Operation of Digitrax DCC Layout under computer control

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Hello,

I am interested in information on automated control of trains while I operate a train manually on a layout. The layout is all Digitrax DCC equipment. I understand there are several suppliers of 'automation software'. I'm interested in, shall we say, 'timetable' operation of several trains on the layout while I operate a peddler wayfreight through the timetable.

Signaling is not important, although automated control of a few turnouts (from staging for instance) might be necessary.

I would like to know if this is possible, what problems you've had implimenting, what the programming problems were and if various timetables can be stored for repeting the runs.

Thanks,

JQ

-- Jim Quarles (jquarles730@yahoo.com), September 29, 2003

Answers

Hi Jim.I realize, you may not be interested in going to a different system. But for this kind of operation Zimo with STP software is the ideal choice. You can check it out here: www.mrsonline.net Most other PC software solutions won't give you full control over the engine and it's functions in stop sections, for example. You can do exactly what you asked. Run the layout in full automatic or semi- automatic mode and drive your train manually, obeying or disobeying signals. There are a lot more features than that.

Regards, Art

-- Art Luescher (aluesch@okanagan.net), October 09, 2003.


JQ

I have been running the Digitrax system with Freiwalds TrainController4.7 and have been having a blast. (www.freiwald.com) You will need the MS-100 interface but that is it. Go to to their site and download the freeware version to see if it meets your needs. It is a great program and I highly recommend it. It will do all the things you want and more.

Andrej

-- Andrej (Awelser@bellsouth.net), October 12, 2003.


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