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I have been asking questions about how to automate my layout, and maybe I was too quick to ask about that, as I see it may be more complicated than I thought.

What I would like to know is, without any physical sensors, can I make "Routes" for my engines to follow? I would like to be able to deliver and pick up freight cars on the layout. I have no physical sensors, reporters or transits to work with. Do I need sensors for that? Do I need transits for that? Do I need recorders for that? The instructions say that some of these are necessary, and some that may not need them. And then there is the statement that when I set up one of these things (sensors, signals, recorders, transits), to be careful if you edit one because you could mess up work previously done. And if I change one or more, and I do not change subsequent ones in other places, they will come back from previous references. SCARY! I understand loss of work as I have had to do some rewiring lately UNDER THE LAYOUT when some of my stationary decoders stopped working.
Yes I have been reading in the user manual, but all of these things are not put in a context of what I need, how much of what I need is automatically put in (like the blocks for switches) , or if I already have a lot of "automatic blocks" for my turnouts, how do I fix the blocks so I know where and, what turnout they are attached to.
I am very hesitant to get into this aspect of setting up because it is made to sound so difficult.
For instance "sensors". The instructions have very long paragraphs talking about how to set them up and that when you make a block or set a turnout they may be made automatically in the software as I am setting up a layout in layout editor.
My turnouts are in, and I can switch the turnouts from my remote panel board AND my computer. But I would like to progress from here and get my trains starting to move freight and make deliveries and pickups. Can we start with that??
I started out with 4 blocks, but as I added turnouts, the software added blocks that are in a sequential order as I added new turnouts. So I do not know if I can change the user names of the turnout blocks, or if I have to keep them as they are.
Thanks,
George
 

George,

Trains run either under the control of a person or a computer. Except for highly advanced automation, dropping off and picking up cars requires a person. Dispatcher has on option to suspend automatic running while a person does the switching.

JMRI Routes can be used to set turnouts, such as selecting a staging track. It has nothing to do with running a train. If you are talking about DS64 routes, that is still just for setting turnouts.

Automation requires occupancy sensors to provide feedback about the state of ¡°blocks¡± on the layout. The occupancy sensors are normally set by current detection. To provide accurate feedback, the rolling stock needs to have resistive wheel sets. It can also be done by using infra-red detectors, and other methods.

The minimum layout requirements for automatic running with JMRI are occupancy detection sensors, JMRI initiated turnout control, and that JMRI throttles can control trains.

As far as software related questions, we would need to see the panel xml file. If you upload it to the ProblemsBeingWorkedOn folder, we can review it.


Dave Sand

On Aug 30, 2018, at 1:26 PM, george.pendergraft <gmpender@...> wrote:

I have been asking questions about how to automate my layout, and maybe I was too quick to ask about that, as I see it may be more complicated than I thought.

What I would like to know is, without any physical sensors, can I make "Routes" for my engines to follow? I would like to be able to deliver and pick up freight cars on the layout. I have no physical sensors, reporters or transits to work with. Do I need sensors for that? Do I need transits for that? Do I need recorders for that? The instructions say that some of these are necessary, and some that may not need them. And then there is the statement that when I set up one of these things (sensors, signals, recorders, transits), to be careful if you edit one because you could mess up work previously done. And if I change one or more, and I do not change subsequent ones in other places, they will come back from previous references. SCARY! I understand loss of work as I have had to do some rewiring lately UNDER THE LAYOUT when some of my stationary decoders stopped working.
Yes I have been reading in the user manual, but all of these things are not put in a context of what I need, how much of what I need is automatically put in (like the blocks for switches) , or if I already have a lot of "automatic blocks" for my turnouts, how do I fix the blocks so I know where and, what turnout they are attached to.
I am very hesitant to get into this aspect of setting up because it is made to sound so difficult.
For instance "sensors". The instructions have very long paragraphs talking about how to set them up and that when you make a block or set a turnout they may be made automatically in the software as I am setting up a layout in layout editor.
My turnouts are in, and I can switch the turnouts from my remote panel board AND my computer. But I would like to progress from here and get my trains starting to move freight and make deliveries and pickups. Can we start with that?
I started out with 4 blocks, but as I added turnouts, the software added blocks that are in a sequential order as I added new turnouts. So I do not know if I can change the user names of the turnout blocks, or if I have to keep them as they are.
Thanks,
George
 

Hi George,
I think I am doing what you¡¯re talking about doing. I have no sensors on my layout, which is small, but I use Routes and Trains in JMRI to build my work orders.
My layout is small but with delusions of grandeur. I model from central Illinois to the west coast. I have two mains, 1 yard, and several industrial sidings on a 3 x 6 foot layout. I drew my layout in PanelPro, and then replicated it several times (on the same panel) giving each new yard or siding a new name. I also put these names in Locations. Basically I mimicked the UP, BNSF, etc from Illinois to Portland and use replaceable magnetic signs for the yard and spurs. 3/4 of my system is ¡®virtual¡¯. When I build a Route I use the existing real UP or BNSF routes as inspiration. I can then do set outs and plan drop offs all along the way when I create a Train. I then use the Move function to move the train icon in the Panel to the next location and do set outs or pickups according to my Work order. Actually operating the trains, switches, and signals is completely manual. I have the laptop running JMRI next to the layout. Once you get used to it it works pretty well. You wouldn¡¯t have to go through all of this if you¡¯re layout is strictly physical, but putting it into PanelPro and using Move let¡¯s you keep track of where each train is, where it¡¯s going, and what it¡¯s supposed to do when it gets there. Getting them there is a manual operation.
 

George, please excuse my rambling, but I am not sure if you are asking about automatic running of trains, or being able to control a train with the purpose of setting out and picking up cars.? The automatic running is significantly more advanced, but the manual control of a train using a computer to facilitate other tools (such as using a smart phone to control the locomotive and to throw turnouts, or even to have virtual signals on the computer/phone display) is much easier, though may not be trivial (but since I since you said you control turnouts, the hardest part is done).

Since I am not sure what you have done, I will suggest that you clarify your immediate goals.?

By the way, many folks are connected to a computer (Mac, Window or Linux operating systems) to run DecoderPro for maintaining their roster (that may be how DecoderPro started). Many also run PanelPro and do that, as well as "Operations" (generating manifests and switchlists for crews to utilize on the layout). The "Operations" aspect is what some folks prefer, and many folks (even some without layouts) enjoy going to an "Operating Session" on someone else's layout, either as Engineer, Conductor, Station Operator, Dispatcher or kibitzer.? The layout does not even ned to be connected to the computer to work with Operations.

Once the computer is connected, The *Pro programs (DecoderPro or PanelPro are different front-ends, but one program) also communicate with the command station for controlling other aspects (such as turnouts as you have, or Op Switches in accessories).?

Oh my head hurts: there are too many options...so much to say, and most of it won't mean anything to most people...

Everyone has something to offer you for advice, and we just need to know what you want to do.? If you want mode details about any aspect, someone will be happy to tell you, but I know I have too many things to say and it's not my forte to provide big picture overviews.

Phil in gorgeous Young Harris, Georgia, USA
Digitrax Zephyr on HO with Windows (and sometimes Linux) hardware using Digitrax PR3 at home.? Operations self-appointed "chief" for TSMRI Club in Mineral Bluff, Georgia (TSMRI.org)

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