Creating a Traffic Control System with Martin Tärnrot
Martin TärnrotDescription
In this video, modeler Martin Tärnrot will be talking about model railroad control systems, often referred to as computer control. He has drawn a simplified sketch of his view of a digitally controlled model railroad. On the lowest level are the engines, turnouts, and the signals. These devices are more or less just receivers of information. For example, Martin shows how he easily increases locomotive 42 to a speed of 36 from his smartphone. This will increase the speed, but the locomotive will have no idea of what engine 14 is doing, or where it is.
On the next level is the command station. There are tons of different command stations for DCC. This device receives commands from Martin, meaning his speed control sends information to the receivers, like engines, switches, and signals. In most cases, it also powers the layout. The next level is the traffic control system, which most often is referred to as a computer control. This device uses the information from the command station. This information could be direction, status, speed, and position of all of the devices in order to plan the traffic control on a layout. Martin goes on to show what model railroad control systems can do for operators and their layouts. For more on controlling signals and block occupancy detection or a model railroading introduction to digital command control, visit the Model Railroad Academy archives.
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7 Responses to “Creating a Traffic Control System with Martin Tärnrot”
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Would be great to get a more in-depth look into setting up a semi automated train control and operations. I am just getting back into modeling and running Marklin trains.
Did you say RockRail.de as the place to download the software?
I would very much like guidance on JMRI, a free and extremely powerful RR control software package. The capabilities are overwhelming and I'm having trouble getting started with it because it is so complex. Some hints for beginners would be welcome.
Its look great love the workings
I'd like to know much more. I have a premium subscription and am looking to purchase my first DCC controller, system and software. I am thinking about using KATO track. My guage is HO and the controller shown here in your video is one I am very interested in. I have a Dynamis Ultima but it's software isn't quite as sophisticated as what you're showing. Can you make more videos showing the devices you program to make the turnouts, lights and locos work?
Would love to see more on computer control, and switching control by computer
i'm no longer an active model railroader, but i do enjoy viewing videos and seeing what other people are doing. i took note that at the end of this video, the scene of your layout in the background included one major water feature, namely a waterfall, which, not surprisingly, appeared to be static. which got me thinking: could it be in the realm of your software package to animate a water feature, i.e., by controlling on/off/speed/ etc. of an appropriately-sized water pump? HOW AWESOMELY COOL THAT WOULD BE!! Just a thought...