One of the reasons I changed from a Digitrax controller and went for the NCE control system is that you can set up macro's to use in a variety of ways on my Sheringbourne layout. I mentioned this to Keith at the Newark show and he seemed bemused!? The main reason I wanted to set up macro's was to set routes up including signals, I have 7 routes set up and on a layout map I have given them each a different colour. The next macro's I set were for run arounds, one for the straight track and one for the 'curved' track including ground signals. The last macro is to set all signals to Red at any time, usually just after the train has passed through. Not sure if this will help anybody but thought I should explain my methods. Cheers Ron
Ron it gets better, you can edit the Macro's using JMRI - not tried it yet, but I gather you can Import the macros via JMRI then edit them on the PC then Export them back into the NCE handset. If you need more macro's, or have inputs like switches, push buttons, occupation detectors then a MiniPanel can be added which supports upto 31 inputs. The Powercab with version 1.65 of the rom can support upto 3 cabs, and 3 non-cab devices (e.g. AUI, USB interface or MiniPanel). Paul
Wow! That may be a bit beyond me Paul but it sounds good! I think using JMRI on Sheringbourne would be a gross overkill, I've enough wires and switches already!!
Wasn't so much 'bemused' as wondering if it was a bit 'over the top' for a smallish layout, Ron. I have 43 sets of points on my layout, but no intention of going for any form of route setting or computerised control as I prefer keeping it simple just using SPDT centre off toggle switches and a mimic panel. Keith.
And while I use NCE. I have 101 turnouts , about 50% motorised with Tortoise & solenoids & other 50% manual rodding and the only computer use involved on the layout is to draw graphs, Train Orders & the fast clock for the timetables.