Blair,
That's all interesting stuff. I had seen multiple Arduinos connected via RS485, but had not really investigated. This Arduino stuff is still quite new to me!
However, we've not really considered multiple reader connections. Too busy trying to get the various sketches to work first! But when we do get a cheap versatile setup, my guess is that we will be thinking 20-40 readers rather than 5 or 6 as cost will no longer be a disadvantage. It is at that point we need to think about how to connect them all to JMRI. As you might have seen, I did successfully connect two Arduinos to JMRI via serial/USB to see if it would work. It did, but 8 to 10 locations would mean 8 to 10 USB connections!?
We are working on the Ethernet version as you know, so maybe the Arduinos could go to a small network switch on the layout, then to the main switch/router and one Cat5 back to the computer? I think this would work with the MERG Concentrator setup.
I'd have to rely on your advice regarding RS485 and how it could be implemented.?
Maybe some thought on how to implement a large number of connections is needed.
Steve
