Re: Resurrection of a layout
Ken,
My experience is that PanelPro generally has few issues opening old xml files. ?As a test, I just did this on the 3.8 file. ?It opened with no errors or warnings. ?
The main issues relate to the evolution of settings and profiles over time. ?There tends to be a lot of junk left behind. ?The "big bang" approach eliminates these issues.
Dave Sand
----- Original message -----
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] Resurrection of a layout
Date: Sunday, March 02, 2025 5:58 PM
Chris,
?
With the idea of a big jump between versions, the main caveat is that you have to deal with any interesting errors that come up. They likely will be simple but solving some might take a fair amount of work. Watching the system console is critical to this to know what’s happening. Also the ability to manually edit the panel xml file to make some of the corrections might be needed. Or use it as a base and rebuild.
?
How easy will depend on lots of things. Which command station? Which types of signals? Did it use how many of the different things? Are there things you would like to add?
?
-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
?
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Dennis,
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I flipped between the images you uploaded (i.e. between "Panel Load" and "Panel After Edit") and it looks like the track segments that are not showing up, are the ones on which you have track occupancy lamp icons.? Since the Panel Load image has the "unknown" state for your sensor icons, I am wondering if you are using icons for the track lines, and whether they somehow got associated to a sensor(s) that is yet to be initialized (as Dave noted) and thus, is not showing while it is in an "unknown" state.? It has been sometime since I dabbled with panels but I seem to recall you can change an icon's graphic to reflect its sensor state.? Maybe you just did not assign a graphic to the "unknown" state...?
?
Happy to help, hope it helps,
<Pete Johnson>
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Re: Resurrection of a layout
Chris, ? With the idea of a big jump between versions, the main caveat is that you have to deal with any interesting errors that come up. They likely will be simple but solving some might take a fair amount of work. Watching the system console is critical to this to know what’s happening. Also the ability to manually edit the panel xml file to make some of the corrections might be needed. Or use it as a base and rebuild. ? How easy will depend on lots of things. Which command station? Which types of signals? Did it use how many of the different things? Are there things you would like to add? ? -Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
? ?
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Re: Resurrection of a layout
Chris,
A couple of years ago I helped a local layout owner upgrade from JMRI 3.8 to JMRI 5.2. ?We used the "big bang" approach.
A new machine is configured with the latest Java and JMRI and started as a completely new JMRI install. ?For most people, the important data is the layout config xml data file (aka panel file) and the individual roster xml files in the roster directory. ?
Dave Sand
----- Original message -----
Subject: [jmriusers] Resurrection of a layout
Date: Sunday, March 02, 2025 4:56 PM
Gentlemen and if there’s any ladies here,
? ? I have taken on the task of resurrecting a world class layout for a friend that has been dormant for a number of years. This is a really involved undertaking as the layout was setup with JMRI. It is controlled turnouts and signals as well all detection through a series of digitrax and Team digital hardware. My issue comes from the original owner and builder of the layout has passed away and left the layout to his cousin. The layout has remained where it was built and still operates somewhat but, not to the level it was before he passed. The computer that everything is setup on is on its last leg operating on XP. JMRI ver 3.16 I believe. I am gonna replace the computer and obviously it will be JMRI 5.10 at least as well as a windows 11 machine. Can anyone give me a little guidance pulling all the setup into the new machine? I’ve backed everything up the best I can tell on thumb drives and working with win 10 at home just to try and get a feel for integration. Sorry this is so long winded I wanted to offer the back story so there was an understanding what I’m up against. The layout is running and operating but the integration to a newer machine and software is where I’m stumbling a little.
Thanks for any help
Chris Stephens
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Re: Resurrection of a layout
If your friend is going to make it a long term Layout and Hobby. Start with the Latest JMRI and build it from scratch. There are a lot of
changes and advancements.
?
It is like using Excel. Spending all the time trying to piece together the Excel formulas. Had you just written things out on paper you would
have been finished hours ago.
?
Inobu
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Gentlemen and if there’s any ladies here,
? ? I have taken on the task of resurrecting a world class layout for a friend that has been dormant for a number of years. This is a really involved undertaking as the layout was setup with JMRI. It is controlled turnouts and signals as well all detection through a series of digitrax and Team digital hardware. My issue comes from the original owner and builder of the layout has passed away and left the layout to his cousin. The layout has remained where it was built and still operates somewhat but, not to the level it was before he passed. The computer that everything is setup on is on its last leg operating on XP. JMRI ver 3.16 I believe. I am gonna replace the computer and obviously it will be JMRI 5.10 at least as well as a windows 11 machine. Can anyone give me a little guidance pulling all the setup into the new machine? I’ve backed everything up the best I can tell on thumb drives and working with win 10 at home just to try and get a feel for integration. Sorry this is so long winded I wanted to offer the back story so there was an understanding what I’m up against. The layout is running and operating but the integration to a newer machine and software is where I’m stumbling a little.
Thanks for any help
Chris Stephens
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Updating ESU LokPilot Decoder for Alternating Ditch Light CV's using DecoderPro
#esu
I have a ESU LokPilot micro DCC direct decoder.? I discovered that when I attempted to update CV 16.0.314 (phase shift for Aux 6) and CV 16.0.330 (phase shift for Aux 8) both with a value of 32, that these CV's were not listed on the CV list.? Upon an inquiry at ESU, the advice was to build a project using lok programmer, export a full cv list and then import this cv list into the roster entry in decoderpro and it would update the decoderpro cv list and apply the value.? Somewhat surprisingly, I attempted this and it was successful.?
?
First, is there another way to adjust "phase shift" within DecoderPro to achieve alternating ditch lights?? Clicking on Phase Reverse in the Function Output tab doesn't seem to help alternate the ditch light flashing.??
?
Second,?Is there a reference for other CV's that may be missing from the decoderpro library for ESU loksound and lokpilot 5 decoders?
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I am using DecoderPro 5.10 & Java 17.0.11 so I think I have the most updated releases.
?
Thank you, Kevin?
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Dennis,
The "load" and "edit" images are before the layout has been initialized. ?The "after" image is after sensor and signal mast initialization. ?Maybe the initialization affects how some of the tracks are drawn.
Dave Sand
----- Original message -----
Subject: [jmriusers] Track line not present when panel is loaded
Date: Sunday, March 02, 2025 3:40 PM
When I load a panel some of the track lines are missing.? If I enter edit mode they are then visible.? Exiting edit mode and they're still there.? JMRI 4.26? Java 1.8.0_422? Windows 11 PC.? There are no errors in the system console.? Any thoughts?? Please see the attached images.? Thanks and take care.
Cheers, Dennis Drury
Dayton, NV
The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.
Leonard Nimoy
Attachments:
- Panel Load.png
- Panel Edit Mode.png
- Panel After Edit.png
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When I load a panel some of the track lines are missing.? If I enter edit mode they are then visible.? Exiting edit mode and they're still there.? JMRI 4.26? Java 1.8.0_422? Windows 11 PC.? There are no errors in the system console.? Any thoughts?? Please see the attached images.? Thanks and take care.
Cheers, Dennis Drury
Dayton, NV
The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.
Leonard Nimoy
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Peter
?
I certainly did not intend to violate any rules related to this forum.
?
The reason for my questions was to establish the "genesis" of the following:
?
I am presently programing my XXX-brand decoders using my XXX-brand controller with?JMRI on my Windows 11 desktop :??
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When programing (write/read) using JMRI on the program track, I am getting a lot of "Programmer error: Confirm failed (305)" and/or? "Programmer error: No locomotive detected (301)".
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Are these errors related to JMRI (latest production release?version 5.10+Rca461bd266)?
?
That said, when I write/read decoders on the same version of JMRI on my 2023 Mac (separate programing track) I don't get those messages - things run very smoothly.
?
Again, my apologies ...
--
Blessings
TheTrainRev
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WOW! Talk about a blast from the past. Remember the Apple vs Windows days? LOL!
I have both. I use both. Actually, I also have a Prodigy (MRC) and a TCS CS-105. But I digress.
Train Control using throttles:
I prefer the NCE system, if you are using radio. I also prefer the consisting of engines where you can select one of the end engines to be the front.
Controlling?Devices (sensors, signals, turnouts):
I prefer the Digitrax due to Loconet, to control devices?away from DCC (like NCE).
JMRI:
From a JMRI point of view, it really does not matter too much. Personally I find using the Digitrax easier with JMRI.
Having said all that, for the past 4 years I have used the new TCS CS-105 command station, which is also LCC enabled. And I love it.?
But .........
In the end you need to select your system based on one main factor. What do you friends use the most, ie. if you have problems, who can help you locally.?Sure, support from the manufacturer is there, but usually not as quick as we would like. Friends can come to your layout and troubleshoot on the spot.
Good luck!
Cheers Leo P
Hi Everyone
?
I have two questions regarding programing using?JMRI version 5.10+Rca461bd266 on my Windows 11 desktop:
?
1. Which DDC control system works best - or is better suited; my existing ?or
?
2. Which decoder manufacturer works best - or is better suited for both steamers and diesels; Soundtraxx or ESU LokSound?
?
I'm ready to revamp my DCC systems/decoders, going forward.
?
I really appreciate your feedback/opinions.
--
Blessings
TheTrainRev
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Which system or decoders work best is NOT an appropriate topic for this forum. Both NCE and Digitrax work with JMRI and same with Soundtraxx and ESU decoders. -- Peter Ulvestad Linux Mint 22.1, JMRI 5.11.3plus, Java 21.0.5 JMRI Users Group Moderator ( /g/jmriusers ) JMRI Developers Group Moderator ( ) Tam Valley Group Moderator ( ) Sprog-DCC Group Moderator ( ) Edmonton Model Railroad Association ( )
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Hi Everyone
?
I have two questions regarding programing using? JMRI version 5.10+Rca461bd266 on my Windows 11 desktop:
?
1. Which DDC control system works best - or is better suited; my existing ?or
?
2. Which decoder manufacturer works best - or is better suited for both steamers and diesels; Soundtraxx or ESU LokSound?
?
I'm ready to revamp my DCC systems/decoders, going forward.
?
I really appreciate your feedback/opinions.
--
Blessings
TheTrainRev
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Re: NCE PowerPro with USB - no AIU getting to JMRI
#nce
I can send you the update and a batch file to make it easier. Which COM port is it using in JMRI? ? There has been an update that corrects a problem with use of the AIU boards by the command station. ? I’m going to list the method to do the update, you tell me which parts you might question. ? - I send you a file for the update. It is a text formatted file that gets converted by the system for updating the firmware.
- You make sure you don’t have JMRI running.
- Open a DOS like command windows on the computer. (Hit the start in the corner, then type CMD).
- You make sure you put that update file in the same directory as the CMD window.
- My .bat file (script) does a MODE command that sets the COM port to particular things like baud rate, bits, etc.
- On the command station, via the throttle, you use the PROG/ESC key to get to the SET CMD STATION part, hit ENTER.
- Enter 1 to select SYSTEM
- Keep hitting ENTER, until you see SOFTWARE UPDATE. Hit 1 to select that.
- Hit 3 for the fast rate, which must match the speed in the MODE command on the computer.
- Now hit 6 and the PH5 will be ready to listen.
- On the computer, now do, but use the real name of the HEX file and the number for your connection instead of the #, don’t forget the : at the end.
- COPY filename.HEX COM#:
- Hit return on the computer and the update should happen.
- When things stop blinking, the throttle should return to normal.
- Go into the throttle and confirm the date for the firmware has changed.
? If you tell me the COM port I can give you one bat file script that includes the right details. ? -Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
? ?
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Re: NCE PowerPro with USB - no AIU getting to JMRI
#nce
Power Pro PH5. ? Cab data says dec 1 2023
JMRI 5.8 Rbc21ce2ce7
Java 11.0.18
windows 8 on a PC XPS 8700
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Re: NCE PowerPro with USB - no AIU getting to JMRI
#nce
I’ll get you all that data this afternoon. Thank you for the assist.?
cheers
georgia
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JMRI user group meeting at the 2025 NMRA convention
#announcement
The organizers of the 2025 NMRA convention in Novi Michigan have scheduled our JMRI User Group session for Tuesday, July 15 at 1PM.
I hope to see a lot of you there!
If you’re going to give a JMRI-related clinic at the convention, could you let me know? I’d like to create a list of those on our web site.
Thanks!
Bob
—
Bob Jacobsen
rgj1927@...
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Sorry for the double post.? I am not getting posts from this group.
Yes I have checked my spam/junk folders and it is not being bounced.
I do get several other groups.io emails.
So I am checking via the web site.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I will be updating at least 2 PCs to see if that helps.
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Re: NCE PowerPro with USB - no AIU getting to JMRI
#nce
Mttfgeo, ? If you are talking about the PH5, that has the USB on the front panel, it may need a firmware update. Please check the date of the firmware via the CMD STA options. If this is true, I can help you with that. I don’t think NCE has updated their website to deal with this yet. ? Which flavor of computer and OS are you using? ? -Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
? ?
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NCE PowerPro with USB - no AIU getting to JMRI
#nce
Currently running the latest JMRI production version with a recently purchased Power Pro. ?I’ve created all my sensors, blocks, set up the layout.?
when i use my PowerCab and USB card everything works perfectly in JMRI. I can run throttles, operate switches, and show block data on my JMRI display from my AIUs.?
when i use my new PowerPro everything work except i am not getting AIU block data.?
what am i missing??
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Ken Cameron
TheTrainRev
Peter Ulvestad
Bob Jacobsen