STM2

Had a short, but polite answer from Lionel.  The STM2's were designed only to work with their LCS WiFi module.  The data packet is translated only by the Wifi and not a SER2.  For now, time for Plan B...  Fabricate my own I/O ports to sense the DC voltage on the RSC switch terminal.

The STM2's  were installed to monitor the actions of the Command switches.  The description in the 2016~2017 Track & Power catalog states "Provides accurate information about the position of all connected switches, even it they have been thrown manually or by non-derailing activation."  Whereas this statement is true, it only applies when using a STM2 with the LCS WiFi module.

My entire layout is controlled from a computer, touch panel and a custom software program.  I use a SER2 as the interface.

Based on the description from the catalog, I took it to mean that data generated by a STM2 would be available to the SER2.  Not the case.  Therefore I am forced to use a different method of sensing the switch position and incorporating required software and other hardware as a solution.  The STM2 would have greatly simplified things.

From what you say above, you're not afraid to write some code. 

Why not use the SER2 interface as-is, and just add a WiFi adapter to your PC joined to the LCS Wifi network? That would let you pickup the change events pretty easily and use them with whatever you're already doing. Probably less work than the other options...

Drop an email to Jon Z or forum name SantaFeFan. Lionel CTO.

if I understood some discussions before release, they work off of the voltage +5v or -5v for the controller indicator lamp on FasTrack switch lever controllers that is generated by switch board.

Ingenerio 1 also developed a switch position monitor for Ross switches on his layout. His is positive based on the point position to avoid the light indicating a direction, but the points have not fully moved.

To answer CLM,  good thought... but wrong direction.  My skill set is not in Apple products.  Moonman has a simpler solution this I am using.  He is correct in his statement the a +5 or -5 voltage is coming out of the FasTrack switch via the Data or yellow wire.  Since my control system supports I/O inputs, with a diode to block the -5 volts, I can sense the positive voltage and have written the software to detect the present of a +5 volts.  I was hoping to avoid the extra components.  It would have been easier if the BPC2 was talking to the SER2.

Coming from the AV field, there are many companies who offer control systems with their proprietary touch panel.  Several names are AMX, Crestron, Extron, Control 4, Bit-Wise and Aurora .  The two old boys are AMX and Crestron.  We started off with AMX back in the 1990's.  Just so I set the record clear, I could not afford to do what I did if I had to purchase new product.  The internet and e-Bay have been my friend.  Many of the sellers on e-Bay do no know what this stuff is, thus the prices have been very affordable.  Like anything, one needs to know the product and be sure of the seller's return policy.  Chances are the seller does not know if the product even works...  Learning the programming language is another issue.  Today, many AV manufacturers will not take calls, unless your are certified and will not support product that is 10 plus years old.

I am using three products by AMX:  NetLinx Controller, Axcess Rack Frame filled with I/O and relay cards, and a 12" color Touchpanel.

Silly, 

Thanks for the information on the STM2. I'm working on a project where I was going to need to read off of the SER2 the commands from the STM2. I was not going to use a computer, but Arduino. 

I'm to talk to Lionel at York this week to see if there is anyway to read the STM2.

Silly posted:

To answer CLM,  good thought... but wrong direction.  My skill set is not in Apple products.  

Why would you need to know to code for Apple in order to use the wifi? All you need to know how to do is able to decode the commands on the wifi port. Join the developer partner program and you will get extra information on using the wifi module. I did and it is free.

Silly posted:

 Moonman has a simpler solution this I am using.  He is correct in his statement the a +5 or -5 voltage is coming out of the FasTrack switch via the Data or yellow wire.  Since my control system supports I/O inputs, with a diode to block the -5 volts, I can sense the positive voltage and have written the software to detect the present of a +5 volts.

This is a great alternative, but would require a reading on every switch. So more than one wire into the computer. The easiest way in my opinion would be to use an Arduino board as the switch monitor and have it send the update to computer. 

So basically you will have to connect the sense wire right at the switch where the data wire connects for the reading. Possibly you could the voltage at the STM2 as well. I would just make sure that the data wire is operating at 5v DC and not anything that would require at a voltage divider.

Chris