JMRI: Layout Editor, Interlocking, Routes, Roster and Throttles

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Күн бұрын

Instal JMRI and Connect with Layout: • Getting Started with J...
WiThrottle and Engine Driver: • Beginner's Guide for J...
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START controlling your layout and trains from your computer. CONTENT BELOW:
Layout Editor - Building Basic Layout Control: @1:12
Interlocking: @9:23
Basic Routes: @14:02
Roster, Throttle and Controlling Locomotives: @20:16
Customising JMRI Behavior at Start up: @27:11
Part 1: • Getting Started with J... - linking your model railroad to a computer and configure JMRI
Part 3: • Beginner's Guide for J... - control your model railroad using a mobile device
In continuation of part 1 of the Beginner's Guide for JMRI and LocoNet, in this part 2 video I will be showing you how to get started with Panels, Layout Editor, Interlocking, Routes, Roster and Throttle. But most importantly, how you can start playing with your trains using your computer and have a lot of fun!
The objective of the series is of course to show how easy it is to start controlling your layout with JMRI, and also provide a complete guide to get started with the tool. Though I am using Digitrax LocoNet, the topics covered in this particular episode really is universal and is applicable for any DCC system that you might use. In addition, these videos also cover the basics required to advance to more complex topics like automation, block detection and signalling.
Essential links:
jmri.org/help/en/html/apps/Pan...
jmri.org/help/en/html/tools/Ro...
jmri.org/help/en/html/tools/th...
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Пікірлер: 74

@paulgermain4374 4 жыл бұрын

With DCC, JMRI, and computers, we are where I would have liked to have been back in 1972 when I first got into the hobby. I started in HO but quickly changed to N because in the military, with each move, it was easier to move. All my layouts until 2015 were done with DC. When I retired in 2015, my made the jump to DCC (using Digitrax) and have spent the following five years to present building my N scale layout. Thanks for all the very useful videos. I have learned much.

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad that you found this video helpful. I started with DC too. And though with a few good locomotives and some creativity, I enjoy a very good operation centric layout, DCC is the natural progression in Model Railroading, especially if you like to operate a railroad vs. just running trains. And with computers, sky is the limit, whether you use JMRI or other specialized software like Train Controller. Thank you for stopping by. Cheers! Kaustav

@FredE528 4 жыл бұрын

Very clear and complete training video. Thanks.

@marcpoultney5753 3 жыл бұрын

Your channel is fantastic! Easily one of the best out there for information and realistic layouts. Keep sharing your stuff on the social media groups!!

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Marc! I am glad that you found the channel helpful. Take a look around, there are a plenty of unique content in ther. Cheers! Kaustav

@ceciliaperez-benitoa26 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these amazing tutorials!!! I have spent countless hours watching videos to figure stuff out and this is by far the most helpful and useful. I look forward to more of your videos.

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and I am glad that these videos were helpful for you. 😊 please check out the other videos in the channel too . Cheers! Kaustav

@gregbowen617 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, great video!!! Thank you for explaining so clearly what can be a daunting process... Time to buy the RRCirkits USB controller and move into the 21 st. century!!!

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad that this was helpful for you and this inspired you to get into computer control. I hope it's a rewarding experience for you because once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back to conventional DCC! Cheers! Kaustav

@rickfenn333 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful and clear explanation. Thank you.

@TrainsandDioramas Жыл бұрын

I’m glad that you found it helpful Rick. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!

@OtterCreek 4 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU! Looking forward to making use of this in the near future!

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

You're most welcome! I'm glad that this is helpful. I looked at your video about the start of your new railroad and I do have one recommendation. If you end up building a layout that big, look at LCC - Layout Command Control. You can find all the details in RR Cirkit's website. It really is the next-gen MR Operating system and is going to make your life a lot easier. :)

@OtterCreek 4 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas, thanks for the advice and the view. I'm in the planning stage so I will certainly look into LCC!

@PKCrouse 8 ай бұрын

Very helpful video. 😊

@johnlatta3998 Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I've been wanting to see a video series like this for some time. And, yes, I subscribed so I don't miss anything.

@TrainsandDioramas Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I am meaning to get back to this series but work is keeping me away from it for a while now. Hopefully next year… there are other useful videos in the channel on this topic though if you’re interested. Cheers!

@johnlatta3998 Жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas I fully intend to go back to the beginning of your JMRI videos. I need all the help I can get. Thanks

@normanrowe2831 5 жыл бұрын

Yes Professor, you did throw a lot of information at your students. I did my best to follow along. But I realize that just like everything else, hands-on experience will be best. So thank goodness for video libraries. That was a fairly fast 33 minutes so I must have enjoyed it. To answer your question, I believe for a small layout this might be somewhat of an overkill. But at the same time a smaller layout would be a good jumping off point to experiment. Anyways....my head hurts. See ya next class.

@TrainsandDioramas 5 жыл бұрын

Norman Thanks for stopping by! Yes, this is an intense video and intentionally so, because I wanted to cover the basics in 1 video so that it stays as a standard reference point for anyone interested in the topic because the topics are all inter related. In my mind that is more helpful than jumping through multiple videos. When I started with JMRI it took me quite a while to figure out the basics because information was scattered all over. As for whether all this is worth for a small /medium layout, I think the next and the final episode will clear that for you - that is the ability to control everything from a smart device. However, individual preference should always be a higher priority since this is a hobby after all. If you cannot enjoy it, then it’s a moot point! As always, thank you for your continued support for the channel. :) Cheers! Kaustav

@Blodsukkerskolen 3 жыл бұрын

Tnx, great video

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@jmdean77 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice introduction. One area of confusion concerns saving your work. If you store panels, with or without the label of with configuration, it saves all the tables. You do not need to separately save turnouts, sensors, etc. in their own configuration files.

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am glad you liked it. Honestly, I don't remember now why I said that. I do remember that I lost something for not saving it while making the series, so that might have prompted me to caution and take the 'safe' route and doubly ensure that things are saved, at least it won't hurt. Thanks for pointing that out. Cheers! 😎🍻

@jimgraham1404 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@TrainsandDioramas 2 жыл бұрын

You’re most welcome! 🙏🏻

@csxtrainman95 4 жыл бұрын

These videos are awesome man! Helped me so much! Are you going to do a segment on block detection and signaling?

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and glad that it helped. I planned to get to the DCC and tech stuff this summer, but now I have tons of diorama projects in the pipe that I have to finish first before I can get back to model railroading, so, sorry, realistically, I don't see myself getting back to this topic in near future. :( There are other creators though - the DCC Guy and NSModeler has some excellent videos in their channels on this topic and you might find them helpful. Cheers and thanks for stopping by.

@neilrogers1571 5 жыл бұрын

Your musings over the - degrees and + degrees I think are standard in CAD and 3D drawing. Keep up the good work Neil

@TrainsandDioramas 5 жыл бұрын

Neil Yeah, some software I use works the other way, notably AnyRail. I was using AnyRail right before this one, that must’ve confused me a bit.

@trazzlotinkerboltz5684 4 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas It did say on the rotation box that it is in degrees CW, which is probably to indicate clockwise degrees.

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

@@trazzlotinkerboltz5684 Yes, that little detail was missed when I was doing the commentary, I was not even looking at the dialogue box probably because you keep focussing on what you say and do, not what you see, ironically! Thanks for stopping by, hope this was helpful. Cheers!

@trazzlotinkerboltz5684 4 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas It was -- now I am watching your other videos. Thanks for doing them.

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

@@trazzlotinkerboltz5684 I am really glad that you're finding them helpful. Cheers!

@Ausmerica 3 жыл бұрын

Now all I need to do is convert this to NCE system. This was great to see, as I can see some of the errors I have done while doing my panel. Only main issue I'm having with mine is to add the 3 way switch. With the new layout I'm constructing, I want to combine computer operations on some of the trains while driving another, this way it will make the layout come alive, and more fun.

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I think once people look at computer control they go overboard with full automation, signal, block detection etc. which is OK if that's what you really want, but I think striking a balance is the most important factor so that you don't get bogged down with your automation aspiration and sacrifice the enjoyment of the hobby. Good luck with your project and keep me posted how it goes. Cheers! Kaustav

@Ausmerica 3 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas I agree some go overboard with automation. For me to much automation takes the fun out of operations. Even though to have full automation can be challenging in it's self. Idea I have is to have my passenger trains and some trough express trains run automatically, using the computer as a dispatcher when it's only one operator, and drive the local trains my self. Be a while before this can be achieved, as many of the components like the DB20 for block and section detector unavailable, it will be some time before this will be completed. It would be great it the digitrix track detection and block signalling system would work with NCE.

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Technically speaking, it shouldn’t matter, but manufacturers do put some little nuances that might make it troublesome for you to use a Digitrax block detector in an NCE ecosystem, but it’s not impossible. Plus there are many other independent manufacturers who make circuits that are compatible with many manufacturers. The principle of block detection is standard - either IR detection or current drop on the rails. Basically the only thing that you need to look for is a circuit that can has a feedback module / capability so that the feedback can reach your command station and from there to the software (JMRI , TrainController etc.)

@ddillaby 3 жыл бұрын

I am awaiting a chapter on adding signals using JMRI especially on a modular layout which may not be the same configuration every time the layout is assembled.

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

It might be possible to do it to some degree if the Control Point arrangement remains the same at entry and exit of a town even if you change things up in between. It is also possible for ABS and long stretch of scenic tracks - just make sure the sections that form the block are defined as the original track plan. But overall, it will have some limitations - changing things up cannot be completely at random, you have to stay within the logic designed for the signaling system. Cheers!

@hawthornvalley 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your videos. I've been contemplating switching to JMRI for the last 12 months. In recent days I have been playing around with a couple of old computers with Windows 7, having some problems, but when I get them sorted I'll be straight into it! I have just subscribed. One question if I may, what motors/solenoids are you using for the turnouts. Mine are operated manually at the moment, using Peco turnouts and Peco solenoids, which I may/will have to change for JMRI. ... Ian

@TrainsandDioramas 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ian, thank you for the sub and glad that this was helpful. I used DCC concept's Cobalt IP digital turnout motors which come with a built in decoder. You can continue to use the Peco Turnout motors, you just need an 'interface' that can talk to your command station and control the turnouts - Digitrax DS64 would be my recommendation since I am primarily a Digitrax user, but there are plenty of options available out there and you can select what works bext for you. Any stationary decoder will work from your track bus and talk to the command station, however, if you are looking for a more efficient solution, Digitrax provides an option to use a separate network called loconet to talk to all interfacing hardware so the track bus is not clogged with different signals going to different hardware and can focus only on running trains. It is helpful if you have a medium to large set-up with many turnouts and complex trackwork, for simpler switching type layouts, connecting your stationary decoder or decoder equipped turnout motors to the track bus will work just fine. Hope this helps. Cheers! Kaustav

@hawthornvalley 2 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas I should have mentioned in my post that I have the Digitrax DCS50.Also I have just purchased a PR3. A user was rationalising his system and was getting rid of a lot of Digitrax equipment, so I "swooped". ... Ian

@jesterjeff85 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome stuff... i have the arduino mega and stuff on order to start including a cheap good named decoder. will control train and no sounds or lights. good for a test. what turnouts are you using? guessing its a dcc remote turnout? total noob here..

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff. Yes, it is always good to start small and do a bit of experiment before spending an amount that you might regret later. You can find more about the turnouts and the hardware I'm using in the very first episode of Beginners Guide: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNegaLSZtMy0do0.html

@riggziestrains8082 4 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas thx bud!!!!!

@scaleboats 4 жыл бұрын

One quick question for a new starter. how do your turnouts know they are 101 102 etc?

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

Hi - you need to set the address for each turnout. In this case, it was done beforehand directly from the command station itself. Here is a good video showing how it is done for the turnout machines that I used: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jZZ0d9eG1-DTiYE.html Hope this helps. Cheers!

@HeathMelinda 4 жыл бұрын

Do I need to purchase a DCC Throttle, or can I just purchase a PR4 and hook it up to my computer and then use the JMRI throttle or WiThrottle to control my trains? $68 is a much cheaper entry into DCC than $175.

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not. The command station (the throttle and command station are two different infrastructure, in entry level systems they are supplied as a 'combo' unit to make it easy for the user) is the real brain of the system. That's the 'station' that communicates with the decoders on the layout. The PR4 is an interface that connects the command station to the computer and helps 'expand' the capability of the 'user interface' so that you can 'talk' to the station easily rather than keep pressing buttons on the throttle (the throttle is equivalent of a 'push button' user interface). Software like JMRI, TrainMaster etc. makes it easier for us to give the right 'command' through a better interface, the real work is still done by the command station to translate them into 'signals' and pass it on to the 'decoders.' Hope this helps. Cheers! Kaustav

@slopedouche5460 3 жыл бұрын

WOW I have found someone that thinks like me!!!

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

haha... glad to know that "Thought brother!" 😎🙏

@paulgermain4374 4 жыл бұрын

How do you get rid of extraneous circles representing track segments? No issue with the turnouts circle representation.

@kenschamuhn4864 3 жыл бұрын

you don't. when you right click on them they provide info on the segment such as block name/number

@johnwright7656 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I am very interested in how you built your test layout. I am a software engineer and understand all the JRMI elements. I didn't see a tutorial of the test layout. What equipment you use, track model, and the turnout electronics to make them work. I'd like to build something similar to gain knowledge of how all this works. Any chance you could put together a video on that?

@TrainsandDioramas 2 жыл бұрын

Hi John - unfortunately that project fell through the cracks due to other more pressing life priorities and as much as I want to, I don't see myself getting back to that project anytime soon - I apologise for the promise I made in that video and I am still hoping that one day will get there. In the meantime, you can follow this channel: kzfaq.info - his topics of wiring model railroading is top notch and frankly you will find much more knowledge about wiring and electronics in his channel than mine. I truly appreciate your support and glad that it piqued your interest, and hope that the other content in the channel will continue to add value to your model railroading endeavors. Cheers! Kaustav

@thomasgrassi8817 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Just getting into JMRI on my layout. I use NCE USB board to connect my Laptop two. All my turnouts are Atlas HO code 83 I use NCE Switch 8 MK2 and Tortoise machines to control all the turnouts. All the turnouts are addressed as 100 101 etc up to 111 some have same number for cross overs. When I add a turnout to my JMRI and then add it to the panel for my layout When I click on the turnout icon it switches the turnout in the table the turnouts showed closed or thrown My problem is that the turnouts do not change when I do this. My laptop shows connected on the serial port com3 which is the driver for the NCE USB board. Anything else I can look for?

@TrainsandDioramas 3 жыл бұрын

Hi ! I have never used NCE products so I might not be the right person to give you the exact advice here, but it seems to me that your laptop is not connected to your command station. In JMRI, along with selecting port, you also need to select which connector and command station you are using, have you gone through the a check that all those steps are done properly? I have a getting started video here that shows the set-up steps in detail - even though it is done with Digitrax product, the steps are fairly generic once you get an idea of what needs to be done: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hZ18aMig177apYU.html - hopefully this gives you the directions that you are looking for. Cheers! Kaustav

@thomasgrassi8817 3 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas I figured it out last night when I went into the tables I created the turnouts under the ALL tab and that gave them an ID of IT1 etc I then saw a NCE tab so I added the turnouts to that tab and the IT was NT 1 NT2 etc now they work great thanks for the reply Tom

@neilrogers1571 5 жыл бұрын

In answer to your question I think computer control is the way forward for most situations it makes so much more of your model it is also the control I use to dream about when I was a kid with my old Hornby OO from the 1960s it was always a frustration that I could not easily do these things. A challenge for JMRI is setting up a three way I am still not clear how to make it work Neil

@TrainsandDioramas 5 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I didn’t get that Neil, what do you mean by ‘setting up a 3 way?’ Do you mean a 3 way point?

@neilrogers1571 5 жыл бұрын

Yes three way point

@TrainsandDioramas 5 жыл бұрын

Neil Hmm. I don’t have a 3 way point to figure out, but I do have an idea. AnyRail can extract any layout or element to an XML file that can be directly imported to JMRI. AnyRail free version gives you option to build a layout with up to 50 track segments. You might want to try designing the 3 way and tracks around it in AnyRail and then import that to JMRI and see if it works.

@neilrogers1571 5 жыл бұрын

The challenge is trying to draw the three way so it works in panel pro If you look at the top of the page there is a tick box for all except a three way. I think the trick is to use a left & a right point but whenever I tried it I couldn’t connect them on the screen a friend managed it but I still could not repeat that myself

@dckuk 5 жыл бұрын

Neil Rogers - I had a similar discussion with Dave Fenton from megapointscontrollers about a double-slip; his suggestion is to think of it as two turnouts/points. With a three way it would by more straightforward, as they go the same direction. I have one as well, so will give it some thought. Are you in the UK.

@InvertLogic 4 жыл бұрын

I also created my first N scale Layout 2 * 4 hope you like

@TrainsandDioramas 4 жыл бұрын

Really liked it - great start! Your tip on making full radius curve on flex track is fantastic - wish to use that someday for my models. Cheers! Kaustav

@InvertLogic 4 жыл бұрын

@@TrainsandDioramas Thanks!