That was a great explanation of how you use the monitors, iPads, and detectors and I’m looking forward to the follow up videos about the block and turnout detection. I hope you address the wiring for it as well.
Great stuff Jim! I like the idea of using the BDL168 to monitor turnout position. I use a different method to determine positions at startup. I create a JMRI route to throw all turnouts and second route to close them all. They act like a macro. You can add this to your JMRI startup so when you open the panel it will run these 2 macros automatically. Your panel will then know all positions.
Yes, I like the Routes idea! Another modeler presented that as well. It is fine for startup, and I use it to make sure everything is where I want before attempting to run. However as soon as one of the turnouts is operated manually from a fascia panel switch, then JMRI loses track of the situation because the change will not appear on Panel Pro panels. That was why I went with the feedback using BDL168 detectors. I can operate the turnouts from a Panel Pro panel, my throttle or the fascia panel switches and everything stays in sync.
I'm trying to automate 3 trains with Jmri and Digitrax dcs210+ and it's doing my head in. I have some parsing errors in the loconet log and my layout will tell me where a train has been but the track doesn't change colour when a train is stopped.
I think the oldest that will work is an iPad Air with software version 12 or newer. The problem with older iPads is that Apple quits updating the Software at some point and then they won't work with the newer software protocols. I'm sure that an iPad 1 will only be useful as a throttle.
You do a great job explaining all of your topics and it is very helpful. Thank you for doing your videos
That was a great explanation of how you use the monitors, iPads, and detectors and I’m looking forward to the follow up videos about the block and turnout detection. I hope you address the wiring for it as well.
I hope you find that I do explain the wiring. I have perfected some of the procedures so it may be time for some updated videos! 😁
Absolutely excellent information, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great stuff Jim! I like the idea of using the BDL168 to monitor turnout position. I use a different method to determine positions at startup. I create a JMRI route to throw all turnouts and second route to close them all. They act like a macro. You can add this to your JMRI startup so when you open the panel it will run these 2 macros automatically. Your panel will then know all positions.
Yes, I like the Routes idea! Another modeler presented that as well. It is fine for startup, and I use it to make sure everything is where I want before attempting to run. However as soon as one of the turnouts is operated manually from a fascia panel switch, then JMRI loses track of the situation because the change will not appear on Panel Pro panels. That was why I went with the feedback using BDL168 detectors. I can operate the turnouts from a Panel Pro panel, my throttle or the fascia panel switches and everything stays in sync.
@@jimworcester981 That makes sense. I don''t have facia controls for manual override so its not an issue for me. Keep up the great videos!
I'm trying to automate 3 trains with Jmri and Digitrax dcs210+ and it's doing my head in. I have some parsing errors in the loconet log and my layout will tell me where a train has been but the track doesn't change colour when a train is stopped.
Hello, please can you tell me which ipads you use? I've old ipad 1 but can't install any app anymore
I think the oldest that will work is an iPad Air with software version 12 or newer. The problem with older iPads is that Apple quits updating the Software at some point and then they won't work with the newer software protocols. I'm sure that an iPad 1 will only be useful as a throttle.
Thanks, unfortunately I can't install anything on these ipads
How to make a diamond crossing for layout editor.. only slips to choose from
Look at the first entry for "Track." It is the next line under turnout choices. The "Level Crossing" is the term JMRI uses for a Diamond Crossover.