APPS

could you write the code?

It can be done. Google JMRI. Download and configure JMRI to your laptop. Add additional supporting hardware. Download the WiThrottle app. So far I've done all of that. Still need to properly configure all the hardware and software.

Jon Z CTO of Lionel had an app to run trains from an iPhone.  While it hasn't been released to the public it does exist so it's not impossible and my guess is it will make an appearance in the not to distant future.

I think will see a app at some point. The screen that was shown as a add on to legacy has I think been overtaken by events. i.e ipad, tablets etc. 

A customised iPad app allowing a graphic interpretation of your layout. Touch the switch you want to change on the screen etc. 

 

Could be very cool

 

Nick

I too wanted a nice iPhone app to control my trains as a second remote for when friends come over to operate with me. Luckily I have some friends in IT and they are helping me out and creating a web app that should give me tmcc functions. I know I could purchase a second remote but the price is too high for the little bit people come over. Also, this web app will be less intomidating then the legacy controller. Although I do find the legacy remote very friendly to use and a great product, it is intimidating for new users.

Through what devices or hardware will your web app connect to the layout?

There is an app for the Android phones but none for the Iphone. The Etrain sofware and it's Android app will operate all TMCC functions from the computer or the phone. The computer program is available on the bay and the app from the Android app store.

 

The plan is to connect a computer to the legacy base then use wifi to have the phone talk to the computer. The computer will host a local web page of sorts which should make the web app work on any device and also avoid having to ask my IT friend to learn how to code for the iPhone specifically. So far we are only I'm the planning stages and since he is doing for free I'm not asking him to hurry or even complete if time doesn't allow. None the less fingers crossed cause when complete it will be great. 

I want one for the ipod touch

Hi guys,

 

As several people have pointed out there are a number of options already available for running your TMCC trains from a mobile device.  Here's a list of software packages that offer some method of connectivity.

 

JMRI - Free - PC, Mac, Linux - open source project w/ free Wi-Throttle app for iOS and free Engine Driver app for Android

eTrain Command - $29.95 - PC - $4.99 eTrain Command Mobile app for Android

RR&Co. Train Controller - $129 to $584 - PC - $32.25 +SmartHand Mobile adds web based support for any mobile device (up to 32 simultaneously)

 

When building the NorthWest Trunk Lines I ultimately decided to use RR&Co. Train Controller for several reasons.  First, the user interface is the best of the bunch.  Second, it offers support for mobile devices as both throttles and local control panels.  Third, it integrates occupancy detection hardware from other manufacturers which makes full automation possible.

 

JMRI offers the only totally free option for implementing mobile device throttles.  However, I personally find the Java default interface to be truly awful.  This is definitely a case of "you get what you pay for."  The eTrain Command software has a simple but understandable interface.  Unfortunately, it has no provision for occupancy or switch position detection.  That limits eTrain to little more than locomotive, switch, and accessory control.

 

Here's look at the interface we have developed on the NWTL using RR&Co. Train Controller.  The main dispatcher's desk features four monitors that display every block and turnout on the entire layout.

 

 

Insulated rail sections provide occupancy detection which displays each block as green (open) or red (occupied).

 

 

Photos of each locomotive and/or car can be placed in a block by dragging and dropping it from the roster.

 

 

The +SmartHand software add-on includes a web server that will stream a web interface to any web enabled device connected to your home network.  That includes another computer or any mobile device including iPads, iPhones, Anroid phones and tablets, Windows phones, Blackberries, etc.  All you have to do is open the device's web browser and enter the IP addressed your network assigned to the +SmartHand web server.  You can connect up to 32 devices at one time.  On the NWTL we use several iPad's as local control panels.

 

 

This gives you a graphic interface that where the track configuration looks like your layout.  You can see occupancy and turnout position at a glance.

 

 

To change the position of a turnout you simply tap the screen.  When you do, a small pop-up and an audible "click" give you positive feed back that the command was processed even if you're away from the turnout.

 

 

The mobile devices can also be used as throttles.  Here's my Android phone as an example.  You can select your locomotive from a pre-programmed roster that includes the name and a photo of each engine.

 

 

Once you select your engine the locomotive control screen will automatically pop up.  You can change speed by tapping at a spot on the speedometer, using a slide bar, or using two fingers to swipe up for faster and down for slower.

 

 

To put the engine in reverse, simply tap the direction arrow.  The arrow changes direction and color (green for forward, orange for reverse).  The target speed indicator and the slide bar also change color depending on direction.

 

 

The real strength of RR&Co. Train Controller is the control logic.  It's very simple to create your layout graphic and enter the parameters for occupancy and switch position.  On a large layout like the NWTL it took quite a bit of time to enter everything, but it's all very straight forward.  Once the data entry job is done, the computer automatically creates the underlying logic for signalling, accident avoidance, and fully automated train operation.  You can click on a locomotive at point A, drag it to point B, and the computer will take care of all routing and speed control.  You can even set up schedules and time tables to operate trains just like a real railroad.  Here's a screen shot showing a GN E-8 leaving the coach yard on an automated schedule.  The computer reserves at least two blocks ahead and will prevent the train from entering an occupied block or other trains from entering the blocks it has reserved.  The reserved rout is highlighted inn yellow.

 

 

Originally posted by Jim Battaglia:

 

Ok, Let the flaming begin. Got an asbestos suit on today.

I think you can strip down to a Hawaiian shirt and shorts Jim.   Running trains from your mobile device is here now and it will only get better as time goes on.

Dave,

Great information...thank you! very comprehensive overview.

Having worked at EMD from '07 to'11 on numerous projects, including PTC (positive train control), my take is the "O"gauge world is actually ahead of the US/NA rail system capability. The Congress has mandated that the US RR's fully implement PTC by 1/1/15.

This is not going to happen and the ARA/RR's have petitioned to push the date out because the technology is not ready and the cost is a real barrier especially given that Tier 4 emissions must be met by the same 1/1/15 date.

Thanks again.

Mike

I'm all over the idea of iPad/iphone apps for DCS and Legacy.  This shouldn't be particularly hard to do and, if you want to reach younger people, this is definitely the way to go. 

Dave in the pictures showing the Android phone it reminds me a bit of MTH's DCS remote with the SCS, S01, SFS, SRS, SXS, etc. Are you running DCS through the phone?