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Computer Control for Model Railroad is a fascinating subject and in this video I will show you how to get started with JMRI and Digitrax LocoNet.
Connect/Install RR CirKit’s LocoBuffer USB: @3:33
Install RR Cirkit’s LocoBuffer USB Driver (For Win 8): @5:47
Install JMRI: @11:45
Configure JMRI to Talk to LocoNet: @16:20
Set-up and Control Turnouts from JMRI: @20:15
Part 2: Basic Controls of Turnouts and Routes
Part 3: Control Your Model Railroad Using a Mobile Device
I used RR CirKit’s LocoBuffer USB as the interface to connect my Lenovo notebook running on Windows 8 with my old Digitrax DCS50 that was gifted by a friend of mine quite some years ago. I connected this to my test layout (that I built before to do all my prototyping) and voila! My layout was readily accessible through my computer.
I am making this series because I realized that though both JMRI and LocoNet is in the market for a long time, there is no ‘on stop shop’ for someone to just go, look and get started with computer control. One has to spend quite a lot of time and effort to figure out what needs to be done. The JMRI and Digitrax manuals, documents and clinics definitely help, but it still takes considerable amount of time to understand things, and often it’s difficult to figure out the basics. This series is made hoping that it would help those starting with the hobby and/or aspiring to control their model railroads using a computer.
Yes, I will still be confined to Digitrax and LocoNet and JMRI has certainly grown beyond LocoNet, but given it is still one of the most used combination for easy and affordable computer control for model train layouts (and the fact that I decided to use this combination for my current projects at hand), I believe it will be helpful for those starting with the hobby, or starting with or contemplating about using computers to control their layout.
Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) was developed by tech guys who were also train guys and wanted a better, easier way to program their DCC decoders. It grew from there. Now it’s a suite of programs that can do all kinds of neat stuff.
Once your computer knows all about your layout and equipment, JMRI can perform complex tasks in seconds. You can also use it to control your trains, turnouts, and more right from your phone or tablet.
Huge thanks go out to my guests this month, John, Murf, and Ray. It couldn’t have happened without you guys!
Thank you!! You answered two very basic questions that had gone unanswered for almost two years. I am still trying to get my hand me down layout going. Thousands invested little use or enjoyment. Jim W.
Really enjoyed it. Opened up a whole new world of ideas and opportunities. Thanks
I have my windows laptop connected to the available usb on the Digitrax DCS52. The decoder pro did recognize the loconet on the DCS 52 so that is good. I tried to name my roster which Is Kims BNSF. I go ahead and start to add locos to roster. Click save and fine, locos saved. So then it goes to the list of locos but my list is scrunched together and I don't know how to spread those rows out so I can actually see the information in those rows on my roster list. This JMRI decoder pro is version 4.18 and the Windows java version is 1.8. I have 3 BNSF locos to put in roster and the addresses they are currently in. SD70ACe_8490 (lead loco in my consist) Other loco in that consist is GP 60 M_130 and that loco address in of itself currenly is address 005 . Last is GE ES44C4 Gevo is address 6. I have been having difficulty to get addresses programmed to their road numbers. They don't respond unless they are in short address form. so ok, fine, they are running fine that way. This is my first time into JMRI as a beginner with that program. I need a manual download for the decoder pro 4.18. As I have mentioned All my locomotives are BNSF. The two first mentioned have Loksound decoders and are part of the EMD series. Other one (GE GEVO) Has Tsunami 1 decoder. Currently running on my DCS52 is my Digitrax DT500D wireless throttle and on my IPhone is WiThrottle.
Very interesting, even though I’m a beginner. Please go deeper into jmri setup and operations. Thanks for this info!
Thanks for the Great Intro to JMRI! I have been fortunate to see some of DecoderPro at our Club Layout. Now I want to download JMRI and hook it up to my Home Layout, still under Construction, to be able to program a number of new Locos, record all of my Locos, program & operate my switches. Thanks to my Club, I have touched the tip of the Ice Berg but have a lot to learn. I will be passing on your Site Info, so that other members will be able to access and share your info & videos.
HI John
Your videos are very high quality but could you go into more detail for beginners on how to set up and connect JMRI, with wi throttle and digitrax zephyr express. I have a windows 10 PC (64 bit home) updated, updated Java 8, Digitrax Zephyr express, and wi-throttle lite on my phone. I also replaced a bad USB cable and can now see the DCS52 on com port 5.
I have been able to downloaded latest JMRI version 4.22. and connect via com port 5 to the DCS52. which indicates it is connected.
However I am unable to turn on-off track power with jmri. or read loco decoders.
When trying to enter a loco on wi-throttle the "Set" button is grey and the "Not Set" is red unable to acquire loco.
I see many versions of my JMRI railroad on my network? which one do I choose?
I am stuck at this point and could use some troubleshooting help.
Thanks
Suggestion for a future video, “setting up Panel Pro” for the first time on your computer and layout. How to initialize the program to add your train cars. I used the JMRI example to add my cars with the intention to copy this program to my layout program then removed the JMRI example entries.
Informative and useful.
Does this also map the layout of the track? And are the individual cars coded also, like the locomotives?
Can the Decoder pro be used with an Airwire R/C board?
I got the Sprog II but could not download or install the drivers, so I gave up on all this and bought the Railmaster which is great..
For anyone wishing to use their iPhone or tablet to control the locos or switches (turnouts), look no further than the Roco Z21 control system. No need to memorise the loco numbers or switch numbers, as these are selected on screen visually; each loco is identified by a photo image, and each switch is located upon a schematic diagram and touch operated on screen. Much easier than any of the methods described in the video. The only Z21 facility lacking presently is route programming, but I'm sure that will arrive some day…
Are you using a stationary decoder for the three switch motors?
Hi, thanks for all your videos. I am confused about the turnouts etc. how does jmri know what turnout 101, 102 or 103 is?
What about connecting DCS52? I would really like to see a video demo on updated Technology? Please
Thx
ALWAYS Awesome along with Charles at chadwick its always a great watch. How Come not just take the FREE win10 Upgrade so you are all good to go all the drivers are available for that machine and its FREE seems logical other that awesome!
Hi. Could this work with lego trains ?
I have the loco and car in my collection.
Watching this video gives me the confidence to start taking my DCC layout to the next level. I have always been apprehensive and intimidated when seeing digital layouts. Thank you, so very easy to understand!
Amazing Information and Video! I am brand new to the hobby of model railroading, currently in the process of building my first layout, so this information comes at the perfect time. As an IT professional, it is very exciting to see the possibilities of combing technology with an already amazing hobby. I also have visited your website and your work, attention to detail and your ability to explain it all, are truly amazing. Looking forward from learning much more from you in the future. Keep up the great work!
Hi… Can I use my NCE Power Cab with Decoder Pro? Zene
A fantastic tutorial I appreciate you investing the time in creating the split-screen video. This is exactly what I was looking for. All the best, Peter
Thanks for sharing this.