Introduction to JMRI and CBUS Howard Watkins Talk given at East Midlands Area Group on 24 September 2011

Introduction to JMRI Java Model Railroad Interface available for Windows, Mac & Linux. This presentation concentrates on Windows. Download JMRI & Java, details are on www.jmri.org You then get icons for DecoderPro PanelPro & optionally SoundPro

DecoderPro Essentially used to aid the setting of CVs (Configuration Variables) in DCC decoders sometimes called “programming”, it is simply putting values into “pigeon holes”

PanelPro Essentially used to show a track diagram which can be used to control a model railway. Does not have to be DCC

Common Stuff Firstly you need to setup the connection preferences whether DPro or PPro.

Options for system “MERG”

Can Have Multiple Connections You can have multiple connections at the same time e.g. Lenz for DCC traction, CBUS for points CBUS for DCC traction, RFID for train detection

Can Have Multiple Icons Suppose we require different preferences (connections/layouts) at different times we can have multiple icons. How do we do this?

How to have multiple icons Make a copy of the icon and rename it. Right Click and go to “Properties” Add a “Preferences File” at the end of the target e.g. “CBUS_Simulation”. start this copied icon. Select the appropriate preferences. Restart the application.

Important to remember All outputs from JMRI are called “turnouts” whatever they do. They are held in a “Turnout Table”. All inputs to JMRI are called “sensors” whatever they do. They are held in a “Sensor Table”. CBUS turnouts are MT...(think MERG), sensors are MS...

Let’s create some Turnouts. Do NOT add “MT”, it is added automatically. “+” = ON event 258 = node E1 = event 1 User Name is user choice.

What node number to use? Remember CBUS is event driven & JMRI “turnouts” are JMRI outputs. So no point [!] using the node number of the point motor module (CANACC4 or 4). Instead use the node number of the producer (CANACE3 or ACE8C) whose events have already been learnt by the point motor driver. Or use a new node number and then teach the point motor driver.

Simple Demonstration Now we can use “Layout Editor” and can change the points on screen, and connect to CBUS. (Demo)

Pentre Road Fiddle Yard Here is a real example from a club layout. This includes sensors & routes. (Investigate)

Exhibition Display Cabinet JMRI+RFID+DCC block detection+CBUS

DecoderPro Different abilities according to the Decoder

DecoderPro Here is a “4 Function” decoder - Digitrax Series 3 DH163

DecoderPro