I am pleased to announce that the first level of the Layout Controller I have been working on is almost ready for Beta testing.
Every time I post I get comments regarding that the topic is too advanced so I will keep it at a high level. Prototypes have used a number of plant (right of way) control and signaling systems over the years. My goal is to provide the same systems to model railroads. My company is a new startup, low budget, and could use all the help we can get.
Yes, prototypical layout control is complicated -- traditionally the best that could be done was to approximate the prototypes. I think we can fully implement the prototype systems without requiring a lot of complicated user programming. The program in the Layout Controller handles all the complicated logic. The system must be told how the layout is organized, but the controller already knows the logic. How the system is connected will be done graphically on a screen making the process user-friendly. I will include developing the system setup at no additional charge for folks that need it.
Each Layout Controller contains the logic and hardware to control two Control Points which are essentially turnouts (switches) on the main lines. Therefore one controller can handle a complete siding for example. Specifically, this is twelve 3-aspect signal heads, six block detectors, and two turnouts (switches). Local control of the turnouts (switches) is also included. The system can be expanded just by connecting multiple Layout Controllers together with a 3-conductor wire.
Automatic Block Signaling is the stand-alone, default mode. Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)using a low-cost PC is included for added control over the railroad including remote turnout (switch) control, signal directions, and signal coordination. For the folks that know about this, all features of CTC are included such as intermediate signal tumble down, control point direction "stick", control point time locking, interlocked turnouts, and turnout safety interlocks. The CTC dispatch screen shows real-time block occupancy and turnout positions. Both traditional and modern dispatch screens are included.
I will post more details on my website as time allows. All comments and feedback are welcome.
