Big_Boy_4005 posted:
Doug - I'm not sure I would have even thought about computer control if I hadn't bought all of the equipment for enterTRAINment at Mall of America twenty five years ago. Most of the work was done back then, I just have to reconfigure it for this layout. C/MRI is a very powerful tool. It is also a fairly straight forward concept. It allows you to "talk and listen" to devices by turning them on and off.
Inputs talk to the computer, and convey layout conditions. The main function of inputs will be detecting train location.
Outputs tell devices on the layout to turn on and off. The main functions are throwing turnouts, and changing signals.
All of this is tied together with software. In my case, I'll be using JMRI. Once I can control devices, and know where the trains are, the real fun begins. The serial port on the TMCC base is then connected to the computer, and suddenly it is talking to the trains in real time. This is the main reason DCS is useless for me. The codes are not available to run the trains.
As for the NMRA Achievement Program certificates, there are very specific requirements involved to earn them. Some are quite easy, others take a lot more effort. You do get to pick your battles in many cases. So yes, building this layout will go a long way toward many of those tasks, but some take more work beyond what happens in the normal course of construction. A lot of the requirements have to be judged.
Elliot, this what I was thinking. Updated software ( Tailored to O Scale operating systems 2R / 3R and all the components packaged as a product ( circuits, relays, sensors and so on). In your case you built a system on your own using suggestion and component recommendations from forum members and trial and error with more to come..
NMRA Achievement Program certificates: I understand the criteria's. but with the level of work you have done now and attention to detail. I would expect nothing less from you in the future to smoke them like a cheap cigar when the time comes. The great part we all will learning and be part of the ride.
