controlling your trians and accesories with a laptop

[gandy dancer#1]

Okay i'm going to ask. any one here running their set ups with a laptop?? If so is it good? also is it exspensive?? being a former computer engineer I am pc poor But really interested in this and have been reading off site. Would maybe like to try it and figure best to build it as ambuilding my sytem as I go.Any advice, expertise is welcomed.

[mf5117]

I have seen it asked here before . I was looking threw the search option in the forum . I think it would be possible .But you would probley have to write the logic for the program and then have a PLC for your I/O's to operate your turnouts ,isolation blocks ,lighting , scenery etc. for a DC layout .For a DCC layout for multiple train operation . I don't find it plausible as the circuitry would be so elaborate you would need a data room for all the wiring for everything.

[ChrisS]

Nce has a USB to data bus adapter and then you download jmri software.
If your layout is dcc

[mf5117]

where can you find this at

[mf5117]

Hey checked out the jmri page so maybe on DCC but I see you will have to build a panel for you accessories for the LOGIX to operate  it. So maybe something to look in to . Thanks for the info

[gandy dancer#1]

I first saw this in oklahoma city at the fair grounds in the railroad building, I assume they had a large group of hobbyist from around the state and were holding an event, never in my life saw so many trains, was like a kid in a candy store!!
Any way have been readingonline, and j m r i  is one outfit severalothers out there now have software, one place 99.00 for starter kit, but reading further the catch is hardware!! The brainbox that goes between the pc and the control box 400.00 to 500.00 then the other peripheral hardware, relays sensor modules ect, i could take every body here out for a steak and desrt So at tis time needless to say, i will keep it simple But had to ask the question, as have many ideas new to me on setting up and operating my railroad with a lot of action devices. Thanks  for every body responding i love the discussion.

[darthraven]

Never used it but I saw this and thought it might be what you are interested in.

http://cti-electronics.com/

[Jim Banner]

$500 to $600 for a program and an interface sounds a little high.  I use a LocoBuffer-USB ($69.95) to connect my Digitrax command station to my computer and JMRI software (free).  The software will let me program decoders and run trains using the computer screen as a control panel.  The level of control depends on what hardware I select.  If I understand correctly, Digitrax's PR3 interface can do the same as well as load sound files into SoundFX decoders at a cost of $84.95.  Perhaps this huge difference in cost is because the LocoBuffer function is simply a translation of signal levels - it does not require gobs of intelligence to translate them.

Have a look at the LocoBuffer -USB at http://www.rr-cirkits.com/locobuffer-usb/LB-usb-flyer.pdf
and at Digitrax's PR# at http://www.digitrax.com/prd_compint_pr3.php

Jim

[adari]

Just get the sprog 2. I have one and it supplies 2.5 amps of power and I can run my entire layout. All you need is that and JMRI.

http://bbmgroup.home.comcast.net/~bbmgroup/sprog/index.html

[mf5117]

Well this is good to know .I remember about a year or so ago some questions being asked and didn't seem like it was possible . But I see now .is this been recent in the development of these products . Jim the item you posted in your first link would be some thing I would be interested in .

Glad to be schooled again , thanks

[WoundedBear]

MRC also has a add-on for the Advanced Squared system that is a wireless USB device. I have one, but haven't got around to using it yet.

http://www.modelrec.com/train-controls/dcc-prodigy.asp


Sid