#5.a - An Introduction to JMRI @DriverDTrains

[@edwardaudet8367]

I have used jmri, but not to extend that you have just showed in your introduction video. I'm looking forward to the next installment. This video is really an Excellent one. Every one of your video have been really great tutorials. You hit it out of the of the park every time. Than you for all the hard work and knowledge you put into every video. Love the conductor too.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the latest video. I'll keep working on more. : ) Scratchy-C says Meow! and thanks for the love! Thanks again! DD

[@rmrgruncorn8330]

Wow still in mid stream of watching this video .... Absoluty awsome coverage of JRMI background thank you for your time ...

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. I'm very glad you enjoyed the video. I just posted a new one in the JMRI series, with more to come. Thanks again! DD

[@easyreiner1]

all aboard, i like it. greeting from Germany

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video. I'll make more soon! : ) Thanks again! DD

[@robertshaw4109]

Great videos. Set up my first controller

[@DriverDTrains]

Awesome! So glad to hear you got it all set up. : ) Thanks again for all your kind comments. Good luck and happy railroading! DD

[@JWitchard]

I have just finished watching your series of DCC-EX videos and this, the first of the JMRI series. They are some of the best informative and instructive videos I have seen. I'm really glad I stumbled across them and you definitely have another subscriber. 🤓👍

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments, and I'm so glad you found the videos informative. I'll keep making more! : ) And of course thank you for subscribing! Best, DD

[@icemanbldr]

I want to echo many of the comments already made: Excellent video, I learned a lot about a software package that I use often and didn't know, I didn't know the history even though my (finished) career used many many open source programs. Excellent many times over!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video and found it beneficial. I'm also always amazed to find out about some of the history of model railroading that I never knew. Thanks again! DD

[@icemanbldr]

@@DriverDTrains and I wish I could send you a picture of our Tessie (aka Train Cat) who enjoys puzzling out the machinations of my trains on the road and who is genetically related (somehow) to Scratchy-C --- a grey tabbie who looks like a twin.

[@DriverDTrains]

Wonderful! It's great to have a Train Cat! :) DD

[@CentralTrainJack]

You're my new favourite Model Railway youtuber, and Scratchy C is my new favourite conductor! Keep up the good work Sir!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos. And Scratchy-C says "Meow!" and thanks for all the love! : ) I am working on the next video and hope to have it out shortly. Thanks again! DD

[@hebbos642]

Thanks for reviewing the JMRI throttles UI, I"ve been developing on this for 10 years now, it's good to see another user! Great video.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments, and for all your great work on JMRI. I really appreciate it! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video. : ) I am working now on my next video that will dive into more details on the JMRI throttles, and even then it will only scratch the surface. But I hope it will encourage more model railroaders to try it out. Thanks again! DD

[@skeeterweazel]

Great video. I had no idea about JMRI's early history.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and got something new out of it. Thanks again! DD

[@marshallluddite]

what a jolly interesting video, thanks

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kinds comments! I glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers! DD

[@MrMagicFingers1]

Very well done as usual! - Tim

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you again for the kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed! DD

[@chadportenga7858]

I used your -EX tutorial to build my station and it works GREAT!!! Thank you!!! I've been looking for a tutorial on exporting the JMRI roster to my DCC-EX Command Station. Is that something you could do in an upcoming video? I love the JMRI PanelPro interface, but I don't want my computer taking up real estate on my layout. I'd rather have it conveniently located on my workbench with a cable running to the layout and only connect it when programming.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments. Sorry about the delayed response. The way you export the JMRI roster to DCC-EX is to choose "Roster Export to DCC-EX" in JMRI, then copy and paste that information into the "myAutomation.h" sketch in DCC-EX using the Arduino IDE. I will definitely be including that in one of my next videos (probably the one after next). Also if you have not seen it yet, I just published my latest video on getting started with JMRI, and I show how to configure JMRI to work with DCC-EX over Wi-Fi. You might consider that as an option to running a cable. Thanks again! DD

[@dennisbailey6067]

Most CV changes can be done on any DCC system.A pen and paper can record those changes.While handy,a computer and jmri are not necessary.As for remembering function button features,this will happen over use.If function buttons are remapped to a standard,it streamlines the process.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thanks again for your kind comments! Well said, and all true. JMRI is just a tool that can help. Ironically when I first got my old DCC locomotives out of storage last year, I was not planning to use JMRI at all. The problem was that I couldn't get most of the 20-year old locomotives to work. I had no doubt they were all set up for consisting, or I had assigned them random DCC addresses to work with the basic DCC system my kids were using that only supports addresses 1-9. I also had no idea in some cases what kind of decoder was in the locomotives, or even what brand they were (I found out I was wrong more than once lol). As I have mentioned in several of my videos, while I have an old MRC Prodigy system stashed away in a closet somewhere, getting that out of storage was really not practical at the time. DCC-EX is wonderful for a lot of things, but programming decoders is not one of them. You can do it in the serial monitor of the Arduino IDE or the EX-WebThrottle app, but it's not very easy. You can't do it in the WiThrottle app at all, and Engine Driver only got that functionality recently. (I actually bought a cheap Android tablet during the holiday Black Friday sales just so I could use that feature.) So I had a collection of DCC locomotives that I couldn't identify the decoders in, or make work, so I decided to load JMRI. It proved to be so useful that I started using it for more and more things. As I mentioned in the video, I've only just scratched the surface of it. It has a bunch of features that I am certain that I will never use. But it is a good tool to have in the toolbox, and like any tool I am always looking for creative new ways to use it. : ) Thanks again and enjoy! DD

[@B2Pproduction]

Amazing historical information and great video once again. Can't wait to see the next videos in the series. I am also interested in your puzzle app you previously mentioned.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you again for the kind comments! I'll start working on the next video soon. Thanks also for your interest in my D-Saver switching puzzle app. I'm looking forward to making some videos on that soon too. I'd like to show people that you really can have a full-time model railroad hobby running HO trains on a 1'x6' board lol. ; ) Thanks again! DD

[@B2Pproduction]

@DriverDTrains I can't wait! I only have a space of 16"x6' and thought it was impossible for me to have an interesting layout till I saw your content and I'm sure you'll inspire more people as well!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you! I hope so. I think that with an extra 4" I would definitely consider adding some structures along one side of the layout (in addition to background flats). I might also look at angling the track a little bit for visual interest, but honestly I don't think that 6' is enough length to make a difference in that regard. DD

[@B2Pproduction]

@@DriverDTrains @DriverDTrains I'll be using it to add a mainline that'll go from edge to edge of the layout for when I have the option to expend. I'll be able to keep the D-saver as part of a larger world or perhaps bring it to trainshows. Currently have the base made as well as a tablet to go above it as I need the space for storage. Once I have more progress done I'll be more than happy to share my progress. I'm currently on the hunt for used code 83 right hand turnouts from atlas. There'll be a trainshow near me in about a month. If I don't find them there I'll be ordering them. In the meantime I only have 2 turnouts and 4 9" straights from my old atlas starter and expansion kits from 13 years ago. I do plan on also having a large industry where I'll store a coding track and the control station. I'll most likely scratch build it due to the limited height and custom dimensions. Outside of that I have the idea for a simple transloading platform, water tower (plan on running an 0-6-0T), coal and sand building. As the rest it will be most overgrown with a ditch between the orginal d saver track plan and the added mainline. I do not plan for any backboard as the location of the layout I have gives me a U shape access to the layout length wise. What are your plans for scenery outside of the backdrop?

[@DriverDTrains]

That sounds great! And enjoy the train show! I don't have any major plans for scenery except for ground cover, ballast, and such. Still, I am looking forward to that. Been too busy making videos lol. I may end up building some simple one-walled flats to represent the side of modern warehouse type structures, or maybe a hint of a loading platform. The spare bedroom/home-office where I keep the layout serves multiple uses, and I have to move the layout somewhere almost every day, so I don't really want to create anything too large that I would have to put somewhere when not in use. Basically anything I put on the layout I have to be able to take off and store in a box. I also have a few signals and such that I need to wire up, but again I need to be able to take them off the layout. I have some ideas for running the wiring under the shelf board so that it doesn't make a mess but does what I need. Just gotta find the time to do it lol. Thanks again and al the best! DD

[@KevinSquire]

Great overview... looking forward to future videos in this series. at 30:31 you are holding a throttle I do not recognize and would REALLY like to know more about.. is it a dedicated throttle? or more like an alternate input device for a computer? what is that device??? I NEED INFO!! LOLOL :-D

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. So you noticed that little device I was using as a throttle? Not many people have noticed that. I will have to make a video on it at some point. It is, as you say, an alternate input device for a computer. One of the nice things about JMRI throttles is that when you run JMRI on your computer you can use almost any input device including your mouse, keyboard, and quite a few other things as a throttle. What you saw there is a drawing tablet controller, that also doubles as an application keyboard shortcut device, called a Xencelabs Quick Keys. It is customizable with 8 buttons, a dial, and an OLED display, each of which can have multiple settings that you can cycle through. I really need to learn how to use it more. It does have a few limitations. It requires that you run JMRI on a computer (Mac or Windows) and does not support Raspberry Pi. It requires that you use an included USB dongle for 2.4ghz wireless connection as it's not bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The dial does not have any stops or detents; it just spins. And it does not display any information received back from JMRI, such as set locomotive ID, speed, functions, etc. But I find it quite handy as a handheld controller. It's light weight, easy to hold, and the build quality is top notch. And of course I use it for other things on my computer lol. It's not super cheap, but it costs less than a DCC throttle. It is regularly $100, but I found it on sale for $80 at Amazon. Here is the link. www.amazon.com/dp/B08VNCLDTK Thanks again for your comments and enjoy! DD

[@tonyclixby]

❤❤❤

[@DriverDTrains]

: )

[@DeadlySpoon12]

Do you have a video on Track Manager with DCC-ex? I want to run my DC and DCC trains on the same track but im not sure how to set it up. Thanks in advance!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments and questions. Unfortunately I do not have a video on Track Manager. I did briefly try it and will tell you what I know. Apologies if I am stating the obvious or things you already know. 1) Track manager supports up to 8 blocks of track, but you would need 4 typical motor shields to actually control 8 blocks. Each motor shield can typically support up to 2 blocks. 2) You need to supply the DC power through the motor shield (same source as DCC power). 3) You need to make sure your motor shield configuration in DCC-EX is configured with a brake pin. The standard motor shield is configured this way. 4) You need to tell DCC-EX to use one of the tracks for DC **AND** at the same time assign a locomotive address to it. You would do this with a command that looks like this: =A DC 12 (You would execute this command using an automation script, or through a serial interface in something like JMRI or the EX-WebThrottle app.) The makes track A (normally the main track on a DCC layout) a DC block for locomotive address 12. 5) You then need to assign the locomotive (12 in this example) in your throttle to control the train on the DC block. You can try all this out very easily in the EX-WebThrottle app. Connect to the command station and wait for it to boot. Make sure the track power is off and there are no locomotives on the track. In the debug console send an "=" command to display the track configuration. You should get something like: [S] [R] [R] Then send "=A DC 12". You should see some responses from DCC-EX. Then type "=" again and you should see: [S] [R] [R] Put a DC locomotive on the track. Assign locomotive 12 to the throttle in the id/address box and press return. Turn on the track power, and try running the locomotive with the throttle. One thing I noticed when I tried it was that I got some warning messages about the current draw on the track; I'm not sure what that was about. To switch back to DCC on the main, you would send an "=A MAIN" command. Hope this helps. Thanks again for your comments. Good luck and happy railroading! DD

[@DeadlySpoon12]

@@DriverDTrains wow! thank you so much for all that. I did go into the DCCEX downloader and configure track manager that way, so instead of having Track A=prog and trackb= main like in your videos, it’s set to Track A=DC and Track B= Main (I think). But I did try to run DC on my little strip of programming track and it worked. I’ll definitely try your way as well to see if I get any warnings and to check DCCexs response

[@rwissbaum9849]

So far, the only way I have been able to connect my MRC Prodigy Advance2 WiFi DCC command station to JMRI is through the SPROG (I have a SPROG2 version 4). It seems weird to me that in order to connect my WiFi-enabled command station to JMRI running on my WiFi-equipped laptop, I have to use a $70 hardwired interface cable. Is there *any* way I can connect wirelessly?

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments. The Wi-Fi version of the MRC Prodigy Advance2 that comes with the Wi-Fi adapter allows you to connect your WiThrottle or Engine Driver apps directly to the MRC Command Station. Unfortunately, while JMRI includes a WiThrottle server for receiving WiThrottle commands, it does not offer a WiThrottle emulator for connecting to another WiThrottle server. I have no idea why they don't offer that option. As you've discovered, connecting to the MRC ethernet-cable-style serial ports requires an overpriced adapter cable, or a third-party solution. Sadly I don't know of any great solution. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck! DD

[@rwissbaum9849]

At least you have confirmed my conclusion - MRC (like other DCC suppliers) has used as much proprietary hardware as possible in their systems. I think this is one reason why DCC-EX gained so much popularity - it is breaking out of the proprietary hardware paradigm that so many commercial DCC vendors have embraced from the start. Obviously, my next step is to build my own DCC-EX system and discard or sell my MRC system (and my SPROG!)

[@tonyclixby]

Greetings Scratchy

[@DriverDTrains]

[Meow!] Scratchy-C thanks you for the greetings and sends regards! : ) DD