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I currently have a computer with JMRI that I use whenever I operate my Digitrax layout.? Main reason is to run JMRI web? server so I can see panels on my iPad which I use as my walk around control panel.? I have? no experience with some of the other control devices such as the Pi, SPROG and any of the other device's that seems to be popular. If I want to continue to see my panels via JMRI web server, do I have any other options that would let me operate without a computer when running trains?
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You can replace your computer with a Raspberry Pi (or Sprog and some of the other solutions). I only know the Pi solution, which I have just installed on my own layout, as well as having used it on a couple of friends' layouts. You will need WiThrottle on your iPad, if you do not already use it. You can choose to set-up the PI as a standalone network or connect it to your home network. Most people run the Pi "headless", i.e. without a screen or keyboard. You can use VNC to access the Pi in case you need to tweak any settings. There are different ways to copy your JMRI roster from the computer to the RPi, I used a USB stick and it was very easy.
For more infomationr about the RPi solution, view M Steve Todd's website at?https://mstevetodd.com/rpi. Steve is the original author, now leader of the development team, for EngineDriver, an Android solution similar to WiThrottle.
Regards
Stefan
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No other alternatives to a computer of some sort. ???
You could get a small low powered computer to run the webserver, rather than your regular device.? Whether that¡¯s a PI (quite easy to setup with Steve Todd¡¯s download for JMRI), or a small PC running Windows, Macos or whatever you prefer.?? There are small
low powered cheap PCs available, but I think the setup hassle may be higher than the PI.?
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Sprog is irrelevant to this situation, it doesn¡¯t offer any gains for the stated problem.
?
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-?????????
Nigel
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Paul Davidson
Sent: 25 December 2018 03:08
To: [email protected]
Subject: [jmriusers] Is computer the only option to operate JMRI web server?
?
I currently have a computer with JMRI that I use whenever I operate my Digitrax layout.? Main reason is to run JMRI web? server so I can see panels on my iPad which I use as my walk around control panel.? I have? no experience with some
of the other control devices such as the Pi, SPROG and any of the other device's that seems to be popular. If I want to continue to see my panels via JMRI web server, do I have any other options that would let me operate without a computer when running trains?
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Thanks all. Sorta what I expected. I was looking to see if there was a way to flip a switch and and fire up my layout ...both the layout and any associated computer "stuff'. Currently, I must fire up my layout plus a computer plus connect them via USB plus start JMRI and its web server. Not a big deal but I was just curious if there was a faster way to get everything up and running. Part of my curiosity was associated with my lack of knowledge with Pi, Arduino and other electronic gadgets coming into the modeling world. Thought they may offer some help in my quest.
Paul D
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Paul,
I keep my JMRI RaspberryPi in my electronics box, attached to the main power strip along with the command station and 12v supply for lights, etc. I turn on main power, everything boots up. In maybe one minute, my panel is available to access from my pads, phones, whatever. Same at our modular club, the RaspberryPi is attached to our electronics tower and comes up with main power. Club members don't even need to know its there.
--SteveT
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Paul D,
With any of the computer options (win/mac/pi) you can have AutoStart for
everything. So you don't have to do more than flip the switch. It helps a
lot if you have a button to shutdown cleanly rather than just power off when
done. Having a computer configured so it will do the logon by itself, then
launch JMRI, and JMRI startup doing the other steps is easy. For reference,
that is exactly what the Steve's preconfigured Pi system does.
The one thing I think would help many would be a board for the Pi that had a
couple of super caps and the hardware so the Pi could see the power from the
wallwart go away and have enough energy to cleanly shut itself down. I don't
know of anybody who has packaged that up for users. I've heard of some
putting such parts together for themselves.
-Ken Cameron, Member JMRI Dev Team
www.jmri.org
www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org
www.cnymod.com
www.syracusemodelrr.org
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I think you misunderstand the Raspberry Pi option. Steve Todd has put a lot of work into it, and it pretty much works as you describe: It¡¯s a box that you just turn on. It comes up in a few seconds without an further attention. Although if you have to reconnect USB each time, perhaps there¡¯s something else going on. Why do you do that? Bob On Dec 25, 2018, at 8:02 AM, Paul Davidson <pdavidson@...> wrote:
Thanks all. Sorta what I expected. I was looking to see if there was a way to flip a switch and and fire up my layout ...both the layout and any associated computer "stuff'. Currently, I must fire up my layout plus a computer plus connect them via USB plus start JMRI and its web server. Not a big deal but I was just curious if there was a faster way to get everything up and running. Part of my curiosity was associated with my lack of knowledge with Pi, Arduino and other electronic gadgets coming into the modeling world. Thought they may offer some help in my quest.
Paul D
-- Bob Jacobsen rgj1927@...
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Bob,
If the USB question is directed at me, I do not keep my computer at my layout thus it is disconnected from my layout when I turn off my layout and leave it. When? I return, I need to reconnect everything. That is why I was looking to see if there was any other option. My layout is all Digitrax with a DCS240 controller. I have no plans to replace the DCS240 with any other device such as a Pi/etc but I would be very interested in any device(s) that I can add to my layout that would allow me to use my iPad as a walk around control panel. I don't need (or want) to flip a single switch to start everything up or shut down. I have stuff connected via multiple switches that allows me to start up my electronics in a specific sequence according to my preferences. As an example, my first switch starts my DCS240 then I give Loconet a few seconds to stabilize before I start the rest of my devices (boosters, etc). If I had some additional device I could use in lieu of my computer to run JMRI, I could just add that to my start up sequence. Similarly, I shut everything down in a controlled sequence. In a different situation such as programming decoders or doing a quick run test on a loco, I do not need my full layout up and running so I only start up the pieces I need for the task at hand.
Bottom line....just looking to see if there is some option I have to remove my computer from the loop if I have something to replace it.
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Paul,
A PC or any other device would not replace the command station. That is necessary for any set up whether it is the DCS240 or an NCE system etc.?
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From: [email protected] on behalf of Paul Davidson <pdavidson@...>
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 19:05
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [jmriusers] Is computer the only option to operate JMRI web server?
?
Bob,
If the USB question is directed at me, I do not keep my computer at my layout thus it is disconnected from my layout when I turn off my layout and leave it. When? I return, I need to reconnect everything. That is why I was looking to see if there was any other
option. My layout is all Digitrax with a DCS240 controller. I have no plans to replace the DCS240 with any other device such as a Pi/etc but I would be very interested in any device(s) that I can add to my layout that would allow me to use my iPad as a walk
around control panel. I don't need (or want) to flip a single switch to start everything up or shut down. I have stuff connected via multiple switches that allows me to start up my electronics in a specific sequence according to my preferences. As an example,
my first switch starts my DCS240 then I give Loconet a few seconds to stabilize before I start the rest of my devices (boosters, etc). If I had some additional device I could use in lieu of my computer to run JMRI, I could just add that to my start up sequence.
Similarly, I shut everything down in a controlled sequence. In a different situation such as programming decoders or doing a quick run test on a loco, I do not need my full layout up and running so I only start up the pieces I need for the task at hand.
Bottom line....just looking to see if there is some option I have to remove my computer from the loop if I have something to replace it.
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The Raspberry Pi setup is _exactly_ "some option I have to remove my computer from the loop¡±. It¡¯s a $35 computer that replaces your laptop. You set it up (See Steve¡¯s web pages referenced earlier), then leave it there. It does exactly what your laptop does using the same JMRI, etc. Bob On Dec 25, 2018, at 7:05 PM, Paul Davidson <pdavidson@...> wrote:
Bob,
If the USB question is directed at me, I do not keep my computer at my layout thus it is disconnected from my layout when I turn off my layout and leave it. When I return, I need to reconnect everything. That is why I was looking to see if there was any other option. My layout is all Digitrax with a DCS240 controller. I have no plans to replace the DCS240 with any other device such as a Pi/etc but I would be very interested in any device(s) that I can add to my layout that would allow me to use my iPad as a walk around control panel. I don't need (or want) to flip a single switch to start everything up or shut down. I have stuff connected via multiple switches that allows me to start up my electronics in a specific sequence according to my preferences. As an example, my first switch starts my DCS240 then I give Loconet a few seconds to stabilize before I start the rest of my devices (boosters, etc). If I had some additional device I could use in lieu of my computer to run JMRI, I could just add that to my start up sequence. Similarly, I shut everything down in a controlled sequence. In a different situation such as programming decoders or doing a quick run test on a loco, I do not need my full layout up and running so I only start up the pieces I need for the task at hand.
Bottom line....just looking to see if there is some option I have to remove my computer from the loop if I have something to replace it. -- Bob Jacobsen rgj1927@...
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Bob,
Thanks. I should have checked Steve's website earlier. I have not had a chance to read it in detail but it looks like it will do what I am asking.
Paul D
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Paul:
David is correct... A command station is that and will not be replaced by a computer running JMRI.
I have left two of the (Steve's) RPi-JMRI boxes at friends for their (1) Digitrax RR and (2) NCE RR... Simple and straight forward they just work, we run trains with WiFi throttles.
If you wanted a programming computer it will do that too, need human I/O but that can even be a PC or Laptop that can run a VCN into the Pi so it doesn't need keyboard, mouse and screen.
I look at the Pi and marvel... okay 40 years ago my first computer was 1/1000 the horse power at 500 times the price... didn't even do WiFi...
Part of the advantage of the Pi if used for the WiFi to Digitrax is that it able to be turned on and off like any other appliance not needing an orderly shut down and hoping that in the case of Windows waiting for the big update to finish... Another part of that advantage is that as it's configured to provide it own set of IP addresses and passwords it completely off the home network and you're not giving out passwords you might not want to.
Jim Albanowski
Happy Boxing Day!
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Paul, I have not seen that? anyone has addressed the size of the Pi for you. That is another great piece of information. If you get it with a plastic protective case, it is approximately 4 inches by 3 inches by less than 2 inches. It is a very small unit loaded with powerful capability.? You can just place it next to your command station and almost forget its even there. Very small footprint for running your railroad. Tom Wilson
Colorado Springs, CO
On Tue, Dec 25, 2018, 11:29 PM Paul Davidson < pdavidson@... wrote: Bob,
Thanks. I should have checked Steve's website earlier. I have not had a chance to read it in detail but it looks like it will do what I am asking.
Paul D
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Paul Davidson
Ken Cameron
Bob Jacobsen