I have a NCE Power Pro, running 2 AIU’s, and a switch it mk2. Thanks to this forum I now have a working panel and would like to start adding signals to my small layout. I would like to keep everything NCE. I have a light it, already wired with leds and a signal address of 100. I’m able to change the signal from the NCE handheld. I’ve also tried several different ways of adding a signal to the panel such as a mast and as a signal and even added as a sensor but to no avail. What am I missing? Or is it really that hard? ?Each main line has 8 blocks and there is one crossover. Do I need to add at least 2 more light it’s to get the R,Y,G? Or does it work off block occupancy? ?Would it be something to do with the fact that when I check the NCE log, I see the 2 AIU’s #50 and #51 that I programmed for BD20’s, but now there is also a AIU #63?

If you manually adjust the address (is it add or subtract 4) for the offset,
does that work for the mast? So you set the address for the Light-It mast as
100, but enter 96 (or 104) as the address in JMRI. Would that work for the
mast?

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

Fixing the code is the long-term solution. I think there is an issue logged. I did take a quick look at the code some time ago when I was fixing some other issues but had trouble finding the relevant piece of code.

--?

Dave in Australia

The New England Convention 2018

On 17 Nov 2018, at 11:47 PM, Ken Cameron <kcameron@...> wrote:

If you manually adjust the address (is it add or subtract 4) for the offset,
does that work for the mast? So you set the address for the Light-It mast as
100, but enter 96 (or 104) as the address in JMRI. Would that work for the
mast?

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.?

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each?Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--?

Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.?

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.?

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.?

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each?Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--?

Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.?

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.


On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.


On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia


On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.


On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 21, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, so I created 4 signal masts to test out what you said. I can get them to change correctly by clicking them on the screen. How do I get them to work as the train moves through them? And how do I set up a crossover. I didn’t do anything with signal heads, is that where I need to do the occupancy thing? Also is there a way I could send you my file so you could take a look?

It is really cool seeing them change on the screen, even though right now 3 are virtual and one real one

Michael

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 21, 2018, at 7:47 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

You can upload your panel xml file to the group’s ProblemsBeginWorkedOn folder.

Dave Sand

On Nov 21, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, so I created 4 signal masts to test out what you said. I can get them to change correctly by clicking them on the screen. How do I get them to work as the train moves through them? And how do I set up a crossover. I didn’t do anything with signal heads, is that where I need to do the occupancy thing? Also is there a way I could send you my file so you could take a look?

It is really cool seeing them change on the screen, even though right now 3 are virtual and one real one

Michael

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:31 AM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Added the panel.xml file. It’s under test layout. Please let me know if you found it. I really do appreciate all the help. I have one NCE light it wired in right now and 3 virtual masts. The masts will work correctly by clicking them in the screen. Signal names EB 1 is the NCE decoder and the rest are virtual.
I can’t get them to detect the train in the blocks. Also in the file you’ll see a crossover and a siding. Is there anything I need to do to signal those?

Thanks
Michael

On Nov 21, 2018, at 7:47 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

You can upload your panel xml file to the group’s ProblemsBeginWorkedOn folder.

Dave Sand

On Nov 21, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, so I created 4 signal masts to test out what you said. I can get them to change correctly by clicking them on the screen. How do I get them to work as the train moves through them? And how do I set up a crossover. I didn’t do anything with signal heads, is that where I need to do the occupancy thing? Also is there a way I could send you my file so you could take a look?

It is really cool seeing them change on the screen, even though right now 3 are virtual and one real one

Michael

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:20 AM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

I have uploaded a modified panel:

/g/jmriusers/files/ProblemsBeingWorkedOn/dsand/TEST%20LAYOUT%20DS.xml

The first issue is that the generated signal mast logic had no content. I enabled Use Layout Editor Paths, Use Turnout details and Use Block details and updated the signal mast logic.

For testing purposes, I added the occupancy sensor icons to the panel so that I simulate train movements.

I changed the block assignments for the cross-over. I use two blocks, one for the top two positions and one for the bottom two.

I created a double head mast for the cross-over lower left position and a couple more signal masts. The double head signal mast logic only does one route for now since there is not a target east bound signal mast on the upper main. The cross-over implies that you want bi-directional running on both mains. The requires a west and east mast at each block boundary for each main.

The Light-It hardware only supports a single head. For the double head masts you will need two Light-It devices. Since a signal mast only supports one address, you will need to create a lower head and an upper head for the two headed mast. The heads are defined as DCC Signal Decoder for Light-Its and the mast driver changes to “Signal Head Controlled Mast” specifying the two heads. For consistency I recommend using the head/mast approach for all of the signals.


Dave Sand

On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:31 AM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Added the panel.xml file. It’s under test layout. Please let me know if you found it. I really do appreciate all the help. I have one NCE light it wired in right now and 3 virtual masts. The masts will work correctly by clicking them in the screen. Signal names EB 1 is the NCE decoder and the rest are virtual.
I can’t get them to detect the train in the blocks. Also in the file you’ll see a crossover and a siding. Is there anything I need to do to signal those?

Thanks
Michael

On Nov 21, 2018, at 7:47 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

You can upload your panel xml file to the group’s ProblemsBeginWorkedOn folder.

Dave Sand

On Nov 21, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, so I created 4 signal masts to test out what you said. I can get them to change correctly by clicking them on the screen. How do I get them to work as the train moves through them? And how do I set up a crossover. I didn’t do anything with signal heads, is that where I need to do the occupancy thing? Also is there a way I could send you my file so you could take a look?

It is really cool seeing them change on the screen, even though right now 3 are virtual and one real one

Michael

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

On Nov 22, 2018, at 6:13 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Thank You! This give me a huge jump. I was able to go into masts to see how you did the logic. This will come in very handy to do the other track and the bidirectional part. Is there a way to put a virtual signal at the ends? Also how did you get the 2 head signal icon for the crossover and how do I do the logic for the lower mast once I get the other main done?

Once these are in, is there a way to go in and change the hardware from internal to NCE? Or do I need to take out each mast and replace it with NCE? I know the light it decoder is only good for one head and I’ll need to for each switch.

Thanks for all the help

Michael

On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:20 AM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

I have uploaded a modified panel:

/g/jmriusers/files/ProblemsBeingWorkedOn/dsand/TEST%20LAYOUT%20DS.xml

The first issue is that the generated signal mast logic had no content. I enabled Use Layout Editor Paths, Use Turnout details and Use Block details and updated the signal mast logic.

For testing purposes, I added the occupancy sensor icons to the panel so that I simulate train movements.

I changed the block assignments for the cross-over. I use two blocks, one for the top two positions and one for the bottom two.

I created a double head mast for the cross-over lower left position and a couple more signal masts. The double head signal mast logic only does one route for now since there is not a target east bound signal mast on the upper main. The cross-over implies that you want bi-directional running on both mains. The requires a west and east mast at each block boundary for each main.

The Light-It hardware only supports a single head. For the double head masts you will need two Light-It devices. Since a signal mast only supports one address, you will need to create a lower head and an upper head for the two headed mast. The heads are defined as DCC Signal Decoder for Light-Its and the mast driver changes to “Signal Head Controlled Mast” specifying the two heads. For consistency I recommend using the head/mast approach for all of the signals.


Dave Sand

On Nov 22, 2018, at 11:31 AM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Added the panel.xml file. It’s under test layout. Please let me know if you found it. I really do appreciate all the help. I have one NCE light it wired in right now and 3 virtual masts. The masts will work correctly by clicking them in the screen. Signal names EB 1 is the NCE decoder and the rest are virtual.
I can’t get them to detect the train in the blocks. Also in the file you’ll see a crossover and a siding. Is there anything I need to do to signal those?

Thanks
Michael

On Nov 21, 2018, at 7:47 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

You can upload your panel xml file to the group’s ProblemsBeginWorkedOn folder.

Dave Sand

On Nov 21, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, so I created 4 signal masts to test out what you said. I can get them to change correctly by clicking them on the screen. How do I get them to work as the train moves through them? And how do I set up a crossover. I didn’t do anything with signal heads, is that where I need to do the occupancy thing? Also is there a way I could send you my file so you could take a look?

It is really cool seeing them change on the screen, even though right now 3 are virtual and one real one

Michael

On Nov 20, 2018, at 10:25 PM, Dave Sand <ds@...> wrote:

Michael,

Since you defined a signal mast, you also need to create signal mast logic. Which signal system did you choose when you created the mast?

Sample with 4 masts with traffic moving left to right: —A …… —B …… —C …… —D ……

A signal mast is placed at each block boundary. Signal mast logic is defined for each pair of masts. In this example that would be A-B, B-C and C-D.

When the train is in the block between A and B, A will show Stop, B, C, and D will probably show Clear depending on other blocks.

When the train is in the block between B and C, B will show Stop and A will show Approach since the block between A and B is now empty but B is showing Stop.

When the train moves to the block between C and D, the changes cascade back towards A as each previous mast is updated. C changes which causes a change to B which causes a change to A.

The signal mast logic is created by drawing the track diagram on a Layout Editor panel, attaching the signal masts to the block boundaries on the panel and then generating the signal mast logic. The first step is the track diagram with blocks assigned to the turnouts and track segments. Use the Layout Editor Tools >> Check menu to verify that the drawing is consistent.

For bidirectional running you will have another set of masts for traffic moving right to left, each with their own signal mast logic.


Dave Sand

On Nov 20, 2018, at 6:42 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

So I downloaded 4.13. I was able to add the NCE light it as a signal mast and can change its colors from the signal mast table now. Now how do I get on my panel to where it will detect the occupied blocks in front of it and go through the sequence as the train moves more blocks away. Such as red to yellow to flashing yellow to green. I’ve tried playing around with it but can’t figure it out. Not ready for it right now but is there something I will have to do later for bidirectional running?

Thanks for all your help on this.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:57 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave,

Will download 4.13 tomorrow. I did download tonight the 4.12 and it messed some stuff up. Like on my panel, as the train moved the blocks didn’t show it unless I clicked somewhere on the screen, and didn’t show any occupancy of the crossover at all.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna make up signals for the other 2 light it decoders I have tonight so I’ll be able to put them in tomorrow.

On Nov 19, 2018, at 9:01 PM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

I wouldn't be trying anything less than the latest test version. I've added a lot of support for Light-It over the past few production releases. But the latest V4.13.x test release is certainly more stable than V4.12.

When you add a "Signal Head", select "DCC Signal Decoder", your System type (NCE in your case since you have a Power Pro). The Offset Address box is beside Hardware Address.

If you need to set up a Signal Mast (more than 3 LEDs on the mast controlled by more than one Light-It), create Signal Heads as above for each Light-It and use the "Signal Head Controlled Mast" option to add your already-defined Signal Heads. But that's getting out of my area of expertise...

--
Dave in Australia

On 20 Nov 2018, at 1:33 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Do you need the latest version of JMRI for the offset address box? I haven’t been able to find it.

On Nov 17, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Dave Heap <dgheap@...> wrote:

Adding 4 will work, but obviously you can't access signal addresses 1-4, mor those at the top end.

Building your signal mast by using already-defined DCC Signal Heads (with the offset in) is a better approach.

Once these are in, is there a way to go in and change the hardware from internal to NCE? Or do I need to take out each mast and replace it with NCE? ?I know the light it decoder is only good for one head and I’ll need to for each switch.

That's why it's better to configure an NCE Simulator connection when away from your NCE hardware rather than using Infernal for definitions. The system prefix is the same, you don't have to change any definitions and you can easily swap either way.

Many (if not most) other systems also provide Simulator connections. That's what they are for.

--?

Dave in Australia

On 23 Nov 2018, at 11:13 AM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Once these are in, is there a way to go in and change the hardware from internal to NCE? Or do I need to take out each mast and replace it with NCE? ?I know the light it decoder is only good for one head and I’ll need to for each switch.

On 28 Nov 2018, at 2:05 PM, Michael Murphy <smurfmm@...> wrote:

Dave, thanks for all your help. I have almost finished putting signals on my panel and getting them to work correctly. As of right now only 1 is a light it decoder. I do have the rest of the decoders now. My question is, is there a way to edit the signals to change them to the Light It? Or do I need to delete and replace them? I went in to the edit screen and didn’t see a way to change them once I have the light it’s in, but I may have overlooked it.