Model Railroading 101 What is JMRI? MR101
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- #trains #JMRI #Model #railroads
What is JMRI? Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) was developed by tech guys who were also train guys and wanted a better, easier way to program their DCC decoders. It grew from there. Now it's a suite of programs that can do all kinds of neat stuff.
Once your computer knows all about your layout and equipment, JMRI can perform complex tasks in seconds. You can also use it to control your trains, turnouts, and more right from your phone or tablet.
Huge thanks go out to my guests this month, John, Murf, and Ray. It couldn't have happened without you guys!
For more information about JMRI, visit www.jmri.org
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Thanks for sharing this video and information. A few years ago I belonged to a club that used JMRI extensively. We had several members knew JMRI extremely well and mentored the rest of us. This video is a great refresher & helpful !
This gentleman has a knack for explaining things thoroughly and easily. He is very, very good and making things easy to understand. Nice job Sir!!
John... This was EXACTLY what JMRI needed... A great overview of what it is and what it can do. As a computer guy I was actually salivating over all the cool things you were showing, especially with the turnouts. So now to go price the Sprog 3 or find out a way to build one cheaper using an Arduino! WOOOHOOO! Great video BTW!
Thanks David. I enjoyed making it and learned quite a bit in the process. I'm starting to organize for more in-depth sequels.
After watching the video all I can say is - "WOW ! ! ! - What a program". If it's not something an actual Railroad dispatcher uses in real life to manage the real thing then it should be. Makes you feel that you yourself are actually sitting in front of a computer somewhere as a dispatcher and managing and controlling a whole nation or fleet of rail systems. It is evident that a whole lot of people went to a lot of effort and work to create such a program. Just saying.
I just recently ran across this video and I use JMRI with NCE extensively. I do the signalling, control panel, programming as well as the WI throttle but I also write scripts which can be used to automate trains. Since I already have the detection for the signals in place, I use them to trigger script commands to throw turnouts and start and stop trains. I have also written a script that when executed will take a train from the staging yard, onto the mainline and to an industry. There it will back in set out some cars and continue back to the staging. All automated. JMRI is a very underutilized free resource that can enhance the operation of any layout tenfold.
Suggestion for a future video, “setting up Panel Pro” for the first time on your computer and layout. How to initialize the program to add your train cars. I used the JMRI example to add my cars with the intention to copy this program to my layout program then removed the JMRI example entries.
Definitely THE BEST JMRI tutorial out there.
Wow, great timing! I just got my SPROG 3 yesterday. I'm just getting back into N gauge and decided my first layout will be DCC. I didn't want to shell out the money for a command station and throttle and decided ro be 100% JRMI from day one, Being a software developer as my day job it seemed a good fit. Your video confirms I made a good choice. I'm excited to get building. Thanks for a great video. Very informative.
Cool! Glad this will help you. There's a ton of information on the JMRI web site too. Let us know how it goes!
Yes please continue to put these videos out. They're very helpful !
John this is the best most imformative video, both clear and procise, on JMRI that I have seen to date thank you for producing it. I have not used it to much yet, still building my layout, but I have inputted my car list started setting up locations and even created two trains to work out how it works. We do use it at our club operating sessions over here in the UK so I am use to working with the switch lists. Please concider taking this to further videos thanks again Neil
Hi Neil, it sounds like you have done the most boring part already (data entry). That means you will be ready to take advantage of things like routes on PanelPro and creating ops sessions quickly and easily using operations the way Ray showed us toward the end. I'm surprised JMRI isn't known more than it is, as it is probably the most useful and possibly the most powerful tool out there for model railroaders. I will ask folks I know if they're interested in doing more in-depth modules on the apps we talked about here for future programs.
Great Video. I've used JMRI for a long time and will be adding routing to the my panels to improve the layout operation.
John, this video is absolutely FANTASTIC! Thanks for uploading it. I use JMRI on my layout, but just barely because I still need to learn more about using it, and your video is helping me learn more about it. At this point, JMRI on my MacBook Pro is connected to my NCE PowerCab with an NCE USB Interface. I use JMRI mostly for speed matching. I also use WIThrottle on my iPhone. But I know there is so much more I could do with it, and I will be doing much more as I learn more about it. Thanks again for the video. ...Roy
Thank you for the nice compliments. It sounds like you and I have used it for the same thing - speed matching and WiThrottle. I don't have a layout or a DCC system, though. Thanks for watching, as always, and I hope you will share the video with your friends who might also enjoy it. :D
Great intro into JMRI, love to see more on this topic in later videos, perhaps showing the equipment required and how to hook it up to aa layout. Thx again and keep up the good work.
Thanks David, it appears as though a deeper look at these modules will most likely be forthcoming.
Thanks for the Great Intro to JMRI! I have been fortunate to see some of DecoderPro at our Club Layout. Now I want to download JMRI and hook it up to my Home Layout, still under Construction, to be able to program a number of new Locos, record all of my Locos, program & operate my switches. Thanks to my Club, I have touched the tip of the Ice Berg but have a lot to learn. I will be passing on your Site Info, so that other members will be able to access and share your info & videos.
Glad it was helpful!
John, This was an awesome video very informative for the novice JMRI user. The only thing missing was a simple explanation of what basic equipment is needed to get started. You talked about the laptop and the Router but nothing about the available interface modules. I see in the speed matching video that you show the SROG which is my favorite but there are other options. How about a basic video showing those? Keep up the great work.
THANK YOU...for sharing. I need to watch this again, good information here.
You're welcome. And thanks to you for watching and commenting!
This is a great video. The only suggestion I would make is to consider cutting it into more than one video. This is a lot of information to take in at one time. Creating a series of videos might make it easier to digest and use in a function by function way.
Indeed, and this is why I intend to delve a little deeper into each of the four facets of JMRI that were introduced here. MR 101 is intended to be an introduction, and I asked the excellent presenters on this episode not to get too detailed for that reason. More to come... :)
Awesome show, you should definitely dive deeper into this topic.
It is likely to happen in the near future.
YESS!! Finnaly i have been waiting for a long time for a new ep of MR101
MR 101 comes out every other month right now, alternating with Model Railroading with Jack Burgess.
TSG Multimedia ok thanks!
Really enjoyed it. Opened up a whole new world of ideas and opportunities. Thanks
JMRI is an excellent system, installing it may be a hassle for a newer modeler but it works amazingly.
Thanks for great video and I look forward to follow the next video
Wow. When I was a boy, I powered my HO-scale trains from an old car battery and a 150Ω wirewound rheostat. The battery was good for about an hour before it needed to be charged. Later I built a power supply using a variable series regulator. Primitive by today's standards but very sophisticated compared to the contemporary Tyco power pack, comprising a transformer, rectifier, reversing switch and rheostat, not even a filter capacitor.
I wish I had a dollar for every Tyco power pack I left plugged in and burnt slam up, back in the 1970's!!
Thank you!! You answered two very basic questions that had gone unanswered for almost two years. I am still trying to get my hand me down layout going. Thousands invested little use or enjoyment. Jim W.
Great video lots of information. I will have to get more involved with JMRI and load all my rolling stock into a roster. I have only used it to program my locomotives and to try and speed match them. Didn't realize how powerful it is. Thanks!
Thanks, Mike. It is a great suite of programs that can do even more than what was covered here today. I'm glad you enjoyed the show! :)
Good how to and information video.
Excellent intro to JMRI, thank you for sharing!
Great video John, I got a lots information thanks to you John
Thanks SGT! I really appreciate that you watch and comment on so many of my programs - I think that helps the channel(s) be more visible to other prospective viewers. :)
Fantastic video guys! I was always confused about JMRI until you made this! Keep up the great work you do.
A side note to go with the Decoder Pro segment. In order to read from the decoder you need to have a fully capable DCC command station. Some entry level DCC units do not have the ability to read decoders. For Example the older Digitrax DB150 was unable to read but the DCS100 and DCS50/51 can. Not all DCC units support reading but you can usually still use JMRI to program so long as there is a interface device.
Found you guys in the nick of time. Just diving back I to the hobby after a couple decades and starting on a large, shelf layout with plans of diving head first into dcc. Would love to see some shows featuring others showing how they use JMRI to control their individual operations.
Love this video. Very nice introduction to all the features that are available within JMRI. I would love to see videos that go deeper into each of the potential uses.
Thanks for the feedback, Leonard. I am already planning to do the WiThrottle "deep dive" in September.
For anyone wishing to use their iPhone or tablet to control the locos or switches (turnouts), look no further than the Roco Z21 control system. No need to memorise the loco numbers or switch numbers, as these are selected on screen visually; each loco is identified by a photo image, and each switch is located upon a schematic diagram and touch operated on screen. Much easier than any of the methods described in the video. The only Z21 facility lacking presently is route programming, but I'm sure that will arrive some day...
John, very nice video, use it for programming decoders but really enjoyed the section on operation. Yes more videos on jmri.
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback, Keith. I'm already planning the next JMRI MR101 episode. :)
Very interesting, even though I’m a beginner. Please go deeper into jmri setup and operations. Thanks for this info!
This video is actually pretty old as far as electronics goes, I'm assuming. I am just getting back into the hobby after a 40 year absence when I was a kid. This seems like a good way to go. Any more advancements in this setup?
I have my windows laptop connected to the available usb on the Digitrax DCS52. The decoder pro did recognize the loconet on the DCS 52 so that is good. I tried to name my roster which Is Kims BNSF. I go ahead and start to add locos to roster. Click save and fine, locos saved. So then it goes to the list of locos but my list is scrunched together and I don't know how to spread those rows out so I can actually see the information in those rows on my roster list. This JMRI decoder pro is version 4.18 and the Windows java version is 1.8. I have 3 BNSF locos to put in roster and the addresses they are currently in. SD70ACe_8490 (lead loco in my consist) Other loco in that consist is GP 60 M_130 and that loco address in of itself currenly is address 005 . Last is GE ES44C4 Gevo is address 6. I have been having difficulty to get addresses programmed to their road numbers. They don't respond unless they are in short address form. so ok, fine, they are running fine that way. This is my first time into JMRI as a beginner with that program. I need a manual download for the decoder pro 4.18. As I have mentioned All my locomotives are BNSF. The two first mentioned have Loksound decoders and are part of the EMD series. Other one (GE GEVO) Has Tsunami 1 decoder. Currently running on my DCS52 is my Digitrax DT500D wireless throttle and on my IPhone is WiThrottle.
I am (or shortly will be), a beginner in using DCC. I just purchased a Digitrax Zephyr starter set (waiting for its arrival),. So I have been watching many RUclips videos on the subject of DCC.
On one video posted by another Digitrax Zephyr user he stated that he had connected the USB cable that comes with the starter set to his computer and to his zephyr control unit but was unable to program his locomotives from the JMRI program app (but the JRMI program was communicating with his locamotives on the program track), but yet he was able to still program them through the Zephyr control unit. He stated that evidently JMRI had not added this function to the JRMI program app as of yet but hopefully they would get around to addressing this problem and do so in the future.
Do you know if that function has been added and that, that situation has been cured as of yet? Just asking.
Anyway, Thanks for a great video it was quite informative.
Also, is it possible to control multiple locos at the same time. For example, you're running 2 or more locos on your main track but you want a loco to pull into a siding and then stop while another loco is passing the stopped loco and then make the first loco reverse back onto the main line and follow the first loco? I'm trying to automate the running of 3 trains on my Metro rail setup.
Well done!!! Simple. Thanks
Thanks, Steve! If you know anyone else who might like it, please share it!
nice job thank you for helping us out
Anytime HBR! Thanks for your continued support!
Hugely helpful video, thank you!
Wait, what? I can run my railroad from JMRI if I have a digitraxx DCS 52???? WHAAA? OMG. I can't wait. I'm hoping I can use the Stream Deck touch button control panel to trigger everything! Imagine? 32 back lite, custom assignable icons to run my train? Each loco can have it's own set of icons! Oh this is good! LOL
great info...more please ty Tom
Awesome. Thanks lads.
I got the Sprog II but could not download or install the drivers, so I gave up on all this and bought the Railmaster which is great..
Can you do what is being explained if you are using already programmed locos that have been programmed on your main track and you have Kato decoders with Digitrax dsc210+. Can you just read the programming on all traims and auto load all trains?
SOOOOO good! Thanks for doing this and I hope to see more.
This is a great video!! I am just starting to get into JMRI and learn about it, using a small, portable layout that I'm building to test out features of it. Would definitely be interested to learn more about Murf's turnout setup he has on his layout, as well as the operating setup. For the decoder portion curious more about how to re-use saved decoder settings (if it's possible, i.e., you have several locomotives same brand and decoder just different numbers and you want to push the same settings to them all, except the number).
Great video look forward to some more deep dive talks about this software and how to use it.
Thanks for the feedback. I am already working on pre-production for the next JMRI MR101 episode.
Informative and useful.
Any guy that drinks wine in overalls is my kinda guy! Just saying….
Cool video! Hope you make more.
Thanks! There will almost certainly be more about JMRI in the near future!
Very cool John!
Wonderful overview. Each module could be it's own video segment.
You are correct! I am starting to develop the first of those four modules for September's MR101 episode.
Can you use a basic Ethernet cord for connecting the unit to the computer?
Can you change the sound the bells and horns make? The type of bells and such? Or just adjust the volumes?
The NCE PowerCab uses a special board with a USB connection. The NCE PowerPro has a serial connection, so a usb-serial converter is required for most computer interfacing. I think newer systems are beginning to offer other means of connection.
DecoderPro has definitions to control all aspects of most decoders. Advanced features for LokSound require their programmer. As it is I can choose the horn/bell/etc basic sounds available on Tsunami decoders. You can also control volume,, reverb, equalization, etc.
Oh Cool. This is great. I have small N gauge Tram layout using Kato's Unitram street track. I have 3 Bachmann Trams (streetcars) and all 3 came with DCC decoders installed. I have available a early 2008 MBP as well as an iPad. I'd also like to control switches, tram stops and routing if possible. So watching this great video, what do I do? Thanks
You kept talking about reading data from the decoder. How do you hock up your computer to your railroad? Is there a special cable you need? Thanks.
Please watch starting here: ruclips.net/video/xYZ9TMrMnqk/видео.html
The question you are asking is answered more than once. I used a SPROG II.
By any chance is there a video how to use jmri with consisting engines
One stupid question. What do you use for track power?
Hello I'm new to running any kind of model railroading Layout. I've been watching a lot of videos about automating my train layout. I was wondering could I use this kind of system like JMRI Dispatcher, DCC, CMRI and Arduino to make my layout fully automatic using Lionel fastrack? I have 3 different layouts Kato Unitrack HO & N-Scale as well as Lionel Fastrak Could I use this type of system for all 3 layouts?
I don't know anything about Lionel stuff. Try it out and let us know how it goes!
That’s awesome
I've wanted to use JMRI for a very long time...
I'm a lone wolf, no friends within 150 miles, no hands on help.
I don't even know how to hook a Computer up to a Track for programming/operation! 😖 All I hear is "it's easy" "you just need this..." But never a specific idiot proof demonstration.
I know it's a powerful tool. I know that it will enhance my DCC operations...
But that's the only thing I know!
for a small layout DCC++ is a good option, arduino + motor shield and you should be good to go. Although I've still had trouble getting my other arduino to act as a decoder :(
How exactly do you connect the computer using an interface to the track? Is there a special USB stick that connects to a DCC bus?
There is a video coming out Saturday March 18 2023 with the exact answer to this question. Tune in at 9AM (pacific) to see the what and how answers to this question!
Great video. I am an operator. I'm not a computer guy. I want to learn more about setting up operations for my railroad with Jmri I currently use car cards. I have a sprog, but have been unable to make it work with Jmri. Decoder pro. Panel pro is of no interest to me as I Model a non signaled road and use hand thrown turnouts.
The last section by Ray Turner explains it a little. The only tedious part is the data entry so your computer knows what you have, where it can go, and where it starts out. Once you have that info entered, it's just a keystroke to create an entire manifest for your ops session! I was blown away by that!
Great video John thanks this is where I've been wanting to go!
Please consider more on this content
Thanks
ps
What exactly do I look for, for computer to track interface
JMRI uses Java which is not dependent on one computer or another. You can use just about anything. I use my MacBook Pro. You can use a PC too. Check www.jmri.org for more info.
I think that some of it will depend on what DCC system you use. NCE has their own as well and Digitrax. I have tried to use DCC++, ( an open source DCC program) and an Arduino micro computer, as an interface, Almost had it working, just had some port conflicts with the computer and the arduino.
I don't think the DCC system matters. I don't even have a DCC system and I was able to speed match my locos using JMRI on a small circle of track connected to my comp.
Thats interesting, thanks for the reply
Great overview!!! can you consider making a video of speed mach with JMRI ? thanks
September 2018 MR101 has a segment about speed matching using WiThrottle and JMRI.
HI John
Your videos are very high quality but could you go into more detail for beginners on how to set up and connect JMRI, with wi throttle and digitrax zephyr express. I have a windows 10 PC (64 bit home) updated, updated Java 8, Digitrax Zephyr express, and wi-throttle lite on my phone. I also replaced a bad USB cable and can now see the DCS52 on com port 5.
I have been able to downloaded latest JMRI version 4.22. and connect via com port 5 to the DCS52. which indicates it is connected.
However I am unable to turn on-off track power with jmri. or read loco decoders.
When trying to enter a loco on wi-throttle the "Set" button is grey and the "Not Set" is red unable to acquire loco.
I see many versions of my JMRI railroad on my network? which one do I choose?
I am stuck at this point and could use some troubleshooting help.
Thanks
Hey Dan we cover the topics as broadly as possible because everyone's equipment is different. Your best bet would be to search for your specifics in an internet search engine. Chances are someone else out there had the same issue!
JMRI appears suitable only for track-powered model trains, not self-powered model trains. please confirm
I believe you do not have to connect it to a railroad. You can use it to generate paperwork for operations. It may not use the full power of the program, but as it is free ( apart from a small donation, if you wish) you can use as much or as little as you wish. I will use it to generate manifests.
This is correct, Clive. On the third section of this video, Ray Turner shows us how to generate business on his garden railroad, which is not connected to a computer.
Kyriacos, if you watch the entire video, you would find out that your observation is incorrect!
Please watch the entire video! The answer is contained in the third section about operations.
That's true for powering the engines and programming them through non-dcc decoders. As others have pointed out there is also operations (making waybills, etc). It also depends whether you're going to do signalling or block detections in some way other than through a DCC bus or track connections.
I can get JMRI to backup my decoders CV settings (loksound5) but i cannot get JMRI to read back into the decoder. im using a Digikeijs DR5000 as the interface.
You have to have something that can use the "Programming" interface vs the "Operations" interface.
Does this also map the layout of the track? And are the individual cars coded also, like the locomotives?
John; Great information about JMRI an Decoder Pro. Other than my MacBook Pro and my NCE system, what do I need to interface the two? You mentioned a "Sprog"? Where do I get this? Is this difficult to program or set up?
Thanks, Cameron
I'm sure you can find a sprog by searching Google for it. Also, I'm not sure if you even need it if your NCE stuff has a way to connect directly to a computer with it. You can also check out the JMRI website because the Q&A forums are rich with information.
John, I have no experience with JMRI or smartphones. I have a MacBook and an Android tablet and 3 NCE hammerhead controllers. Do you recommend I get an iPhone to get JMRI working on my layout? Or, can I use the Android tablet and the MacBook to somehow make it all work together? Currently, I just want to program decoders and operate. Thanks.
You can use your MacBook. Watch the program again and then check the JMRI website to see what kind of interface you need to get your computer to talk to your track. I have a Sprog 2 that Wiley didn't want any more. You can also use a locobuffer. NCE might even have their own device for this. I'm pretty sure Digitrax has one.
Does the software have the ability to import a .csv (comma separated values) file if I want to import my roster that is already in a separate database system?
Oh that's a good question! I bet the forum on the JMRI web site has the information about that. Seeing as how powerful the program is, I'd be surprised if it doesn't have that capability. Let us know what you find out!
WOW, finally understood JMRI functioning. Is there an option to reset factory settings?
Please do an episode of signals
Love the series. Thank you. So, I have a question about Decoder Pro. I've installed JMRI. I am trying to start building the roster, but am running into a problem. I do not have a "Read Type from Decoder" button. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
It's possible the newest version has that option in a different place. I can't imagine it would be eliminated altogether since that's what people use Decoder Pro for in the first place!
@@tsgmultimedia Thanks. I discoverd about 5 minutes after posting that it was user error. Again, thanks.
Im getting a No Operation and No Operation Programmer Mode how do you fix that
I'd check forums or search Google for the answer.
Does JMRI accept/recognze Paragon 3 Decoders (installed in most BROADWAY Limited Imports)
using the phone as a throttle seems quite laggy
Good video now I am going to get the NCE switch 8s
maybe you can answer a question for me, if you do not use a decoder for a period of time, will they go sour? thanks.
Hi Bill. I have not heard of this happening. I suppose it's possible, just like a memory module might go bad in your computer, but generally, that doesn't happen.
I have a sprog!
Super overview. I want one! Does the wifi have to be connected to the internet or can it be just a dedicated, isolated router for this purpose. My challenge is getting internet to my train room.
Pretty sure the WiFi does not need to have internet connection. I bet you can find the answer on JMRI's FAQ/Q&A forum!
you failed to mention when programming a new loco you must press read all sheets then press write all sheets so the software will store the decoder information. otherwise it will not program.
I usually do a "read all sheets" of each loco with a particular type of decoder, then save that as a generic name indicating what it is. Then I duplicate that entry and customize for a particular loco. Any time you make changes you'll need to write to the loco for it to take effect. You need to also "save to roster" so that you can make modifications later to that loco without requiring a "read all sheets" again. It's also useful in case you need to re-flash the loco decoder later on.
any chance of a video on full automation
That could possibly happen in the future, although I don't figure something like that is basic enough to have on an introductory program like MR101.
just downloaded jmri. I use a mac and have the digitrax. what interface do I need?
Did you watch the video?
@@tsgmultimedia i did. in fact, I've been on your channel all day. ordered a PR4 as that is all I use for DCC needs.
@@HugDeeznueces I'm pretty sure John talked about the interface. It's called a LocoBuffer.
@@tsgmultimedia yes, a locobuffer but I have vested interest in Digitrax
thanks! sub'd
I can tell you whatever you need to know about using a pr4 and programming a locamotive more than any video on youtube.
I DON'T HAVE EATHER A I OR ANDORID PHONE SO HOW TO OPERATE THRU A COMPUTER
Not shown... the hours upon hours of frustration JMRI really is. lol
The only part I had trouble with was getting my Sprog 2 working. JMRI is a little clunky since it uses an fairly old language (I even had to download Java Runtime Environment because it didn't come with my computer). Once you get the hang of it, it's really great. I was able to speed match my locomotives with it.
@TSG Multimedia i just got my brand new sprig 3 set up today and was able to program a loco almost right away, it’s DEFINITELY pretty darn user friendly
I even managed to, I think so far, get a problem child of a loco working pretty well
What’s benefits do you gain from setting it to dcc only
@@tsgmultimedia Some engines will run a bit weird if the DC compatible option is left on and the signal gets muddled. I don't ever run DC and so I turn it off to keep things simpler.
Still to many hoops to go through I like plug and play I'm not to computer savvy or cell phone
Why no dan?? But this was still anouther amazing video!
I do not understand your question, DSP. Thanks for the compliment, though. It's really great to bring this kind of content to the channel. You can expect more variety and diversity in the content.
TSG Multimedia - I'm just a little curious why Dan wasn't in this 101 video?
He quit doing railroad stuff more than only a few hours a week back in October of 2017.
TSG Multimedia - I knew I must be behind on something. Thank you for the info!
It's OK. I have received very little negative feedback since he quit, which has been refreshing. A lot of viewers had a problem with his delivery. I think the variety of people, places, events, and topics we've been able to cover since then has been a great breath of fresh air. :)
JMRI delve deeper please!
Thanks Bob. The subject has been covered more in the subsequent episodes of this series. Please continue watching the series and you can find out more about JMRI being used with different DCC systems and also learn more about the modules contained within the JMRI bundle. It has been published to the channel and you're welcome to watch it!
@@tsgmultimedia Thanks you are providing quality video to a needed subject!
You're not John lol. John had his head shaved. You have a perfect head of hair lol.
Thanks?