouble shooting of installation of JMRI.  There is plenty of trouble shooting going on, but way more than installation.

Today's post are:

  • Layout Editor Tips
  • Adding loco images
  • Labeling turnouts
  • JMRI Parse error
  • Reading decoder
  • RFID Experiments
  • Test version of JMRI
  • Positioning of track icons
  • Turnout status.

I don't mean to imply you could not get an answer in that group. Chromebooks are as common as dirt so I am sure the answer is known.  However I am amazed at the diversity of questions.

 

Not sure why you're surprised.

JMRI runs on the three common OS's (they dropped OS/2 a while back!), interfaces with probably 50+ different types of hardware, and provides no less than five families of diverse functionality (PanelPro, DecoderPro, DispatcherPro, OperationsPro, and SoundPro). The jmriusers list has almost 8700 users, so yeah, there'll be a range of questions/answers.

What surprises me, is that since the folks who actually write the code hang out on that list, why would anyone ask JMRI questions elsewhere?  

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Posted by MrMe on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 12:18 PM

tstage

Some folks REALLY get into the capabilities of JMRI for panel and turnout control design.  I solely use it for Decoder Pro to record my roster and do some programming.

Maybe when I build my next layout I'll look into those other things...but I doubt it.

Tom

 

That's like having someone gift you a sports car, and you leaving it in the driveway up on blocks so you can listen to the stereo!

I don't have a large layout, and I really don't do anything in the way of operating sessions, but in addition to DecoderPro I use basic PanelPro and OperationsPro stuff. I really, really like the benefits they offer me. 

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Posted by tstage on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 1:01 PM

I would consider using Decoder Pro for programming & roster storage a little more than just listening to a Ferrari's stereo system while it's up on blocks but...I get your point.

While I do belong to the JMRI Groups.io and hop on it maybe 2-3x a week, I'm somewhat lost with the lingo that I see in the questions being asked about the other programs.  Maybe this will inspire me to look into them a bit more.

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by BradenD on Sunday, April 16, 2023 4:19 PM

Yes you can. I have done it before. You need to turn on linux and use the terminal for it. It may honestly be more trouble than it is worth if you aren't tech savy. I used it fine for a few months before I ended up getting a mac.

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