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Re: BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab
Thanks Ross, I have changed the opt. switches on the BDL 168 11 to closed and 12 to closed. Now i cant quite figure out where my railsync A wires go to on the BDL 168 board (which pin it should be soldered to. Now that i have the Bdl terminating loconet then i should be able to hook up the pr3 and use it as a stand a lone loconet for jmri? Thanks again for the info.
On Saturday, August 25, 2018, 6:42:04 AM CDT, Ross Kudlick <Ross_Kudlick@...> wrote:
Scott,
Another reference is the BDL 168 manual, section 6.0 BDL168 Installation for Non-Digitrax Layouts
Ross
<>
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of billybob experimenter Sent: Friday, August 24, 2018 11:55 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [jmriusers] BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab Scott, Yes on all counts.? A "standalone" LocoNet is what you are trying to implement. The info you seek is available in the JMRI help pages. For general LocoNet help, see . For "Standalone" LocoNet applications, see .? For using the BDL168 with non-Digitrax equipment, see the "BDL16x connection to a DCC system without a "Ground" terminal"section of that page (conveniently linked at ). For general LocoBuffer-USB info, see . These should at least get you started on your quest. Regards, Billybob
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Re: RPi-JMRI image updated
I just want decoder pro on this one and will run the panel pro version on my other Sprog pi one
On Sat, 25 Aug 2018 18:29 Bob Jacobsen, < rgj1927@...> wrote: You can’t run both DecoderPro and PanelPro at the same time, both talking to the same USB-connected hardware.? So running them both at startup is unlikely to work well.
Bob
> On Aug 25, 2018, at 5:51 AM, Peter Grant <1957pag@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Steve
> I want to serve one up just for programming decoders so no need for any panels but cannot find the icon and executable for decoder pro which I also would like to run on startup
> Cheers peter
>
> On Sat, 25 Aug 2018 13:46 Steve Todd, <mstevetodd@...> wrote:
> You could set up another desktop icon, but I'm not sure why you'd need to do so. Everything you'd see behind that icon is also behind the PanelPro icon. For the Roster view, just click the Roster menu.
>
> On Sat, Aug 25, 2018, 8:41 AM Peter Grant <1957pag@...> wrote:
> Hi Steve
> Seems to be working fine for me but cannot find the path to run decoder pro rather than panel pro
> Cheers Peter
>
> On Mon, 13 Aug 2018 20:23 Steve Todd, <mstevetodd@...> wrote:
> All,
> I have updated my RPi-JMRI image for the RaspberryPi, available here: .
> JMRI is now 4.13.2, Raspbian is Stretch, and I've customized the web server to add RPi-specific options like buttons for restart/shutdown of the RPi, viewing the session.log file, etc. JMRI 4.13.2 also includes a new /tables menu for watching the values of various JMRI entities.
> I've also added to the AutoIdentify list, which now includes Locobuffer-USB, PR3, SPROG, LENZ USB, NCE Serial, NCE USB, DCC++, EasyDCC Serial, and MERG USB.
> As before, you can view and upload your roster files.
>
> Please visit for more details and to download the image.
>
> As always, your feedback is most appreciated!
>
> --SteveT
> _._,_._,_
--
Bob Jacobsen
rgj1927@...
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Re: Turnouts not responding and JMRI in order questions
Your Zephyr does NOT have a computer interface built-in, you need an RR-Cirkits LocoBuffer or a Digitrax PR3 or PR4. Simply put, you do need physical sensors but do not need physical signals. I remember multiple incidences of reading in the manual, and a few in these emails I am getting now, that sensors, once made, cannot be changed and the logic must be completely rebuilt.<<
Not really sure what you are referring to but changes to sensors can easily be changed in the logic if you use user names and don't rely on system names. -- Peter Ulvestad JMRI Users Group Moderator - ( ) Tam Valley Group Moderator - ( ) Sprog-DCC Group Moderator - ( ) Edmonton Model Railroad Association -
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Re: Full timetable automation - AutoDispatcher 2 - abstraction - documentation - scripting
I did not imagine a formal or lengthy process for gathering requirements - what I had in mind was spending a week or two asking people on a few forums about how they operate their layouts, thinking about what sorts of things that one would need for particular sorts of layout operation, and researching how other layouts operate, and then working out what abstraction layers and data structures would be needed for the most efficient and flexible implementation within the boundaries of the resources at one's disposal of which one can think of a design that would fulfil those requirements to the greatest extent possible within the aforementioned resource limitations.
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Re: Turnouts not responding and JMRI in order questions
Hopefully this will help in getting info to you that you can use to help me out.
Digitrax DCS50 Zephyr
11-DS64 stationary decoders (power is daisy chained between all 10 for turnouts)
1-5 amp power supply to power to 10 DS64 decoders for turnout operation only
1-BD4 + another if I need it
1-PS14 Digitrax power supply to power the one DS64 with BD4 connection
+/- 274 feet total of track
35-40- Atlas Turnouts with 4 crossovers using single turnouts
Loconet connected to all connections under table
3- remote throttle connections and 1 (Digitrax) throttle in addition to DCS50 Zephyr
Lighting is handled mostly through just plug, but I also have some lights connected to?an accessory power pack with a accessories buss.
I am using a combination of Atlas and Tortoise Switch machines. They are segregated and each DS64 is programmed for only one kind each.
I have a turntable that is not DCC equipped and is an old style Atlas turntable. It works.
I have JMRI 3.14 your latest main release version, but not the version that is being developed more. I forget the term you use.
Computer is Windows Vista
I have a RR-Cirkits connection from my Computer to the loconet. Not sure if I need this? I understand that the Zephyr already has something like the RR Cirkits built in.
Train computer is not connected to the internet
Can I use JMRI and my layout through my layout computer to set up the trains to run automatically without having to buy any physical sensors or signals?
?
If I cannot, what else do I need to do that. Please explain in layman's terms not program language. I am not an electrician, railroad engineer, programmer or genius when it comes to playing with trains. I just do it for a hobby and try to enjoy it when I can. If I cannot run trains automatically without buying more stuff to do it with, then I do not have to buy anything more if I do not wish to. That is my problem. What I want to know is how to get it to work well and then progress slowly from there to learn what I need to learn to get automatic trains going.
I remember multiple incidences of reading in the manual, and a few in these emails I am getting now, that sensors, once made, cannot be changed and the logic must be completely rebuilt. Sounds scary! This is the kind of thing that makes me think twice about going forward. It would be like saying to me as a kid, this hobby is too expensive for you kid! And it would be right! It seems like some things in this program should be easier. The terms that are used have a definition, but how to set it up in each individual case is a mystery. Like a Top Address for a route. Do I use an existing turnout number for this or is it just a made up set of letters or numbers??
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Re: which pad will run JMRI
Great, thanks for the update!
Steve, After a long backorder and time off for the NMRA convention I finally got my RPi loaded with your software and everything is working fine. Thanks for making the "parts list" and "software" available to everyone.
Jim K. (Houston)
Thanks Steve, I've ordered all the hardware you recommended and bookmarked your web link, I'll let you know how things turn out. I was going to use a MS surface with USB port for my PR3
Jim K (Houston)
Hi Jim,
What command station and computer interface do you plan to use? Many of them require a USB connection.
JMRI requires Java and the Swing toolkit. Android Java, for example, does not support Swing. I believe the Microsoft Surface devices do.
As an alternative to connecting a pad to your layout and running Java, I suggest using a RaspberryPi as your JMRI server, and your pad and phone as clients (using EngineDriver or WiThrottle apps and your web browser).
The RPi has a very small footprint, low cost, has multiple USB ports, and can run JMRI very nicely. I have a preconfigured image you can try here:?
I keep my RPi inside my "electronics box" along with my command station. Our club has an RPi on our "electronics tower".?
HTH,
? SteveT
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This output <type 'jmri.implementation.DefultRailCom'>
Unknown Orientation Address 12(S) Temperature : 0 Speed : 0
Unknown Orientation Address 12(S) Temperature : 0 Speed : 0 is telling you that getCurrentReport is providing a DefaultRailCom object. When you convert that to a String, you get those last two lines (which will always be the same) But if you access it directly, you can get more detailed information: which provides this interface: including its parent: For example, this might provide info not in the String form: report = self.reporter.getCurrentReport() print ( report.getLocation() ) print ( report.getWhereLastSeen() ) print ( report.getWhenLastSeen() ) Or maybe not, because what’s provided depends on the hardware, connection method, software, etc. But it may be useful to explore the various methods in the object. Bob -- Bob Jacobsen rgj1927@...
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Re: RPi-JMRI image updated
You can’t run both DecoderPro and PanelPro at the same time, both talking to the same USB-connected hardware. So running them both at startup is unlikely to work well. Bob On Aug 25, 2018, at 5:51 AM, Peter Grant <1957pag@...> wrote:
Hi Steve
I want to serve one up just for programming decoders so no need for any panels but cannot find the icon and executable for decoder pro which I also would like to run on startup
Cheers peter
On Sat, 25 Aug 2018 13:46 Steve Todd, <mstevetodd@...> wrote:
You could set up another desktop icon, but I'm not sure why you'd need to do so. Everything you'd see behind that icon is also behind the PanelPro icon. For the Roster view, just click the Roster menu.
On Sat, Aug 25, 2018, 8:41 AM Peter Grant <1957pag@...> wrote:
Hi Steve
Seems to be working fine for me but cannot find the path to run decoder pro rather than panel pro
Cheers Peter
On Mon, 13 Aug 2018 20:23 Steve Todd, <mstevetodd@...> wrote:
All,
I have updated my RPi-JMRI image for the RaspberryPi, available here: .
JMRI is now 4.13.2, Raspbian is Stretch, and I've customized the web server to add RPi-specific options like buttons for restart/shutdown of the RPi, viewing the session.log file, etc. JMRI 4.13.2 also includes a new /tables menu for watching the values of various JMRI entities.
I've also added to the AutoIdentify list, which now includes Locobuffer-USB, PR3, SPROG, LENZ USB, NCE Serial, NCE USB, DCC++, EasyDCC Serial, and MERG USB.
As before, you can view and upload your roster files.
Please visit for more details and to download the image.
As always, your feedback is most appreciated!
--SteveT
_._,_._,_ -- Bob Jacobsen rgj1927@...
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Re: which pad will run JMRI
Steve, After a long backorder and time off for the NMRA convention I finally got my RPi loaded with your software and everything is working fine. Thanks for making the "parts list" and "software" available to everyone.
Jim K. (Houston)
Thanks Steve, I've ordered all the hardware you recommended and bookmarked your web link, I'll let you know how things turn out. I was going to use a MS surface with USB port for my PR3
Jim K (Houston)
Hi Jim,
What command station and computer interface do you plan to use? Many of them require a USB connection.
JMRI requires Java and the Swing toolkit. Android Java, for example, does not support Swing. I believe the Microsoft Surface devices do.
As an alternative to connecting a pad to your layout and running Java, I suggest using a RaspberryPi as your JMRI server, and your pad and phone as clients (using EngineDriver or WiThrottle apps and your web browser).
The RPi has a very small footprint, low cost, has multiple USB ports, and can run JMRI very nicely. I have a preconfigured image you can try here:?
I keep my RPi inside my "electronics box" along with my command station. Our club has an RPi on our "electronics tower".?
HTH,
? SteveT
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Re: RPi-JMRI image updated
Hi Steve I want to serve one up just for programming decoders so no need for any panels but cannot find the icon and executable for decoder pro which I also would like to run on startup Cheers peter
You could set up another desktop icon, but I'm not sure why you'd need to do so. Everything you'd see behind that icon is also behind the PanelPro icon. For the Roster view, just click the Roster menu.
On Sat, Aug 25, 2018, 8:41 AM Peter Grant < 1957pag@...> wrote: Hi Steve Seems to be working fine for me but cannot find the path to run decoder pro rather than panel pro Cheers Peter
All,
I have updated my RPi-JMRI image for the RaspberryPi, available here: .
JMRI is now 4.13.2, Raspbian is Stretch, and I've customized the web server to add RPi-specific options like buttons for restart/shutdown of the RPi, viewing the session.log file, etc. JMRI 4.13.2 also includes a new /tables menu for watching the values of various JMRI entities.
I've also added to the AutoIdentify list, which now includes Locobuffer-USB, PR3, SPROG, LENZ USB, NCE Serial, NCE USB, DCC++, EasyDCC Serial, and MERG USB.
As before, you can view and upload your roster files.
Please visit??for more details and to download the image.
As always, your feedback is most appreciated!
--SteveT
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Gabor,
Reading the manual on the detector, have you tried running the maintenance
tool from Roco to test out and configure the module? Does it show the
correct separation of the blocks? So first we prove the hardware is working
the way Roco expects it to work. If that is valid, then we see what JMRI
thinks of the results. But if something isn't showing right in the
maintenance tool, I don't think JMRI will fare any better.
-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org
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Re: RPi-JMRI image updated
You could set up another desktop icon, but I'm not sure why you'd need to do so. Everything you'd see behind that icon is also behind the PanelPro icon. For the Roster view, just click the Roster menu.
On Sat, Aug 25, 2018, 8:41 AM Peter Grant < 1957pag@...> wrote: Hi Steve Seems to be working fine for me but cannot find the path to run decoder pro rather than panel pro Cheers Peter
All,
I have updated my RPi-JMRI image for the RaspberryPi, available here: .
JMRI is now 4.13.2, Raspbian is Stretch, and I've customized the web server to add RPi-specific options like buttons for restart/shutdown of the RPi, viewing the session.log file, etc. JMRI 4.13.2 also includes a new /tables menu for watching the values of various JMRI entities.
I've also added to the AutoIdentify list, which now includes Locobuffer-USB, PR3, SPROG, LENZ USB, NCE Serial, NCE USB, DCC++, EasyDCC Serial, and MERG USB.
As before, you can view and upload your roster files.
Please visit??for more details and to download the image.
As always, your feedback is most appreciated!
--SteveT
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Re: RPi-JMRI image updated
Hi Steve Seems to be working fine for me but cannot find the path to run decoder pro rather than panel pro Cheers Peter
All,
I have updated my RPi-JMRI image for the RaspberryPi, available here: .
JMRI is now 4.13.2, Raspbian is Stretch, and I've customized the web server to add RPi-specific options like buttons for restart/shutdown of the RPi, viewing the session.log file, etc. JMRI 4.13.2 also includes a new /tables menu for watching the values of various JMRI entities.
I've also added to the AutoIdentify list, which now includes Locobuffer-USB, PR3, SPROG, LENZ USB, NCE Serial, NCE USB, DCC++, EasyDCC Serial, and MERG USB.
As before, you can view and upload your roster files.
Please visit??for more details and to download the image.
As always, your feedback is most appreciated!
--SteveT
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Gabor,
This is getting better. They have tracked down the issue with the initial
reporter and have a code fix building to cure that. From the descriptions,
it should let the system correctly learn the reporters as they report
automatically. It should be available in a day or two.
From my understanding of reporter hardware, it may be a multi-level issue
with the reporters. From other examples I've seen, you could have one
reporter id covering a whole zone, but then 'spot' reporters filling in for
individual blocks. So there may be issues with how the reporter is wired or
configured. Biggest is watching the sensors, it two come on together, there
might be issues with gaps or feeder wires.
-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org
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Re: Automate speed matching from script using PowerCab
It will depend which JMRI method you call to Read CVs whether the enter and exit programming track commands are issued or not.
I can't look up the code at present to check. Ken Cameron may remember offhand...
When experimenting with the script, make sure you have the NCE Command Monitor window open (enable Timestamps and Show Raw Data). You are looking for a [9E] Enter Programming Track Mode before a Read CV xx command and a?[9F] Enter Programming Track Mode command afterwards.
You can use the NCE Simulator connection to test without hardware. CV reads will always return success and return a value of 123. CV writes will always? return success.
The New England Convention 2018
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On 25 Aug 2018, at 12:11 PM, Mike Dean < mike.dean@...> wrote: Will the NCE PowerCab handle this transparently or do I need to send script commands to tell it whether it is in programming track mode versus POM mode? ?In Erich’s situation based on others (Phil Klein and Jim K) they were using command stations with separate outputs for programming track and main track. ?I am thinking the PowerCab may be ideal and not require explicit mode change in the script.
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Re: BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab
Scott,
Another reference is the BDL 168 manual, section 6.0 BDL168 Installation for Non-Digitrax Layouts
Ross
<>
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of billybob experimenter Sent: Friday, August 24, 2018 11:55 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [jmriusers] BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab Scott, Yes on all counts. A "standalone" LocoNet is what you are trying to implement. The info you seek is available in the JMRI help pages. For general LocoNet help, see ;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6b90a89740964d8321a008d60a3e8fbd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636707661139526238&sdata=wifoXvQwVIGzgRVyb1VU%2BlHpBALQBI57enjN7yFsZM8%3D&reserved=0 . For "Standalone" LocoNet applications, see ;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6b90a89740964d8321a008d60a3e8fbd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636707661139526238&sdata=uP6ImkzPEqRu5qcgFb1zko3gSnNm0%2FnLzvrcz8eqnWU%3D&reserved=0 . For using the BDL168 with non-Digitrax equipment, see the "BDL16x connection to a DCC system without a "Ground" terminal"section of that page (conveniently linked at ;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6b90a89740964d8321a008d60a3e8fbd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636707661139526238&sdata=6WEYhbRK3dJK8aQ0yUtzXHzF1mx%2B5mK%2FIMLcw6oTc7o%3D&reserved=0 ). For general LocoBuffer-USB info, see ;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6b90a89740964d8321a008d60a3e8fbd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636707661139526238&sdata=6CMVchqNP0Nsh4FU%2FzISk0JOTFkXRjrmqddCjjzXOH8%3D&reserved=0 . These should at least get you started on your quest. Regards, Billybob
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Ken, I confess that earlier I tried two other major softwares and their forums without success. I havn't been experiencing there the helpful spirit of this group that I am vefy grateful for to all of you. I, too, see some light at the end of the tunnel. A quick reminder: My immediate goal is to adapt BackAndForth.py to the situation that the two terminal blocks where the loco to be moved by it stops and reverses direction can accommodate a foreign train each, as well. I have got a black Roco-Fleischmann command station Z21 (it is more advanced than the white version) and a Roco 10808 module containing 8 RailCom capable current sensing detectors, connected to the command station via a CAN bus, configured at present to emulate LocoNet feed-back. (Nothing more is needed for my immediate goal; in my perspective automation I shall have to operate a few turn-outs and a push button, but this is, I think, independently of the hardware, should not cause any more difficulty.) All of you, Finally I have been able to define a reporter in the reporter table.? JMRI is creating one - though not fully automatically - by clicking the Add button and giving in the hardware address 1, under the name of ZR1. Much to my surprise only a single one to the Roco 10808 module, common to all its 8 channels! Bob, This has enabled me to run your suggestion report = self.reporter.getCurrentReport() print (type(report)) print (report) print (report.toString()) resulting like <type 'jmri.implementation.DefultRailCom'> Unknown Orientation Address 12(S) Temperature :? 0 Speed : 0 Unknown Orientation Address 12(S) Temperature :? 0 Speed : 0 confirming your expecting a string. 12 is the address of the (only) locomotive on the track at the time. No mention of the channel of the detector module the report has come from! (The log file in Files\Scripts I had sent you, of the LocoNet monitor contains the latter information, as well. Paul, Is this the problem you were referring to as
One reason we want to make this work as a non-loconet message is that we want to be able to get the data into the system in the same format.?Otherwise your job of writing the script may be a lot harder.
In fact, I would like to have a joint report of the reporter ZR1 and a sensor (named in the LocoNet sensor table as LR1 to LR8) like the LocoNet monitor displays. So you see, Ken, we are not yet at the exit of the tunnel. I am happy to make more experiments, especially if I get as clear instructions as I got from Dave earlier. Gabor
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Re: BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab
That is how the Cumberland West ran for a number of years. It went from all Digitrax, to NCE for throttles and Digitrax for everything else. David Parks was able to get the sync line from the NCE command station and feed it to the Digitrax boosters, and those went to the SE8Cs, BDL168s, DS54s, 1 DS64, and Tower 64s (those are from RRcirquits).
Now (or since the last 2 1/2 years) there is very little Digitrax left as, the CW now uses LCC for signals, sensing, turnouts, and more (like a lot of logix, which used to be handled by JMRI).
And JMRI is connected to all 3 systems: NCE via the serial and the USB (2 computers talks to it), Digitrax with Locobuffers (again the same two computers), and LCC with LCCbuffers (9 computers: 2 dispatchers, 2 staging, 5 towers). Its a pretty impressive setup.
So yes, JMRI can handle multiple systems with ease.
Cheers LeoP
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Re: BDL 168 compatible with nce power pro or power cab
Scott,
Yes on all counts. A "standalone" LocoNet is what you are trying to implement.
The info you seek is available in the JMRI help pages.
For general LocoNet help, see .
For "Standalone" LocoNet applications, see . For using the BDL168 with non-Digitrax equipment, see the "BDL16x connection to a DCC system without a "Ground" terminal"section of that page (conveniently linked at ).
For general LocoBuffer-USB info, see .
These should at least get you started on your quest.
Regards,
Billybob
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Automate speed matching from script using PowerCab
After presentation from Erich Whitney at KC NMRA I am trying to set up system with PowerCab to program decoders. ?I need to read CVs and then I need to run loco and adjust speed CVS according to sensors, etc.
Will the NCE PowerCab handle this transparently or do I need to send script commands to tell it whether it is in programming track mode versus POM mode? ?In Erich’s situation based on others (Phil Klein and Jim K) they were using command stations with separate outputs for programming track and main track. ?I am thinking the PowerCab may be ideal and not require explicit mode change in the script.
Mike
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Peter Ulvestad
James E. Petts
Bob Jacobsen
Ken Cameron