After years thinking about it, I think I'm finally on the verge of getting a critical mass of gear and knowledge needed to implement several aspects of JMRI on my layout. I've got most of this roughed out in my mind, but would like some review and suggestions on a couple of things.
Here's the rundown of what's where and my current plans. The main thing besides advice I need to figure out is what I need to purchase to implement things.
First, I have a Gateway laptop equipped with factory wireless. Currently it's running Windows XP, although it could be upgraded. I live with a secure network, since my wife is a programmer who works from home at times and everything is locked down with static IPs on the home system. Don't really want to get into a discussion on the merits of a late in life upgrade to W7, W8 or whatever, just wondering whether such an update is necessary to keep the JMRI install updated in the near future? Eventually, there will be another computer in line to replace the Gateway, but really would like this one to work for the next couple of years. I still have the capability to burn discs for JMRI updates even if the Gateway isn't online with the internet any longer, because I do understand internet service is needed to download the latest USB drivers.
The specific JMRI question here regards wireless service for several Apple devices that are hand me downs from my more computer-savvy wife. I'll have an iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, plus a iPad3/Retina. I assume based on other installs I've read about is that the wireless node in the laptop provides all the connectivity needed to run the Apple devices (and any more that may show up) by itself without needing any additional device such as a wireless modem. Can someone confirm, as this has been a bit mysterious in explanations I've read of how this works?
I've found the DCC throttle app in the Apple store. Wife says purchase of an app typically allows it's use on up to five of my devices. Would like to confirm I need only the single app purchase to run what I have in terms of devices (3 of them)?
I understand Android devices are also supported by JMRI and would like that to be available if visiting operators would like to use their Android devices. I'm the only NCE layout in our group of DCC aficianados, so having as many options available saves buying more wireless throttles. Will I need anything beyond what's set up for my Apple devices to permit Android devices to run the DCC throttle app here?
I intend to set-up the laptop next to my PowerCab-powered programming track to make using DecoderPro easy. I need one NCE PowerCab to USB adapter (524-223) for this. USB cable is no problem here, as everything is close together in my staging area.
I need another 524-223 for control of the layout , based on a 5 amp PowerPro system with a 5 amp booster. It's located in the far corner of the layout. The main purposes here are to support Apple/Android devices running DCC throttle apps and to provide access to operate turnouts that are controlled via NCE Switch-It's and Switch 8's. Here is where I'm a bit unclear on exactly what I need, so will go through my questions.
The 524-223 is intended for the PowerCab, but I guess it also will work with the PowerPro (with different jumper settings). The PowerPro has a 9-pin serial input, but the documentation for the 524-223 indicates it interfaces with the PowerPro via the cab bus, which brings up several questions, given where I'd like my laptop to be next to the programming track is about 30 feet away from the PowerPro command station.
To control the PowerPro remotely can I simply plug the 524-223 into one of the UTP panels near the programming track, like a throttle would, thus making for a short run for the USB cable to the 524-223?
The reason I ask is that USB2 is limited to 5 meters length, which I have a cable for, but that isn't far enough to reach between the laptop and the command station. USB3 is unlimited in length, but not sure if this is on the laptop or simply a download or is a hardware thing?
Of course, if the 524-223 just plugs into the existing control bus, then I don't need to worry about this, as the wiring for this is already in place.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
You do not want to use the NCE USB interface with the PowerPro - you loose too many features. FOr the connection to the PowerPro, you will need a serial cable (that old laptop might have a real serial port) or a USB to serial adapter - check the JMRO web site under the hardware section, as some have the 'guts' in the seriel and and have trouble attaching to the connector on the PowerPro. The JMRI site will list some that are know to work properly with JMRI and the PowerPro.
The cool thing is - you can actually have both connected at the same time, and actuall yuse JMRI throttles or WiThrottle to run trains ont he PowerPro layout AND use DecoderPro via the NCE USB and PowerCab to program - all at the same time.
A machine that old will run JMRI - for now. The next release is expecting to go to a new Java version and so far Oracle has said no way will they bother makign it for XP. Subject to change like most things. Depending on how much RAM and what processor that machine has, it may work but just be painfully slow.
Does it have to be a laptop? You can get, from Newegg and other places, fairly recent (certainly much newer than that laptop) small desktop machines, complete with a Windows license, usually Win 7, for about $175. These are refurbs, not new, but you can;t build anything close to these for the money, and they are business class machines - off lease usually. They are not the cheapy consumer grade machines you find at Walmart.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
mlehman First, I have a Gateway laptop equipped with factory wireless. Currently it's running Windows XP, although it could be upgraded. I live with a secure network, since my wife is a programmer who works from home at times and everything is locked down with static IPs on the home system. Don't really want to get into a discussion on the merits of a late in life upgrade to W7, W8 or whatever, just wondering whether such an update is necessary to keep the JMRI install updated in the near future? Eventually, there will be another computer in line to replace the Gateway, but really would like this one to work for the next couple of years. I still have the capability to burn discs for JMRI updates even if the Gateway isn't online with the internet any longer, because I do understand internet service is needed to download the latest USB drivers. The specific JMRI question here regards wireless service for several Apple devices that are hand me downs from my more computer-savvy wife. I'll have an iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, plus a iPad3/Retina. I assume based on other installs I've read about is that the wireless node in the laptop provides all the connectivity needed to run the Apple devices (and any more that may show up) by itself without needing any additional device such as a wireless modem. Can someone confirm, as this has been a bit mysterious in explanations I've read of how this works? I've found the DCC throttle app in the Apple store. Wife says purchase of an app typically allows it's use on up to five of my devices. Would like to confirm I need only the single app purchase to run what I have in terms of devices (3 of them)? I understand Android devices are also supported by JMRI and would like that to be available if visiting operators would like to use their Android devices. I'm the only NCE layout in our group of DCC aficianados, so having as many options available saves buying more wireless throttles. Will I need anything beyond what's set up for my Apple devices to permit Android devices to run the DCC throttle app here?
First, about the WinXP laptop: This was recently discussed on the JMRI list (which, BTW, would be a FAR better place for these questions).
WinXP is no longer supported by Microsoft. That doesn't mean that it will just stop working, it just means that if it does stop, and maybe more importantly if new vulnerabilities are found, that Microsoft won't do anything to help fix it.
For that reason, Oracle doesn't support Java on WinXP anymore, either. But again, that doesn't mean it just stops working. You can install Java 1.8, which is needed for the latest JMRI test versions, on WinXP (it will complain, but you can go ahead anyway) and it *should* work fine. But Oracle, like MS, won't help you if anything breaks.
Having said all that, I'd say go right ahead and use the WinXP laptop as an interim solution.
But your network is where you will need to make some decisions.
The wireless on the laptop can only act as a client, unless you install some flavor of virtual access point software. So finding and setting that up would be your first option. However, I've never used that type of software so I'm not even sure it's capable of connecting to multiple clients (i-or Android devices, in this case).
A much easier solution would be to NOT install that software, and just use your existing network (I assume it includes wireless). But that means keeping the potentially-unsafe WinXP box on your locked-down network, as well as allowing all the i- and Android devices to connect to it.
The third option would be to get another wireless router and connect it ONLY to the WinXP machine (no Internet connection), and set up a separate wireless network for just JMRI. This is the route I would probably take.
Once you get that decided on and set up, you'll be able to connect a mix of both i- and Android devices, as long as the respective app is installed on each of them.
rrinkerYou do not want to use the NCE USB interface with the PowerPro - you loose too many features. FOr the connection to the PowerPro, you will need a serial cable (that old laptop might have a real serial port) or a USB to serial adapter - check the JMRO web site under the hardware section, as some have the 'guts' in the seriel and and have trouble attaching to the connector on the PowerPro. The JMRI site will list some that are know to work properly with JMRI and the PowerPro.
OK, I've read about needing the USB to serial cable to use that connection on the PowerPro. I can check against the list at the JMRI site and figure that out if I go that route.
So what exactly would I not be able to do with the NCE 223? If it's anything that one of the NCE hammerhead can do, then I have 3 of them, a PowerCab and two standard ones with radio. And I'm not really sure I want my ops to have more fiddle access than they already do with those, so unless it's of some significance, less is more with relation to the 223.
And if the 223 won't do cool things I need, then what's the alternative? Is it something embedded in JMRI or standalone or???
And what I already mentioned are likely the only things I have planned JMRI, with the possible exception that if they finally have a car forwarding system I might fiddle with that, but I had no luck making heads or tails of that when I tried it a few years back. Pen and paper will do, with some graphic assist only from the computer.
All I want to do is DecoderPro on the programming track. That's the only thing the PowerCab does when it's not acting as a Plain Old Radioless Throttle on the PowerPro system bus.
And the only thing I want with the PowerPro side of things is to enable use of Apple/Android virtual throttles including remote turnout operation for thos turnouts already equipped for that (maybe 2 dozen or a few less). The PowerPro isn't used as a programming track at all, just POM there.
And that's basically the whole point of this project. A new radio throttle will cost the better part of $200. I figured I could end up with 3 more throttles doing this for that amount or less, then all's good. And there's virtually no budget for anything more than $200, depending on how sale of an iPad we don't need goes, but I've been authorized to spend the proceeds on this project.
So if it's something else missing by using the 223, doesn't really matter to me. Obviously, if the 223 doesn't support that stuff, then yeah it would make a difference.
rrinkerDoes it have to be a laptop? You can get, from Newegg and other places, fairly recent (certainly much newer than that laptop) small desktop machines, complete with a Windows license, usually Win 7, for about $175.
No doesn't have to be but it's paid for and likely capable of an upgrade to 7 (which I would really rather skip entirely based on what I've heard, but whatever I use will be RR dedicated only and likely not to be on the internet even if fully up to it) or maybe 8? I was just hoping to skip to a better MS gen entirely, although I'm not sure I'll stay with them at this point and may be swicthing to Mac -- but probably not soon and NOT for the RR box unless....
Wife suggested her old 2007 vintage MacBook, so I have that available, too. And she suggested raising the possibility of using a RaspberryPi as a wireless server, so that's another option. She says that Java usually supports Unix and that's what she does (and various permutations of etc, etc) so both those would maybe work if JMRI can be run on Linux?
Then there's the house network...but I'm going to move on to the next helpful person for that.
Stevert,
Thanks for responding, too.
Yeah, I understand about XP. They won't let it on campus...
But I'm told I'm safe at how with my staid surfing behavior, other than potentially toasting my own boxes if I do something stupid...someday they'll get replaced, In Backups We Trust. For now.
But as I mentioned above, this box (or boxes) will be offline, anything of other importance will be off it. Which brings me to what to do abolut the server side of wireless with these virtual throttles, which is the primary goal here.
I could use the house wireless. It's robust, everyone could surf online to their heart's content when in the crew lounge and not cause it to flinch as we're on a very fast fiber diet. But it's also secure and requires a static IP for every user. That would just be a pain for visitors and me. Especially if my wife isn't home. Her computer runs in Japanese and I'm clueless about her second language.
If that's what people are mostly using, though, makes sense to set it up that way. But I'd have to set up another wireless node and run it separately - and offline as I noted above if I'm stuck with XP for now.
As I mentioned I could also do Mac, but it's kinda old too, although that doesn't seem to mean as much to a Mac...that's why I'm getting these old devices, if I can only figure out the mojo to make them work. I know even less about Mac wireless. It's not like I don't have access to good advice for these things. I have colleagues who have sold wireless self-propgating mesh networks to the State Dept, where it's been used in the Arab spring by human rights activists, as well as supplying it to folks in the streets here, where we have our own issues with democracy. I just can't be a burden of needing constant intervention, as those folks have more important things than trains to deal with most of the time. It's got to be a plug and play sort of thing or I'm not going to be able to maintain it myself.
Oh, as I mentioned to Randy, is there a Linux-based RaspberryPi implementation? That's something my signficant other could also help me with.
So I'm tending to agree with your take on this...
StevertThe third option would be to get another wireless router and connect it ONLY to the WinXP machine (no Internet connection), and set up a separate wireless network for just JMRI. This is the route I would probably take.
So do JMRI people do this already? Would that require a separate computer to run the network and another to run JMRI? Do they just use a standard wireless base node, like we have laying around here or could be bought at Best Buy?
StevertThis was recently discussed on the JMRI list (which, BTW, would be a FAR better place for these questions).
Admittedly, probably would be. But I'm kinda overwhelmed with work when not playing with trains to relax and jamming a whole bunch of fresh knowldge in is just not going to work for now if I need to get up to speed. In fact, after being on about 40 lists for mayhbe 15 years, I am now in read-online only with most. I'm probably not ready to think that hard about this if there's not a fairly straight path to getting a JMRI wireless throttle net up and running. I may have jumped the gun on this and should go back to spiking track for now
I do appreciate the insights, because it will help eventually in at least having a better understanding of what I still lack to get this going.
i run jmri with the free version of withrottle on two ipods and have had no issues.
later
g
FB page of my layout *new*
https://www.facebook.com/ghglines
.
thread to my layout
http://www.warcrc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10505
pics
http://s237.photobucket.com/user/rockcrawling/library/#/user/rockcrawling/library/ho%20scale%20trains?sort=3&page=1&_suid=1388183416990004180295067414064
g,
So how is your wireless set-up? If it just a standard 802whatever service or is it a system dedicated to the the JMRI server.? What hardware are you using?
I will second the poster who suggested you sign up to the JMRI mailing list on yahoo!, as that is where the developers hang out.
Should you have a question or an issue, they can help you get it straightened out, as well as advice on how to set things up. Others have probably run into the same issues that you will run into.
As to your laptop(s), JMRI will run on Linux so that is another option. I have versions installed on win7 and OS X, it works well on either system.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
NP2626what does JMRI mean?
Java Model Railroad Interface
It is a collection of open source programs that allow you to use the computer to do things like programming decoders, making computer based control panels, wifi throttles, detection and signaling...
Computer industry acronyms are no where near as bad as the medical profession - they used acronyms based on Latin phrases.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
mlehman Stevert The third option would be to get another wireless router and connect it ONLY to the WinXP machine (no Internet connection), and set up a separate wireless network for just JMRI. This is the route I would probably take. So do JMRI people do this already? Would that require a separate computer to run the network and another to run JMRI? Do they just use a standard wireless base node, like we have laying around here or could be bought at Best Buy?
Stevert
Yes, it's my understanding that at least some JMRI folks use this type of setup. You wouldn't need a second computer, just your WinXP laptop cabled to the wireless router. And yes, it would just be a "normal" wireless router.
But that makes me wonder if you're referring to an Apple (airport? iPort? ) thing, because of your use of the "base node" terminology. Most non-Apple folks refer to a wireless router as, well, a wireless router.
I don't know anything about those Apple network things, and whether you'd need a Mac to make it work. That would be another question for the JMRI forum, as there are a number of Mac users there, including at least some of the developers.
One other thought: Many wireless routers these days have the ability to set up a "guest" network that's isolated and separate from the secure network. That guest network has it's own SSID, security settings, etc. and is effectively firewalled from the secure portion of the network (and the machines on it). If your current wireless router has such an option, you might consider taking that approach.
Here is what we did at the club. We bought the least expensive Wireless router we could find 29.00$ Cnd. Connected an old Pentium 4 machine running under Win XP to the layout and use JMRI to support Ipad/phone/pod/Android devices. That's all no Internet no server, one router and one PC only.
This month we updated the PC to Win7 in order to support Java 1.8
This link will tell you about the limitation to the NCE USB interface. Scroll down to the middle of the page.
http://jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml
Jack W.
NP2626,
To add a little to Carl's reply, JMRI also has an Operations (manifest, switchlist, etc) component that doesn't require any sort of connection to the layout.
And although he mentioned decoder programming, JMRI works with all sorts of non-DCC "stuff", too. Some folks even use it to control their layout lighting to simulate day/night!
More info here: http://jmri.org/
StevertYou wouldn't need a second computer, just your WinXP laptop cabled to the wireless router.
Technically, a "wireless router" is really three devices in one - a router, a switch, and a wireless access point. To create the isolated environment described you would not want the router function as this is what provides the connection between your network and the internet.
If you do repurpose a router for this job, just don't plug anything into the WAN port.
I really don;t think the RasPi has enough horsepower to run a full graphical JMRI implementation. People HAVE been using it successfully in a headless configuration as the interface box (JMRI can operate over a network, where you have the programming or control panel on one machine, and another has the DCC system interface connected to it - or even two full-blown systems where one computer runs the panel for the East Division dispatcher and the othe runs the panel for the West Division dispatcher - things like that.
The list of limitations for the NCE USB is on the JMRI web site. Just to be clear - this applies to the specific USB interface NCE introduced as a way to connect a computer to the PowerCab. If you use a USB to serial adapter and connect to the serial port of the PowerPro, there are none of these limitations.
There's no reason to skip Windows 7 as a possible upgrade. If the machine ahs enough horsepower - 4GB RAM, hopefully at least a Core 2 Duo CPU, then it will run Win 7 quite well - even better if you stick a cheap SSD in it. Win 7 IS skipping a generation - there was not so good Vista between XP and 7. 8 is skippable, 8.1 finally fixes most of the issues with the UI. 10 is in preview right now. There is no 9.
Betamax,
Thanks, very useful to know JMRI runs under Linux. I really doubt I'll need anything complicated enough to need my wife's assistance once I have a network up and running, but you never know with this computer stuff and my limited hacking skills.
StevertBut that makes me wonder if you're referring to an Apple (airport? iPort? Big Smile) thing, because of your use of the "base node" terminology. Most non-Apple folks refer to a wireless router as, well, a wireless router.
Actually, my use of "base" reflects my conventional analog radio background, as in base/mobile, so simply coincidental that it lines up with Apple-speak. As with Betamax's confirmation of Linux fesibility, something I'll store for background needs if I can't manage this in a Windows environment.
StevertOne other thought: Many wireless routers these days have the ability to set up a "guest" network that's isolated and separate from the secure network. That guest network has it's own SSID, security settings, etc. and is effectively firewalled from the secure portion of the network (and the machines on it). If your current wireless router has such an option, you might consider taking that approach.
Actually, was talking with my wife about your and Randy's responses last night. Turns out she's been thinking about adjusting the network to do just that. She says it would be DHCP (non-assigned, randomly assigned IP) rather than a specified static IP, which would solve the issue for visitors wanting to use their devices and make the ones I have easier to manage. So now that's a possibility, as I could simply put up the signal on the existing wireless infrastructure.
jalajoieHere is what we did at the club. We bought the least expensive Wireless router we could find 29.00$ Cnd. Connected an old Pentium 4 machine running under Win XP to the layout and use JMRI to support Ipad/phone/pod/Android devices. That's all no Internet no server, one router and one PC only. This month we updated the PC to Win7 in order to support Java 1.8 This link will tell you about the limitation to the NCE USB interface. Scroll down to the middle of the page. http://jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml
Jack,
Thanks, very helpful, inlcuding the link that explains things in detail. I'll review the ramifications later. My PowerPro has been updated with the 2007 EPROM, so probably as good as it gets there. The restrictions do make it sound like it's best to use something other than the 223 USB adapter, mainly to get turnout monitoring and POM (programming on the main) capability.
My Gateway laptop can handle Windows 7, I was just avoiding an unpleasant subject, so having JMRI on a stand-alone computer would be tolerable if that turns out to be the low (muddy) road to getting wireless devices up as throttles.
Randy,
OK, no Pi for me then, but good to know the lowdown.
rrinkerThere's no reason to skip Windows 7 as a possible upgrade. If the machine ahs enough horsepower - 4GB RAM, hopefully at least a Core 2 Duo CPU, then it will run Win 7 quite well - even better if you stick a cheap SSD in it. Win 7 IS skipping a generation - there was not so good Vista between XP and 7
You guys almost have me talked in Win7. As I noted, I think I've got the hardware, just haven't had the desire to jump to 7. I may try an implementation using XP if I stay offline with the system, but probably need to go to 7 anyway if the wife tweaks the household wireless.
Well, Linux is a good option too. Might be a learning curve though if you haven't used it before. My railroad room computer actually is Linux - it's a small cube box with a low power processor (much more powerful than a Pi), theoretically capable of running Windows, but the lower system requirements of Linux make is quite speedy. There can be some serious pitfalls though - the wireless card I put in it did not have drivers for Linux, so I had to actually compile my own. That was interesting. I picked cheap rather than checking the various options for ones that listed Linux compatibility, which would have saved the trouble. But it works. No fans, doesn't take up much space. I think I was mostly jsut looking for an excuse to build a Linux box. JMRI works great, but none of the other useful tools do, nor does the Loksound software, which is Windows only. At the time I was just using JMRI, or else using it to connect to my audio library to play music while I was working on the layout.
mlehman Randy, OK, no Pi for me then, but good to know the lowdown. rrinker There's no reason to skip Windows 7 as a possible upgrade. If the machine ahs enough horsepower - 4GB RAM, hopefully at least a Core 2 Duo CPU, then it will run Win 7 quite well - even better if you stick a cheap SSD in it. Win 7 IS skipping a generation - there was not so good Vista between XP and 7 You guys almost have me talked in Win7. As I noted, I think I've got the hardware, just haven't had the desire to jump to 7. I may try an implementation using XP if I stay offline with the system, but probably need to go to 7 anyway if the wife tweaks the household wireless.
rrinker There's no reason to skip Windows 7 as a possible upgrade. If the machine ahs enough horsepower - 4GB RAM, hopefully at least a Core 2 Duo CPU, then it will run Win 7 quite well - even better if you stick a cheap SSD in it. Win 7 IS skipping a generation - there was not so good Vista between XP and 7
The B+ model of the raspberry pi runs JMRI just fine both in GUI mode and headless. I use a raspberry Pi and a sprog for programming locomotives on my work bench. Once I figure out how to get jmri to start automatically when the raspberry pi powers on I will be using it instead of the current laptop I have hooked up to the layout. It will handle signal logic, and withrottle.
I have a cheap router that I use as a guest network for visitors. It is part of my home network but is fire walled. It has its own dedicated ssid. The current layout computer runs Ubuntu (Linux) with JMRI and is connected to the router wirelessly to run withrottle.
Once the raspberry pi replaces the laptop, the laptop will moved back to the work bench to program locomotives with the sprog.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
mlehman g, So how is your wireless set-up? If it just a standard 802whatever service or is it a system dedicated to the the JMRI server.? What hardware are you using?
sorry for not getting back to you on this. yes my setup uses my standard service from my provider 802. and i have a older laptop 2.1 gHz from 2009 running it. using vista with jmri with loco buffer usb for the connection. and using two ipods 3&4 with wi throttle(free version).
renegade and g,
Thanks, very useful to know know the RaspberryPi does have potential and things work on standard 802 service.
Making some progress here. Got my serial adapter and cable. Updated computer on XP (96 updates, so it's been awhile.) Grabbed latest Java and it seems to work OK with the updated XP. Downloaded and installed JMRI. Followed instructions to install Tripplite USB to serial adapter. Fired up JMRI, alittle lost at first, but install check worked. I managed to run a loco from the laptop. Still pretty lost as far as turnout control and have no clue how to access Macros. Time to call it an evening. Will try for wifi throttles tomorrow.
I was able to finally get JMRI to run on boot for the Raspberry Pi. When JMRI loads it automatically loads the ABS signalling logic file and dispatch panel I have bulit, as well as WiThrottle.
The Pi turns on when the layout is powered up. the only thing I have to do is shutdown the Pi before I powerdown the layout so the memory card doesn't get corrupted.
It works great! Now I don't have to worrry about booting up a full blown computer to get JMRI going for my signal logic.
If you need any tips on using JMRI for switches and/or dispatch panels shoot me a PM or Dick Bronson from RRcirkits has a number of tutorials on his website on how to effectively use JMRi for things like signal logic and turnout control.
The website is http://www.rrcirkits.com/Clinics/Clinics.html
Renegade,
Thanks for the link. Most of it is way past what I have planned, but looks like there's some basic stuff in there. Once I get turnouts and macros working on the WiThrottle, I'll take a look.
And that means that I did get the free versions of WiThrottle working on my iPad3 and one of the two iPhones I have thanks to my wife upgrading. By golly, I finally have found a use for a cell phone. And there's no monthly billing, either...
It is very cool to run trains with the computer. Definitely a different feel and that phone is small. I'll be getting a case for it, which should help. The iPad is rather unwieldy as a throttle, but makes a good back. So once I get the iPhone(4?) and along with the two devices I got working tonight, I will have added 3 new wireless throttles for a total cost of about $50 (the Tripplite serial to USB adapter ($25), a 25' serial cable to connect to the PowerPro ($15), and the cost of the full version of WiThrottle ($10). Hard to beat that combination of power and performance for the money. And it was easier than the computer-challenged old fart thought it would be. The WiThrottle support is built into DecoderPro's throttle panel. So long as your 802 wireless is working and you have a computer that will support JMRI and Java, you're good.
No one promises XP will work, but it does, at least if you ahve all availabble updates. And MS is still releasing some fixes for XP, whatever has been said officially. Considering the cost, well worth a try, since many people have all the hardware except what I noted I need to buy already on hand.
Thanks for everyone's help. I encourage those thinking about this to give it a try. Those old devices casn breath some new life into your ops sessions by adding more throttles and options at minimal cost.
OK, I'm in business with JMRI now. The layout is hooked up and operating the WiThrottles, which work great
Once my NCE USB adapter to the PowerCab arrives in the next day or so I'll start in compiling my DCC settings with DecoderPro for the programming track.
Getting the NCE turnouts and macros into the system is still a bit of a mystery, so need to read the docs some more. I think I need to use Panel Pro and build a "layout" that documents them? Doesn't seem to be any simpler implementation, but if someone has any tips on doing this as simply as possible, be glad to hear about them.