Craig,
I think what you want to do is use the desktop computer to edit the panel
offline from the layout? If that's right, you would:
1. copy the profile directory from the layout computer to the desktop.
2. edit the preferences to change from the physical connect to the
'simulator' for that system type.
3. Save and restart.
Now you should have the panel and all the underlying tables. Note:
everything starts up as 'unknown' for the state. So using tools like scripts
to set turnouts to CLOSED and sensors to INACTIVE will make the panels look
better.
If that's not what you are hoping for, just clarify what you are after.
-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org
Ken Cameron