Re: Controlling Servos directly connected to Arduino with DCC++ Base Station #arduino #dccpp

#161987

I had a similar problem with an Arduino based servo for turnouts; the servo was only getting a shot of current instead of a significant length of current to move the servo.? You might check how long the current is applied to the servo.

Ken Moordigian
Jackson Livery
818-522-4292

Show quoted text

On Tuesday, July 23, 2019 rsauerbrun <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks Paul,

I started this effort by reading the following section on the JMRI site …?

If I understand correctly, I should be able to run one servo directly connected to the Arduino's 5V, GND and one digital port (mine is connected to port 7). Of the three methods available with the DCC++ sketch, only the third method using the base station "Output" approach should work. This is what I have done, and everything looks great in JMRI, but the servo never moves.

But I get your concern about the PWM. As I watch the DCC++ traffic monitor I see only a "Low" then "High" state for the JMRI turnout. And when I hold the servo next to my ear, I hear a "click" when I send the command in JMRI to go "closed" or "thrown".

Is there any way I can overcome this in the DCC++ sketch?

Richard

Servos, Ardunios, and JMRI #arduino

#161986

I've been working on getting my staging turnouts powered by servos and controlled by JMRI through Arduinos using Geoff Bunza's direct JMRI to Arduino scripts. The ends of the staging yards are far enough apart that I've ended up positioning one Arduino at each end of the yard, controlling five servos each. One Arduino is on COM4 and the other on COM5. I've got a pair of the "TurnoutDataTransfer.py" scripts created, one of which I'll refer to as P, the other S. On the one, I've renamed the global extportin to extportinP and the other script has extportinS. Com ports correspond to the Arduino ports. I've created a panel that has a basic diagram of the staging yard and can control the turnouts. This is where I am running into problems. I had JMRI automatically load the panel and run both scripts (P first, then S). The S turnouts worked normally but the P turnouts did not. I stopped the scripts from running automatically and have managed to test my way to the following:

1. If I load the P script (automatically or manually, doesn't make a difference), all the P turnouts work normally.?
2. If I then load the S script, all the S turnouts work normally but the P turnouts stop responding, although the script output and panel act like they are working.
3. It doesn't matter which script is loaded first; the second script will stop the first script's turnouts.?

Any thoughts on why this may be happening?

Thanks,

Sam

Re: Cantons / Stop trains in block with red signal

#161985

开云体育

The give away for whether a chip supports ABC is usually whether you can set cv27

Re: DP feature request

#161984

DP generally only has data from the last decoder read, CV19 is no exception. SO showing the last known value is still good.
Opening the throttle with CV19 value (if set) would also make things go faster when speed matching. (Configurable?)

90% of my loks are in consists, managed by DP. So this would be a good update feature for me.
Thomas
DeSoto, TX

Re: Cantons / Stop trains in block with red signal

#161983

I believe I did explain one way to see the option for the Asymmetric feature, it might be different for another brand of decoders.

It depends on who added the decoder information into Decoder Pro.

The other way is check the specification of the decoder you want to use and see if they document that feature with the CV values.

Dennis

Re: Build Pickup Problems

#161981

Dan

The build report says the following for the 3 locations not being picked up

2 were ignored
1 was Cant Send

I compared the Car roster with the layout locations and all cars were located per the list
The build report is 21 pages long
The route shows all locations? set for Pick up and set out

Jerry

Re: Controlling Servos directly connected to Arduino with DCC++ Base Station #arduino #dccpp

#161979

Hi Richard,

I've not used the DCC++ base station, although I've experimented with using the JMRI interface in conjunction with my own sketch. ?If there's a specialist forum for DCC++ you may get a better informed response there. ?Having said that I downloaded the base station sketch some time ago, which I assume you must have done in order to load it on to your mega. ?The code in Outputs.ccp appears to do a digital write to the output pin - line 85 but this may not be the latest version. ?If so it won't drive an RC servo. ?I've also used the standard Arduino servo library to successfully drive a servo, but on a non model railway related project. ?It may be possible to add the servo library to DCC++. ?It partly depends on your confidence level. ?Also I suspect both the DCC++ code and servo code do 'clever things' with the Arduino timers. ?There's potential for conflict if they are both trying to use the same timer.

Paul

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161978

the message changes to offline.

Ken S: Do you have JMRI 4.16 installed as suggested earlier in this thread? Automatically defaulting to offline simulator mode when a connection problem occurred was a feature of older JMRI versions.

Jan

Re: Exception and other errors? Blocks Signals

#161977

Steve,

I have never needed to change signalspeeds.xml. ?I tweak speed assignments for turnouts and blocks to get the signal mast logic to work in special cases. ?For layouts I work with, I set the default diverging turnout speed to medium.

Ken describes the logic process in the other response.

I want to expand on that a bit. ?The basic signal mast logic concept is: ?The signal mast is Stop/Danger unless a route to a destination mast can be selected. ? Based on the “path" speed and the indication on the next mast, an aspect is selected from the aspects.xml and appearance xml files. ?A key factor for the aspect determination is whether the route is normal or diverging. ?A route is normal if “ALL” turnouts are normal. ?It is diverging if “ANY” turnout is diverging.

Dave Sand

Show quoted text

On Jul 23, 2019, at 6:04 AM, bluetobits <steve.lomax@...> wrote:

Hi again Dave, Ken and all

Dave: I have tried your suggestion and this really helps to have a better understanding of signal mast logic. The strange routing behaviour issue at?cuewait siding is still causing signal ?problems, as is a similar the issue at slippery slope. This may be because I have not fully blocked the mine section?and set up block occupancy sensors and signal masts for that section. I was hoping this would not be necessary. I have reverted to a earlier save of my?layout which uses single head masts at the xovers and the aspects seem to function more predictably. I don't need double heads as I don't want to?automatic trains to use the mining section in any event, but do need to stop auto trains from entering turning loops that are currently being used for?manual mine traffic. I was using the double aspect signals to try to understand why the main line locos were reducing speed to 15 over the xover?section despite green signals. ?I'm not sure I have fully grasped the process behind the SML or built my layout to be compatible or at least "comfortable"?with it but with help and advice from yourself and others, I'm on the way to gaining a basic understanding.

Ken: I hadn't realised this. This is great and could be the root of my issues. I can set speeds for through and diverging turnouts as you suggest and set?speeds for blocks. ? If I understand correctly, JMRI uses some formula of these two ?along with pre-set speeds for signal aspects ?in the file?"signalspeeds.xml" to determine some speed value displayed when editing logic in ?signal mast ?pairs. Presumably I can edit and copy this file and?change it's location to user preferences. ?I'm not sure how warrants and dispatcher integrate or share speed data and tables. I haven't got as far as?Warrants yet. Perhaps this will make things clearer but I haven't created a control panel yet. Do I need to do this first? ?I can also, of course, set speeds?in the decoder chip CVs. Does this overrule or work in conjunction with JMRI speeds (How do I make the decoder programmers work from within?PanelPro?) Are there any further methods of setting auto train speed??

Thanks for reading?
I'll keep trying. Please anyone chip in with other suggestions.

StevLomax

Steve 009 in UK

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161976

What should happen is it shows green thinking there is a connection. Within
10 seconds, it probes the interface to see if it replies right. If that
fails, the connection turns red. You should do a cut/paste of the console
log again so we can see that the port opened ok. Typical issue at this point
(assuming the open worked) is the baud rate doesn't match.

Now my next question is to confirm which make of interface and command
station you are using. That will help clue me as to the next things to try
to explain. The current console log will tell me what you are trying, but
that might not be the right match for the hardware you have.

-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161975

Hello Ken C.,

I double checked in Device Manager USB Interface using COMM4. When I start
JMRI the Decoder Screen at bottom has NCE connected in green message. When I
select a loco to program, the message changes to offline. How can I check
that the USB Interface hardware connections are ok?

Ken S.

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Ken Cameron
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 11:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] JMRI and NCE

Ken S,

The cut/paste of the console log you sent shows JMRI asking for COM4, but
the system saying COM4 not found. Insure everything is connected and powered
up before starting JMRI. Also follow what I said before about using Windows
Device Manager to confirm the hardware is really loading up at COM4 and no
errors with drivers. We've found that Win10 updates sometimes disables
drivers and they need to be loaded again.

-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161974

Ken S,

The cut/paste of the console log you sent shows JMRI asking for COM4, but
the system saying COM4 not found. Insure everything is connected and powered
up before starting JMRI. Also follow what I said before about using Windows
Device Manager to confirm the hardware is really loading up at COM4 and no
errors with drivers. We've found that Win10 updates sometimes disables
drivers and they need to be loaded again.

-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161973

开云体育

Hello Marc,

Here is screen I get.

?

Ken

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of forfoum@...
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 11:11 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] JMRI and NCE

?

Ken, attachements are not permitted and will not come thru.?

Either cut and paste? it's? content into this thread or upload it to the file section.

Marc

Re: Controlling Servos directly connected to Arduino with DCC++ Base Station #arduino #dccpp

#161972

Thanks Paul,

I started this effort by reading the following section on the JMRI site …?

If I understand correctly, I should be able to run one servo directly connected to the Arduino's 5V, GND and one digital port (mine is connected to port 7). Of the three methods available with the DCC++ sketch, only the third method using the base station "Output" approach should work. This is what I have done, and everything looks great in JMRI, but the servo never moves.

But I get your concern about the PWM. As I watch the DCC++ traffic monitor I see only a "Low" then "High" state for the JMRI turnout. And when I hold the servo next to my ear, I hear a "click" when I send the command in JMRI to go "closed" or "thrown".

Is there any way I can overcome this in the DCC++ sketch?

Richard

Re: Cantons / Stop trains in block with red signal

#161971

@Dennis

Thank's for your explain, but the question only for DecoderPro as you said :

"Decoder Pro might give you the answer also if it has the feature for you to activate."

?

Can you explain to me how to check with DecoderPro,?in which tab ?

?

Thank's

Re: Controlling Servos directly connected to Arduino with DCC++ Base Station #arduino #dccpp

#161970

Hello,

?

I don't really understand. Did you connect your servo to the same Arduino as DCC++?

?

Did you change the code? Because a servo works very well with an arduino other than the DCC++, the code receives the servo ID and it works.

?

But DCC+++ AND servo on the same arduino....

Re: DP feature request

#161969

On Jul 23, 2019, at 2:56 AM, Jim Kirwan via Groups.Io <cact25@...> wrote:
Is it possible to add a column/field on the roster sheet for a consist address and have DP fill it in if the loco has a consist address. Thanks.This is certainly possible, but It may not be very reliable.

You are much more likely to change the consist address than the locomotive primary address, and there are many ways to change CV19 without JMRI’s knowledge.  In most of those cases, we have no means to verify the current contents of the CV without putting the decoder on the programming track. (The exception is if you have hardware installed that can read CV values on the main ( such as RailCom )).

Paul

Re: Controlling Servos directly connected to Arduino with DCC++ Base Station #arduino #dccpp

#161968

Thanks Seth,

I thought of this too, but was led to believe that you could run one servo directly connected to the Arduino's 5V supply and there would be enough current. Two or more … yes, a separate supply is required.

I have checked the voltage to the servo and have a full 5V.

Richard

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161967

开云体育

Hi Marc,

?

I did a snip of the screen and I see it is now a jpeg in my Download folder. How do I upload it to the file section?

?

Ken

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of forfoum@...
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 11:11 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] JMRI and NCE

?

Ken, attachements are not permitted and will not come thru.?

Either cut and paste? it's? content into this thread or upload it to the file section.

Marc

Re: JMRI and NCE

#161966

开云体育

Hello Again,

?

The NCE USB interface is connect through the COMM4 port. When I load DecoderPro following screen appears which I have attached. Prior to getting Windows 10 I had Windows 7 Pro and JMRI worked. What do I need to check? How do I determine if USB interface is working?

?

Ken Skopp

?

Show quoted text

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Kenneth Skopp via Groups.Io
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 6:04 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] JMRI and NCE

?

Hello Marc,

?

I found the System Console Log. I have attached it below. I now have only one NCE connection now.

?

Ken Skopp

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of forfoum@...
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 9:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] JMRI and NCE

?

On Mon, Jul 22, 2019 at 04:04 PM, Kenneth Skopp wrote:

When I try to start DecoderPro I get this message in a window: “Unable to create connection "NCE2" (N2). ?Serial port COM4 is in use. Unable to run startup actions due to earlier failures.” I believe I have deleted “NCE2(N2).

Do you have a good reason to have a second NCE connection ?? You believe you deleted NCE2(N2).?? Clearly it was not deleted as per this message.

That would imply NCE (first connection)? is valid and being used. ?

It would help greatly if you could provide the System Console log via cut&paste here.?

2019-07-23 05:59:00,298 util.Log4JUtil??????????????????????? INFO? - * JMRI log ** [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,327 util.Log4JUtil??????????????????????? INFO? - This log is appended to file: C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\log\messages.log [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,327 util.Log4JUtil??????????????????????? INFO? - This log is stored in file: C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\log\session.log [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,327 apps.AppsBase???????????????????????? INFO? - DecoderPro version 4.16+R6f9aced starts under Java 1.8.0_181 on Windows 10 x86 v10.0 at Tue Jul 23 05:59:00 EDT 2019 [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,528 gui3.Apps3??????????????????????????? INFO? - Starting with profile My_JMRI_Railroad.3f3718c5 [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,809 node.NodeIdentity???????????????????? INFO ?- Using jmri-kyUuSdgurhNiaayakslegv-3f3718c5 as the JMRI storage identity for profile id 3f3718c5 [AWT-EventQueue-0]

2019-07-23 05:59:00,903 xml.AbstractSerialConnectionConfigXml INFO? - Starting to connect for "NCE" [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,278 usbdriver.UsbDriverAdapter??????????? ERROR - Serial port COM4 not found [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,278 jmrix.ConnectionConfigManager???????? ERROR - Unable to create jmri.jmrix.nce.usbdriver.configurexml.ConnectionConfigXml for [Element: <connection/>], load returned false [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,278 plementation.JmriConfigurationManager ERROR - Exception initializing jmri.jmrix.ConnectionConfigManager: Unable to create several of your connections. [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,987 jmri.InstanceManager?????????? ???????ERROR - Should not set default of type jmri.CommandStation to null value [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,987 managers.ManagerDefaultSelector?????? WARN? - SystemConnectionMemo for NCE (class jmri.jmrix.nce.NceSystemConnectionMemo) provides a null interface jmri.CommandStation instance [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:01,987 plementation.JmriConfigurationManager ERROR - Exception initializing jmri.managers.ManagerDefaultSelector: System connection NCE provides a null manager for interface jmri.CommandStation [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:02,096 plementation.JmriConfigurationManager ERROR - Exception initializing apps.StartupActionsManager: jmri.util.prefs.InitializationException: Unable to run startup actions due to earlier failures. [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path program: is C:\Program Files (x86)\JMRI\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path preference: is C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\My_JMRI_Railroad\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path profile: is C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\My_JMRI_Railroad\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path settings: is C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path home: is C:\Users\Ken\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:04,939 util.FileUtilSupport????????????????? INFO? - File path scripts: is C:\Users\Ken\JMRI\My_JMRI_Railroad\ [main]

2019-07-23 05:59:05,770 throttle.PowerManagerButton?????????? INFO? - No power manager instance found, panel not active [main]

Marc