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

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

3. 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”

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

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

6. Options for system “MERG”

7. 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

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

9. 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.

10. 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...

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

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

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

16. DecoderPro
Different abilities according to the Decoder

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

18. DecoderPro