Operating Remotely

And what happens if there's a derailment?

 

Rusty

Absolutely you can.

What you need is a computer connected to the serial port on your TMCC/Legacy command base and JMRI software (or other software) that will allow you to control the trains from the computer. Then you need 1 or more web-cameras connected to that same computer and of course an internet connection.

Then you use some sort of remote desktop software that will allow you to connect to and operate your train layout computer from any other computer in the world.

Somebody already has done this. There was a gentleman, Greg, on here, probably still is who had web cams and remote control of lights and had a camera on an engine to ride his layout.

 

Clicke Here for Greg's Train Yard.

 

I don't think the remote stuff has been active for quite a while though.  Still a fun look.  Click on the Collie head at the bottom for some more fun stuff!

 

 

I feel I want to operate my remote control remotely and monitor it from work which is 3 miles away.

 

It is being done.  I got to watch Mike Wolf operate a layout in Seattle from the Orange Hall at York a few years ago.

 

You can read about the implementation of the system on Barry Broskowitz layout here.

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...mp-tmcclegacy-trains

 

And contact my brother Dave from the info here.

 

https://ogrforum.com/p...le/10299794791540504

 

Didn't MTH demonstrate this a about two years ago at York TCA meet, do it from your I phone or was that a different system?

I hadn't thought of that! Thanks for bringing me around to reality Rusty Traque!

 

Mike Maurice

 

Don't want to cause a short circuit either!

not something to be taken lightly.  i've seen two fires start due to derailments;  enough to make me think twice about running trains without someone minding the layout on site.  either that, or also install a remote control Halon fire suppression system.

Just make sure that you have absolutely perfect, perfect, perfect track and switches. And then test, test, test by running you train for hours, hours and hours so you can gain confidence.

proper circuit breakers and fuses will prevent a fire but I would want a remote shutoff for the transformers also.  All IMO; Don

I'm curious as to what the point is for running remotely.  I like seeing what is happening, there are enough issues running that doing it close to blind doesn't seem like a particularly good idea.

BINGO!!!!!

both fires were started with current on tracks that were well protected by circuit breakers.  you don't need a dead short to create enough heat to start a fire.

Guys,

 

Thanks for your confidence in me.....but I hate to disappoint....I definitely don't want to be starting some kind of confligration on my property! As I am a hands on guy, I want to walk this process through.....Probably will not do, with the theory of Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong probably will.

 

Mike Maurice

It would be neat, but I would worry to much about it being a possible fire hazard.  I don't leave my trains running even if I only step out of the room for five minutes.

And now we have even more confidence in you.

 

Murphy was an optimist!

 

That's directly from O'Toole's Corollary, also called "O'Toole's Law." 

And John, he was right.

 

then you get to watch your Layout burn up on a web cam . Not my cup of tea!

Hopefully you can dispatch your model fire trucks to put it out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not to mention maybe also watching your train room start to go up in flames, before the fire destroys your web cams then on to the rest of the house! 

Mike, we're having too much fun.

 

Play with your trains from work? Man your boss must be a really great guy.

 

Jerry

What if he is the boss? 

Jerry,

 

I am the boss! And thanks I do consider myself great!

 

Mike Maurice