Sunday, May 7, 2017

There's Movement at the Station

Well, things are getting exciting with trains running on the lower deck now. I've been having some fun getting all of the kinks and bugs out of the layout with most issues corrected, bar a couple of points in the staging yard and 2 dead DCC point motors. Fortunately, the guys at DCC Concepts have a a fantastic lifetime warranty for their point motors so these have been returned and I'm waiting for the replacements to arrive. The last things I need to do is to install 2 UTP patch panels for the NCE Power Cab and install the turntables, one of which has been purchased, a 90ft table for the bottom deck. I've also still go a fair bit of fascia work to do but that will come as the scenery goes in.
One thing I've also been doing is integrating JMRI Software into the DCC system. I was surprised at how easy this was to do so the next task will be designing some control panels for the storage yard control. I've also integrated some iPhones and an iPad to act as wireless throttles and these are working a treat. My initial thoughts are that they're actually easier to use than the NCE Power Cab and much cheaper too!!! I was going to get a NCE wireless add on but the iPhones are more than adequate.

Technology

Here's a few photos of some train action at Picton.

5096

5221

CPH5

Staging Yards

The great thing is I can now get back to doing what I love the most, building rolling stock and locomotives. And, I'll be able to start on scenery and structures too so I'm thrilled to have gotten to this point after many years and many mistakes. Let the good times roll!!!

5 comments:

  1. Great to see the progress Rob. Looks like you have built up quite a collection of rolling stock. I am keen to see details on how you interfaced the iphone cabs. I have some iphones destined to be obsolete this year so I am looking to using them a remote cabs on my home built VB based controller. Rgds Geoff

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    1. And there's plenty more stock to be made too, Geoff. If you need some help with iPhones, drop me an email or chat on FB.

      Cheers,
      Rob

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  2. Have you noticed how many railway programs feature on TV these days ? Just goes to show how railways, either real or models, have such a great following.

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  3. I am also playing with JMRI but customising it for non-DCC operation and my MSP430 controllers. Keeping the brain active :-)

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    1. That sounds like a challenge Geoff. Best of luck

      Cheers,
      Rob

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