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No dice for RailPro unless they get a computer interface that allows JMRI automation

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  • Member since
    February 2005
  • 1 posts
No dice for RailPro unless they get a computer interface that allows JMRI automation
Posted by MLHrail on Friday, May 3, 2013 8:41 PM

I am a lone wolf in the model railroading hobby, and I really like the overall look of the railpro.  What is also important to me is to use a computer and JMRI to run a CTC like operation that is largely automated, so that means that the railpro must interface and be controlled by a computer in a way that it is not currently setup to do.  If it did this then the computer would be able to communicate with it, and through the right turnouts in the right direction at the right time, and control the speed and direction of the right locomotive at the right time.  Like for instance a passenger consist must slow to a stop a the right depot, and leave that depot at the right time all while avoiding a collision with another consist.  Maybe one day railpro will do this, but until than I am not sure about investing in this system.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Friday, May 3, 2013 9:32 PM

Apparently you are not aware,railpro is NOT DCC.

Same thing with MTH products which use DCS.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Friday, May 3, 2013 10:29 PM

  You can use Digitrax detectors/LocoNet to detect the Rail Pro trains as they will be drawing 'power' from the track blocks - JMRI Panel Pro is a simple next step.  As far as actually 'controlling' the trains, you are correct. Myself, I really am not interested in letting the system run the trains and I just watch!  

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    May 2012
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Posted by NP01 on Saturday, May 4, 2013 2:06 AM

Does JMRIballow running DCC equipped locos automatically via rules/code?

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
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Posted by jrbernier on Saturday, May 4, 2013 6:45 AM

  Not sure what you mean by rules/code.  The OP want some kind of automation, and with Rail Pro, there is no communication between his computer and the Rail Pro throttles.  If you are talking DCC, then that is possible. Be ready to spend lots of money and write lots of code!

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • 1,932 posts
Posted by Stevert on Saturday, May 4, 2013 8:33 AM

NP01

Does JMRIballow running DCC equipped locos automatically via rules/code?

Yes, it does, assuming your layout is able to feed back the necessary information.  See the info on JMRI's Auto Dispatcher here.

  • Member since
    December 2001
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Posted by Stevert on Saturday, May 4, 2013 8:42 AM

richg1998

Apparently you are not aware,railpro is NOT DCC.

Same thing with MTH products which use DCS.

Rich

I'm not sure what the significance of that might be with regard to JMRI.  It interfaces with several non-DCC control systems. 

As long as there is a computer interface for the control system, and the communication protocol is available to the JMRI developers, it's entirely possible.

That seems to be exactly what the OP was asking for.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by JoeinPA on Saturday, May 4, 2013 10:52 AM

It's still rather early after the launch of this product. I'm sure that the computer interfacing issue will be considered before too long. The product still has to prove its appeal to a large enough audience to justify the added development costs.

Joe

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