Wayne,
In JMRI, a "Virtual Signal" is simply one which does not correspond to any physical hardware.
If you wish to create a "Virtual Signal", using JMRI's "Aspect signaling" and "Signal Mast" system, "simply":
. Open the Signal Mast table ("Tools->Tables->Signals->Signal Masts").
. Activate that window's "add" button. This pulls up the "Add/Edit Signal Mast" tool window.
- Select a User Name (I would use the word "virtual" somewhere in there, as a reminder!).
- Select the appropriate "Signal System" - probably the same as your other signals, assuming that you are using JMRI's "Aspect Signaling".
- Select the appropriate "mast type"
- Select the appropriate "mast driver". To add a "virtual mast", you do not associate the signal mast with physical hardware, such as selecting "Turnout Controlled Mast".
- For a "Turnout Controlled Mast", for each aspect shown, select "Create New" and "Internal". Enter a number for the JMRI "internal" turnout which is to activate the aspect, and choose a "set state" to be associated with the aspect. No two (or more) aspects should use the same "internal" turnout number/"Set State" combination.
- As necessary, disable those aspects which the mast supports but which you do not want your "virtual mast" to display.
- Once all the aspect information is filled in, select the "Create" button at the bottom of the window.
"Et voila!" You have created a "virtual signal". You may use it like any other signal mast.
- You may place it on a Layout Editor panel.
- On a Layout Editor panel you may use it as part of "discovered" signal mast pairs.
- On a Layout Editor panel, you may mark it there as "hidden when not editing" so that it does not show up on any displayed panel.
"Simple?" Maybe not so simple, but not difficult, either.
Regards,
Billybob
