Jmri

richarra100

richarra100

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After a couple of years absence due in part to an extension to the house, I have started again to re-lay my track and in doing so needed to refresh my memory on all the complicated stuff of DCC!. In my research I came across the JRMI website. This appears to allow a range of devices to code user controls without the need for the very rigid steps with LGB DCC. I currently have an MTS central station controller with some devices, such as point controls, reversing loop control and wondered if the JRMI has any capability with LGB. I did review the website but couldn't find any mention of LGB. Hence my ask. Has anyone developed JRMI to work with MTS central station? I intend to try the Raspberry Pi option but needed some pointers? Look forward to any replies.
 
LGB/Marklin and Massoth declined to make available the protocols, they have developed their own software and interfaces to use with their equipment.

LGB Interfaces 55045 and 55060 work with the MTS PC software, and the full copy of Stellwerk Easy, (demo version has decoder options greyed out).

The MTS PC software (free) is quite old, though it does run on Windows 7, along with a 55045 has the ability to interrogate and configure LGB MTS equipment, does have some useful graphical options to help configure LGB equipment that requires DIP switch settings.


The Massoth Service Tool (free) works with the LGB 55045 interface, and supports the LGB 55021/22/27 and the On Board Decoder, also supports the 55025 4 channel, and single channel switch decoder, along with the 6500x Sound Boxes.

The Raspberry Pi 2 will run a version of JMRI, would need an interface that supports JMRI, SPROG 3 springs to mind.
 
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I don't have any MTS/MTZ kit but I suspect not. You need some kind of PC interface. The newer CS2 is supported by JMRI (as an ESU ECoS), see http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/index.shtml. What bit of JMRI do you want/need? Just DecoderPro? A wider definition of LGB is supported if you mean can you support G-gauge LGB locos, point motors etc but as I opened with maybe not through MTS controllers.
 
As has been said above, there's no interface between JMRI and MTS equipment for the reasons mentioned.

If you just want the convenience of DecoderPro (which I'll certainly vouch for) for decoder progamming then you could buy a SPROG, which is a small hardware interface, and use this with JMRI. I bought a SPROG many years ago, it's been invaluable.

http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/

If you run your DCC point decoders via separate wiring (ie. NOT connected to the track) as I did on my line, you could use JMRI & SPROG (in command station mode) to control the points separately to your MTS system. Another advantage of keeping the point wiring separate is you can switch the track power to DC or completely off for visiting DC or live steam locos, yet still operate the pointwork.
 
As Nick said buy a SPROG. about 40 quid. It works with JMRI.
It is shareware - its not bomb proof but it works and its basically free. I use for Massoth work all the time. As I said - IT WORKS.
 
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