Video 01: Using iTrain Tutorial Series - Installing iTrain

[@deanlong4343]

Watching these great tutorials 2nd time around thank you Bob and Iain for the great work helping some of us less gifted people Dean.

[@bobfuller]

Cheers Dean. Great to hear they are being used as a reminder. More tutorials to come. Currently working on a mini series about signals.

[@E_73]

Hi Bob! Thank you so much for your hard work on this video documentary. You speak perfect. Slowly and distinct. I will watch all your videos in the next few weeks. 😊 Cheers Emma 😊

[@HermanSegaar]

Hello Bob, we (Modelspoorclub Roden-Holland) will certainly make use of your tutorials. They are very clear and understandable for all of our members. We use iTrain on two lay-outs, H0 and N in combinations with the commandstation DR5000. Looking forward to further tutorials.

[@bobfuller]

That's wonderful to hear, Herman, thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of the tutorials. The more recent ones have much better subtitles, too, so they can be used to automatically convert the text to Dutch if that helps.

[@phillipthomas7185]

Just spent 2 weeks going through Bob video. This helped me to make up my mind. I have now purchased the software. Looking forward to setting it up, using bobs video’s. thank you

[@bobfuller]

Welcome aboard, Phillip. Nice to hear that the tutorials were helpful. Don't forget to register on the forum. There are plenty of people there to help if you have any questions.

[@tubeflorian]

Phillip, what competitive products did you study? Which was second best to iTrain?

[@damiancavanagh5933]

Thanks Bob for such a complete reply

[@kite7214]

Thanks Bob. Good speed of tuition. Well done. Keith

[@bobfuller]

Thanks Keith. Only 26 more to go, plus the ones I'm working on!

[@tubeflorian]

Excellent content, scripting, and presentation.

[@bobfuller]

Thank you, Ken. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series, too.

[@tubeflorian]

@@bobfuller Hi Bob, I must ask; what compelled you create such excellent content as a volunteer?

[@bobfuller]

@@tubeflorian LOL, I often ask that myself!! But the honest answer is that I couldn't find any tutorials that had the depth/detail that I wanted, and I thought that making a tutorial would be a good way of forcing me to learn about iTrain. I had recently retired, so I thought I would have a bit of spare time on my hands - big mistake!! And the rest, as they say, is history.

[@bobfuller]

Hi Theo, You have caught me whilst I am at the PC so here's a quick reply. First, ensure that all the trains have been properly speed profiled, so videos 16-20 of the Using iTrain Tutorial Series. You then may need to check that you understand Train Routes (videos 21-26), but if you know that you can jump to Stations in video 27-47. Cheers Bob

[@GGS1956]

Hi Bob, great tutorials. Could you remind me where I can look at the index that you created for all these videos. Thank you

[@bobfuller]

Thank you. The index is at the iTrain forum in the English - FAQ section. Here's the link www.berros.eu/itrain/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15252

[@Marienthal1956]

Thank you for this tutorial. Greetings from Belgium :)

[@bobfuller]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy all the tutorials. And there's more to come.

[@damiancavanagh5933]

Hi Bob, the videos are excellent, thank you, and I hope to download iTrain shortly. I currently have a small layout and use Digitrax DCC. Do you know if this is compatible? The iTrain web site says it is compatible with LocoNet which is Digitrax's software but it doesn't specifically mention Digitrax hardware. Secondly, with regard to blocks, I have watched video 10 etc and understand the principle of how to create them in the iTrain software. But in terms of the actual physical layout what are the requirements? Does each block on the actual have to be isolated with insulated rail joiners to define the block? Is that a single rail or both rails that need to be insulated? And a similar question with feedback sensors. Does one need physical occupancy feedback sensors connected to the physical layout or does ITrain sort all of this out itself?

[@bobfuller]

Hi Damien, Yes, when you purchase a license or apply for the 2 month Trial license, Digitrax is fully supported. Just select one of the Loconet options for the Interface type. Digitrax is not supported in the Lite version of the license. For train detection you will need the Digtrax BDL168 (or similar current sensing feedback device) which has 16 current sensing detectors. Download the BDL168 instruction sheet from the website. It gives a good description of how to organise the detection. The number of detectors per block and where the blocks are positioned will depend on the operations you are performing on the layout. I isolate both rails at each end of a block. Then within each block there is a minimum of one detector. When you have multiple detectors in a block, each detector is separated by isolating the common rail (Black rail). For blocks where trains typically do not stop or where stopping accuracy is not important, one detector is sufficient. Where stopping accuracy is important, such as at stations, two or more detectors may be needed. And where you intend to shunt multiple trains into the same block, such as in a storage siding, one detector per train length will be needed. You can have a feedback detector on each turnout but it's not necessary. Most people do not bother. Hope this answers your questions.

[@roywhitgrove8058]

Hello Bob, I’ve tried JMRI but too many problems and I want to enjoy running train not spending endless hours understanding and sorting problems. iTrain looks really interesting to me having watched the first 10 tutorials. However I have an NCE Powercab and I’m not sure they are compatible. This may seem a stupid question but is iTrain a complete self contained package which would effectively replace my Powercab but would require a suitable interface between the computer and the layout. At the moment my points are controlled via Team Digitl SMD84 Drivers from the Powercab or through manual push buttons. But the drivers do have Loconet Serial Bus. Are they compatible with iTrain and what additional equipment would I need other than a laptop and iTrain. Hope you can point me in the right direction. Kind regards Roy Whitgrove

[@bobfuller]

Hi Roy, The NCE Powercab will work with iTrain to some extent, but you will soon get frustrated by its limitations. It is not the ideal solution for train automation. I would not describe iTrain as a complete self contained package that will replace your Powercab. You will still need a Command Station, Booster, Accessory Controllers, and Feedback modules. I'm not familiar with the SMD84, but if they use loconet then, in theory, they should work with a Command Station that supports loconet. It is difficult to provide the right advice without knowing more about your situation, your needs, your preferred computer and Operating System, etc, etc. Where are you located? If you are in the UK I recommend giving Jason a call at DCC Train Automation. He is very knowledgeable about iTrain and will point you in the right direction based on your circumstances. If you are based in the USA, you could call Iron Planet Hobbies. If in Australia...not sure...perhaps look for a Digikeijs or Roco Z21 supplier and they will probably know iTrain.

[@roywhitgrove8058]

@@bobfuller many thanks for the reply and advice, yes I am in the UK, I have a laptop running Windows 10, my layout is on a board of 11ft x 30” double track roundy roundy. Due to space limitations it is operated from the front of the layout with two hidden loops at the back, hence my search for something that tells me what loco/train would be parked in the loops awaiting its turn, and iTrain seemed it would do that job perfectly. I have nothing but praise for the NCE as it got me into DCC but of course has you say it does have its limitations. I do have block detection using BD20s using JMRI, so watching your tutorials I think my layout could be easily adapted to suit iTrain but I can also see a lot of expense, not only iTrain but a replacement system for the NCE. I will take your advice and speak to DCCAutomation. Once again many thanks for taking the trouble to reply. By the way the Tutorials were excellent. Kind regards Roy

[@phillipthomas7185]

Hi Bob. I have started using Itrain having followed your KZbin and the manual. Have you made a video on backing up Itrain. I have a PC and laptop with Itrain. Keep great work up. Thanks

[@bobfuller]

Hi Phillip. No, I haven't made a video about backing iTrain. I store all my layouts in the cloud using OneDrive. I copied the iTrain folder to OneDrive, and then in Edit/Preferences/General, I set the base path name to point at the iTrain folder in OneDrive. In this way the files are effectively always backed up, and I can open the same files on my laptop and desktop. Hope that makes sense.

[@Rule1ModelRailways]

Well needed videos!

[@bobfuller]

Hopefully the series will help a few people.

[@edwardsargent4432]

If iTrain 5 operates with Loconet can you use Lenz DCC as this uses ExpressNet? Many thanks.

[@bobfuller]

In general, if the command station is able to connect to computer, it will most likely be suitable for use with iTrain. Specifically regarding Lenz, if you open the Interface editor within iTrain and click on the Type drop down menu, there are listings for Lenz Xpressnet/X-Bus; Lenz Xpressnet USB; and Lenz Xpressnet LAN (these listings may not be visible in the demo version of iTrain). So, yes, Lenz is supported by iTrain. Having said this, I highly recommend that you ask this question on the iTrain forum and provide details of the Lenz model number. Others will then confirm if there are any issues with using that particular model. Or apply for the free trial license and try it yourself.

[@edwardsargent4432]

@@bobfuller Thanks Bob, your prompt reply is very much appreciated. I have been using Railroad & Co but the Owner has little or no ‘Customer care’ ( long story ) hence my move to iTrain. I also like your KZbin tutorials and will use them in switching over to iTrain. Regards Ted Sargent

[@kite7214]

Hi Bob, I am using a small Thinkpad Touchpad 10 on the layout and have installed the trial licence. I want to do my layout planning using a large screen PC with a mouse in another room. Can I legally install the licence on more than one computer and then transfer the planning computer tcdz file to the operating computer iTrain installation without issues? Thanks Keith

[@bobfuller]

Absolutely, Keith!! Also, if you have cloud storage, such as OneDrive or DropBox, you can locate the iTrain folder (where the layout files are stored), in the cloud, then you can open the layouts from the cloud and modify your layouts on your desktop or laptop, and they all stay in sync.

[@kite7214]

@@bobfuller Thanks a lot Bob. It’s great to have an almost real-time conversation with a tutor. :-). Keith

[@toots.007]

Great series, is there a video on adding signals?

[@bobfuller]

Thank you. Yes, there will be one on signals later in the series. So, quite a few weeks before I get to that.

[@theovannoort4026]

Hi Bob, I am a regular user of your youtube videos. They help me with many things such as building and commissioning. Now my track is technically ready, track connected, points fitted with servos, set up in ITrain and automatic driving is going reasonably well. what I'm running into now are the settings of the station. I want the locomotives and trains to stop at exact places (down to the centimetre). Which videos should I watch? Greetings Theo van Noort Netherlands

[@alexhammerstein4693]

The download for a macOS from the iTrain website says that it is iTrain macOS + JRE11, but I dont think that the download includes Java, as a terminal check showed it want installed, so I had to install it separately

[@damenfeld]

Alex, iTrain does indeed install it's own Jave (currently Java 17.0.2 from Bellsoft). This is updated by iTrain periodically when there is a Maintenance release and you do not have to worry about it. If you need Java for other programs then you will need to install a setperate copy to be used by the operating system.

[@tonystanley233]

No mention of the interface between the computer and the layout?

[@bobfuller]

See Video 3, Tony

[@michu.z.1457]

when i am fighting with your videos , after i bought iTrain standard only one thing gets into my consideration why have you made so meny videos , to achive train automatization i must watch and setup 60 videos whihc is approximately 20 hours - i ve tride to skip some but now i need to go back couse i missing soemthing in loco configuration ; biggest dissapointment also is itrains itself its quite expensive and it seems that i should also upgreade to pro version couse of decoder programiing othervise i ve got gaps in my loco setup - this is hardest thing to achive , and i ve got this on my small home leyout , in my main bigger one it might be never to achive this after winter of course

[@bobfuller]

Hello Michael In case you were not aware, I am not the creator of iTrain, I am not paid to produce the videos, and neither am I an iTrain guru. The videos are documenting my journey in gaining a better understanding of how iTrain works. To learn how to use iTrain you MUST first read the manual - it is the definitive document published by the creator of iTrain. My intent in creating the videos was not to produce a quick start guide (other have done that), it is to provide a record of what I have learnt from reading the manual, experimenting, and picking the brains of the experts on the iTrain forum. I then produce the videos to share my findings and are presented in a mannor which a manual cannot. My goal was to produce an indepth study of iTrain (something no one else has done) which those that want to can delve deeper into understanding iTrain and make full use of the features that are available. In the future I may produce a quick start guide but not before I have completed my own study of it. iTrain is a truely wonderful piece of software and well worth the investment of time and money in my opinion (and I have tested the others). Don't be put off by my amateur, in depth tutorials. Read the manual - ask questions on the forum - and search for other quick start videos and articles. If you want decoder programming, you can use JMRI DecoderPro - I think it is still free. I am only sorry that you dont appear to be apprciating the free of charge and completely voluntary resource I have shared with everyone - 100's of others do.

[@michu.z.1457]

i not saying i am not appreciate your guidance tutorial videos , i just wondered if there is maybe bit simple way maybe installing abc braking modules , but all together it seems that computer software must stay on the top of evrything , i ve done reading istruction but its easy to miss something ; this guy shows evything from marklin perspective Model Train Fun - but i am not marklin style user , i on 2 rails What is Model Train Automation - Märklin Style? (Automation Episode 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqiunGx5bryqm6c evrything in model rialroading it takes so much effort , and money also , especially if you ve got large leyout like i have , and smaller testing one at home - it gives some sathisfaction in the end you feel like small rail engineer or something , : it incluedes electronics , elctricity , Building Materials , own made wood table etc , and thousend of tests and the ability to rebuild and not give up if something goes wrong - i just wished that some thing wold be simpler - of course this must be the best fun for kids , for adults if you not building anything aftre some time might be eaven boring ; maybe in the future the make something much easier , but i undestand development of this thing isnt easy This is not a common and necessary field in everyday life . and esu ecos that i spen so much money for it shuld have it in itself but its release date is quite old probably as well thank you . i hope i just figure it out maybe after 1 more month with itrains

[@tubeflorian]

Bob, if you're willing to answer publicly...what other automation applications did you seriously consider before choosing iTrain? They ought to give you free upgrades for life.

[@bobfuller]

TrainController and Rocrail. iTrain suited my needs better - cost vs the features I need for my layout, plus I preferred its method of use. I just found it more intuitive to use and easier to find things. But we all have different needs and methods of working.

[@tubeflorian]

@@bobfuller Thank you.

[@dario86707]

Ma è a pagamento?

[@bobfuller]

Yes, it is paid, but you can apply for a 2 month trial license which allows you test test the full version before buying.