![]() ![]() Google "JMRI", "Freiwald Train Controller", "CMRI", "CTI electronics", "iTrain") (PC + software, dedicated hardware "show controller" module, whatever a Suitable "Brains" system to control and orchestrate the whole show Appropriate "Feedback Input" system design (can the system "see" the realtime status and position of everything it needs to?)Īnswers to the above will lead you to selecting: Appropriate "Control Output" system design (Power delivery and Command-capability for total X trains) Min "mainline between passing-sidings" length How many trains on the layout in-total? How many trains in-motion at any given moment in time? Well, to work properly, it's going to start right-back at the Concept stage, If so, how does the layout have to be set up? Or are you looking to "fleet all eastbounds accross the layout, then fleet the Westbounds"? (An Eastbound runs complete layout end-to-end, then a Westbound runs end-to-end, rinse and repeat), Are you expecting the system to "orchestrate and perform meets/crosses",Īre you OK with the system firing "alternate trains, one at a time", If "Continuous", a double-ended staging yard "closing the loop" for "both ends of the Main"? If "P2P", single-ended staging yards at either end? Single-track Main Point-to-Point, or effectively a continuous loop? Single-track Main, or multi-track? (Assuming Single based on your description, but question stands) How many simultaneous trains in-motion at any given time? Let's assume main line or passing sidings only, with no switching etc, (In order of appearance, with some minor detours along the way) It might just take a little "creative application" to adapt to a "US outline" application. NOTE! This does NOT mean that you must use "Euro automation" strictly/only to model "Euro prototype", Keep this in mind, because from a Practical and "Solution Architect" P.o.V, I suspect you'll find the "state of the art",Įsp in "commercially-supported, plug-n-play" solutions, lies in the UK and Europe more than the US. Modelling such prototype operations makes a natural fit for "the layout runs the trains to the correct schedule and sequence for the location/railway/period", with the option of the layout owner "playing the role of engineer" for one of the trains in the schedule, and "slipstreaming" into the perscribed sequence within the automated operations at will. ".I want to be the Engineer, and I don't want anything 'driving for/without me'."Ĭontrast this to our UK and Euro friends, whose prototype railways are far-and-away more "scheduled, to a strict timetable" based. ![]() The most-likely reason you don't see a lot of discussion about Layout Automation in US-outline fora is that the perception from the modelling community is one of "the lone Hero Engineer", with just his wits and trusty loco to get the train to it's destination on-time. ".I can spend days looking for nothing-in-particular.")įirstly, lets get the idelology out of the way. you can be lost down innumerable rabbit-holes if you Fail to Start with a Clear-Picture of the End-Goal Almost anything you can quantify can be achieved (somehow) Oh dear, I hope you've got a clear bead on what level and application of automation you have in mind. ![]() Perhaps my search-foo is not up to snuff. I assume that some software might have to be written to inject DCC commands into JMRI to start, stop, blow the whistle, etc, presumably using the WiThrottle protocol.Ī search turned up surprisingly little discussion of this in the past couple of years. If so, how does the layout have to be set up? I am aware of RFID, which may be almost capable of this, with the primary limitation seeming to be the inability of RFID sensors to distinguish between trains on parallel or adjacent tracks. If one had a long point-to-point, single track railroad with passing sidings, could a computer arrange for a westbound to make its way across the road, safely meeting the eastbounds? If one wanted to have automated trains running, let's assume main line or passing sidings only, with no switching etc, what is the state of the art? This might be, for example, for a museum or display layout, although I could easily imagine other applications. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |