Dave, I assume that to use RR&Co for layout control using an MTH AIU you will sell an addin or interface to make it work with MTH's proprietary commands system.
This leads to the question, what hardware do I intall now for command switch control, Lionel's SC-2/ASC or MTH's AIU? If I install Lionel's hardware I can try anyones application and use the one that fits my needs the best. Or use MTH's AIU and the only app available will be Hikel's (Dave your app looks very good, I just like choices). That leads to the obvious answer, I will install Lionel's hardware, I can even write my own app if I want.
The Hikel's may currently be using DCC instead of an AIU to control the NWTL switches. It would be easy to do with RR&Co. I would like to see some articles as to how the Hikel's have implemented their occupancy detection.
Hi Dan,
Our layout automation package includes hardware and software to link the TIU's and AIU's to the other systems. You can operate the switch and accessories on any system and still control them from the PC and mobile devices. The real decision maker ends up being which system(s) you want to have the option of controlling the switches from their respective remotes. In the case of the NWTL the majority of the locomotive fleet (about %80) is MTH, so we definitely wanted to be able to operate switches from the DCS remote. We used AIU's for all the switches and most of the accessories. In your case, if you have a more even mix you might consider wiring both AIU's and ASC's in parallel for maximum flexibility.
Our software was written to be as flexible as possible. RR&Co. is not your only option for interfacing with DCS. JMRI and RocRail (both free open source projects) will interface with our software and thus DCS. For folks who enjoy programming or want to save the cost of RR&Co. software you might find this a more enjoyable option. JMRI Panel Pro is not nearly as capable as RR&Co., but you are free to make your own changes.
