I am looking for advice/suggestions/recommendations on DCC control software. I originally posted this elsewhere on the forum, but have asked for that post to be deleted as I think I got the wrong end of the stick about what the 'Computer' forum was for!! I am well underway with the construction of a large N Gauge layout, which has been built for DCC operation, with track detection and pointwork operated by Servo control via a control board (that can also respond to DCC commands). Signals (and their control boards) have yet to be added. I do have one sound loco, but most are non-sound. I use DecoderPro for decoder programming. The layout will comprise a 14-road classification yard, separate holding (through) sidings for long coal and intermodal services, plus a locomotive facility. Three core lines feed out of hidden storage sidings (primarily UP and BNSF operated) with a separate CSX line crossing on the flat, which also serves a small intermodal terminal. I do have friends over for occasionally, but primarily it would be one-man operation, hence the need for some automation. I am starting to look at DCC control for some of the operations (ie through trains, or trains running into the intermodal/coal holding roads, changing of locos in the hidden storage sidings etc) but wanting to retain manual control for the yard switching and locomotive movements (the latter in most, but not all cases). Some departures from the hidden storage sidings need to be to a timetable (based on a fast clock), as are departures from the intermodal/coal roads, while departures from the classification road would be triggered by a 'ready to depart' button on the dispatch panel - which ideally would invoke a random timer before actually departing when there was a clear route. The storage sidings are hidden below the layout, so there are five connections from the hidden sidings (which are all inter-connected on a hidden loop) onto the layout. Along with numerous loco storage sidings. The aim is that the computer can swap the locos on every arrival, so the same train does not appear back on the layout with the same power at the helm. I had originally looked at TrainController for this, which basically I can do everything I want it to do, but does need the Gold option for some of the operations, which is certainly still a consideration, but expensive. I have given thought to writing my own software (I come from an IT programming background and considered using Java based on the JMRI library) but would rather concentrate on building and running the layout. Given the above, I wondered if any of the modellers on here experienced in computerised DCC control could offer some thoughts/ideas? I know there is iTrain, but I am not convinced it has the flexibility to achieve the realistic operation and all of the above. Can anyone offer any thoughts/suggestions on suitable software or options? Richie
I'd take a look at DCC-EX and see it if might be an option for you. It can do much more than I'm capable of understanding. Here is an example.... You can find a lot more info on their site here... https://dcc-ex.com/#gsc.tab=0 Check out some of the other catagories down the main menu under EX-CommandStation Add-Ons like this one ... https://dcc-ex.com/ex-rail/index.html#gsc.tab=0 Sumner
Have you looked at JMRI (Java Model Railroad Interface)? It is indispensable for programming decoders, but can also manage running an automated layout/trains.
Yep, I'm totally biased, but I second Sumner's motion to look at DCC-EX. You will get features that will cost you a lot of money from commercial vendors if you're ok to do some DIY. If you wish, it can integrate with JMRI also, which is another free option for the software.
I would also caution against using DCC (or at least the DCC track bus) to control turnouts (track switches). The reason is that one of the most common occurrences that takes down the track DCC bus is a short from a train running against a switch thrown the other way. Once that happens, you don't have an operating DCC bus to throw the switch and clear the short, thus restoring DCC. You can reliably use a separate booster exclusively for switch control and other accessories like signals, etc., so long as that booster's controlling (input) DCC bus is not susceptible to track shorts. A common approach is to run accessories and track booster(s) directly from the command station's DCC bus, and tracks only from the track booster(s). But there are better options for controlling stationary accessories, especially occupancy detection, etc. Depending on your command station, Loconet, LCC, or other choices providing full, two-way communications are more flexible and reliable. These are also supported by JMRI for various levels of automation, in addition to programming (configuring) DCC decoders in locomotive, etc.
