Dave,
Thanks for the detailed info. You said,
"As many of you saw last week on the forum, my team and I at Hikel Layouts & Trains have introduced the first PC interface for DCS, which includes the capability to run trains or control your layout from mobile devices such as iPads and smartphones."
To me, the key word is "first". The question is, once the hardware is available, will MTH provide the codes that the software sends to the hardware? If so, that would allow for second, third, and more third-party developers. I'm hoping this is the case. I'm not so much interested in train control, but would like to create a layout control program for my own layout.
I have a 42" LCD tv on the back wall of my layout. I have long envisioned an image of my layout on the screen, with mouse clicks changing turnouts and controlling blocks as you describe. As a programmer, I'd like to design the software myself.
I'm hoping that this news will lead to an opening of the MTH "secret codes" for more than 1 developer. Your thoughts?
thanks,
ed
Hi Ed,
It's up to MTH to decide if others will have access to the DCS codes. As far as I know they do not plan to release the codes to the general public. Our software comes with a user agreement similar to the DCS Loader software which does not allow its use for other than authorized purposes. I'm sure that's a disappointment for a programmer like yourself, but it's not up to me. MTH wanted to bring a control package to the hobby that is highly capable from day one and we're pleased that they saw our system as worthy.
I'm sure for some folks writing their own software would be fun project in and of itself. However, I think you will find our software package is capable of doing what you envision with your 42" TV as a monitor.
