Reply to "Python code to issue TMCC, Legacy, and PDI Commands"

I'm getting pretty close to putting together my first control panel that uses the PyTrain code. I've added several methods to the GpioHandler class that model Lionel LCS modules and accessories, which makes it easier to build out physical devices and associate pushbuttons and switches to Raspberry Pi pins.

For example, here is the code to support a Command/Control Smoke Fluid Loader:

GpioHandler.smoke_fluid_loader(12,
                               boom_pin_1=12,
                               boom_pin_2=16,
                               dispense_pin=21,
                               lights_on_pin=26,
                               lights_off_pin=19)

This is all the code a user would need to write to operate the Smoke Fluid loader with Accessory ID #12. Boom rotation is done via a rotary encoder that is connected to Pi pins 12 and 16. Smoke fluid droplets are dispensed via a pushbutton connected to pin 21. And you can turn the unit's lights on and off via a toggle switch connected to pins 26 and 19.

Of course, you could use which ever pins you want...

I've defined the following helper methods:

GpioHandler.route

GpioHandler.switch

GpioHandler.power_district      # LCS BP2 in accessory mode

GpioHandler.accessory           # LCS ASC2

GpioHandler.culvert_loader      # Command & Control

GpioHandler.smoke_fluid_loader  # Command & Control

GpioHandler.gantry_crane        # Command & Control

These are all items I have on my layout and that I want to build panels for. Other devices (including the pre-command/control variants of those listed above) are easy enough to piece together.

All of these devices are state-aware, that is, if an operation is started via a control panel, it can be completed via a Cab 2, Cab 3, or other 3rd-party software. Indicator lights on the panels will reflect actual state, regardless of how it got there.

My first panel will control 1 switch, 2 power districts, and a gantry crane. I will send pictures as I make progress. What I am most happy about is that each panel will only need one wire; the power wire for the Raspberry Pi itself. All control operations and state management will be done via the PyTrain software, WiFi, and a single Pi connected to an LCS SER2.

  -- Dave

p.s. The $25 Raspberry Pi Zero W 2 looks like a real winner for this application. It is about the size of a piece of chewing gum and can be powered by a small USB power adapter, like they used to send out with your iPhones. I will build the Pi directly into the panel itself, so there will be short wire runs from the physical switches and status LEDs to the Pi's GPIO pins.