MTS PC 6.0 Software to control the LG&B

[Gizzy]

I'm dabbling with this to control the points on the LG&B.

It works okay, but I'd like to be able to control a pair of points together (crossover).

My problem is, that although both points will change okay, only one icon for just one of the points changes to its setting, whereas the other says as it was.

Hopefully the 2nd photo here will explain better than I can: the points by the cursor are addressed as 5 and change to either the straight or the diverging route as a pair, but the indications don't follow.

Does anyone here know what how to set this up, or have any advice please....

 

[muns]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

I'm not sue if the MTS PC prog allows you to define 2 points with the same id.
(It has been a while since I dabbled with it).

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

I'm not sue if the MTS PC prog allows you to define 2 points with the same id.
(It has been a while since I dabbled with it).

It allows me to define 2 points with the same decoder ID okay, but only one of the point 'icons' for a pair actually change, whether I use the mouse on either icon, or via the Universal Remote.

My idea is to use the PC as the Signal Box control, setting the routes accordingly. Eventually I hope to have a simple signalling system as well, although these will be controlled by Type 2 Accessory Switches on the point motors.

I have pre-defined routed set on The Remote, with routes 1,2 & 3 setting up the route and with 0 setting all points for straight ahead and 9 for diverging. (This also is used for functional check of the motors before running.) It would be nice to see this functionality working correctly with the PC display....

 

[steve parberry]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Welcome to the dark, dark, dark side gizzy:callme::callme:

You need to think virtul and allocate one point a virtul address greater than 128
Then click operate with one other item box

So point number 1 works with virtul point number 201
and
Virtul point 201 works with point number 1

 

[daveyb]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software


ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhggggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh etc etc etc,,,,

pants on head time again,,,,,,,
me no speaky mts,,,,
i have to learn it as i have mts 3,,,,
and i want to use a lap top to control it,,
live steam has never looked so attractive,,

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Welcome to the dark, dark, dark side gizzy:callme::callme:

You need to think virtul and allocate one point a virtul address greater than 128
Then click operate with one other item box

So point number 1 works with virtul point number 201
and
Virtul point 201 works with point number 1

Virtual addressing eh?

That's blacker than a witches t*t in a deep dark cave!

I'll give it a try tomorrow Steve, but a quick question?

When setting up your virual point address, I guess you link it to the real point address somehow. How do I do that please?

I've tried using the 'Magnetic Article' setting but with the same address number and I'm not quite sure that's the way forward....

 

[steve parberry]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Ok i will try to explain

Wire up your points as discribed else where so both motors are switch by a single number lets say number one..everything will work as normal.

Now everything else is done on the lap top.

On the track diagram enter a magnetic item and allocate it address number 1
Select the direction for first start either straight or diverging
Now you need to think ahead, to the point you want to control with it (A imaginary item lets say 201)
Click work with one magnetic artical and enter 201 in the box
click save

next
On the track diagram enter the second magnetic item and allocate it address number 201
Select the direction for first start either straight or diverging
Click work with one magnetic artical and enter 1 in the box
click save

Both items should now change with each other

The number of the imaginary item can be anything but allow for expansion.

For instance i have allocated the following

Outside points 1-49 plus imaginary items 300-349
Inside point i have number 51-99 imaginary items 200-249
Uncouplers 100-128

There is no way i will allocate all the address but its a bit like loco clasifaction.

66001-66300 db schenker
66400-66450 freightliner
66500-66550 gbrail
if they need more number then they are already avaliable
etc etc

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Ok i will try to explain

Wire up your points as discribed else where so both motors are switch by a single number lets say number one..everything will work as normal.

Now everything else is done on the lap top.

On the track diagram enter a magnetic item and allocate it address number 1
Select the direction for first start either straight or diverging
Now you need to think ahead, to the point you want to control with it (A imaginary item lets say 201)
Click work with one magnetic artical and enter 201 in the box
click save

next
On the track diagram enter the second magnetic item and allocate it address number 201
Select the direction for first start either straight or diverging
Click work with one magnetic artical and enter 1 in the box
click save

Both items should now change with each other

The number of the imaginary item can be anything but allow for expansion.

For instance i have allocated the following

Outside points 1-49 plus imaginary items 300-349
Inside point i have number 51-99 imaginary items 200-249
Uncouplers 100-128

Thanks Steve,

That's basically the direction I was going to take.

I'm using addresses, 5, 6, 7 & 8 on the decoder, so I'll allocate 205, 206, 207 & 208 for the paired points as the 'magnetic article'.

It'll be a job for tomorrow, as it'll be dark here shortly, and I'm resting now for the Night shift later....

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

SORTED!

I've now gone into virtual darkness (or should that be total darkness) and reassigned my point decoder addresses 5, 6, 7 & 8, to have a virtual addresses for the paired up point motors as 205, 206, 207 & 208.

I've tested it in 'stand-alone' mode (i.e. not yet connected to the layout) and the PC screen icons both change as a pair.

The pictures below show the points on address 5, as pointed out by the cursor, in both straight and diverging settings.

I'll test it later this afternoon when I'll connect it up to the layout, and report back....

 

[beavercreek]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Blooming heck...virtual DCC and MTS...and I have only just got to terms with the bog standard variety....there's wizardry cleverness goin' on and it will all end in tears or in the deadly hellos..........(sorry Potter fans)

 

[Zerogee]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Is a virtual point cheaper than a real one?

Jon.

PS: anyone else from here booked on the GRS Massoth course on 26th May?

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Is a virtual point cheaper than a real one?

Jon.

PS: anyone else from here booked on the GRS Massoth course on 26th May?

Virtually, of course Jon?

I've also used the MTS PC software (and LGB 55045 Loco Interface) to restore the sound on my MRC decodered V51 loco. CV 49 changed to 1 and it's sorted....

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhggggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh etc etc etc,,,,

pants on head time again,,,,,,,
me no speaky mts,,,,
i have to learn it as i have mts 3,,,,
and i want to use a lap top to control it,,
live steam has never looked so attractive,,

It's not too difficult to use Davey?

Setting up the track diagram for your layout is the hardest part, as it takes time, but once done, changes to it are fairly easy to make....

 

[Lobethalbahn2]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Is a virtual point cheaper than a real one?

More importantly, how much invisible ballast does a virtual point require?8|

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Right,

I can now report back that the MTS PC software has been set up for the points and is fully functional!

If I change a pair of points using either the PC, or the LGB 55015 Universal Remote, then the relevant points change over on the Track Diagram. And I've even got a signal working today from an EPL Type 2 switch mounted on the point motor!

Thanks to Steve Parberry for his help in mastering the 'Virtual Dark Side'....

 

[daveyb]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

THANKS GIZZY,,,, THATS REALLY IMPRESSIVE AND I WILL HAVE TO
GET MY HEAD AROUND IT,,,,
LOTS OF GAPS IN MY UNDERSTANDING OF MTS BUT I WILL GET THERE
ONE DAY!

 

[Cliff George]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Very good Gizzy,

Do you know about the Stellwerk software?

http://www.stellwerk-software.de/index_e.html

It is done by the same person that wrote the MTS software for Lehmann. As far as I'm aware 'stellwerk easy' was based originally based on the MTS software and still supports MTS but has been updated a little.

Virtual addressing!!**!! glad you understand it.

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Very good Gizzy,

Do you know about the Stellwerk software?

http://www.stellwerk-software.de/index_e.html

It is done by the same person that wrote the MTS software for Lehmann. As far as I'm aware 'stellwerk easy' was based originally based on the MTS software and still supports MTS but has been updated a little.

Virtual addressing!!**!! glad you understand it.

I haven't heard of it Cliff?

I had a look at your linky, hoping to find a free demo version that I could use to test, possibly ver 10, but I could only find a download for ver 11.

I need a license string to make ver 11 work, and I'd have to pay a fee for this, so for now I'll pass and stick with MTS PC 6.0....

 

[mike]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

its the natural progression off the lgb softwear

 

[Gizzy]

Re:MTS PC 6.0 Software

Next job today is to define a couple of switch routes.

Off outside to set it up now....