Operations


		Operations

• Operations

CTC Panel for OWNRy layout. Version 17(June 2006)
Click on image to get one that is 1004 x 738 pixel fitting a 15 inch LCD screen)

CTC PANEL

We are working on a method to dispatch via Internet.

To the left is a computer screen shot of the latest version (June 2006) of my CTC panel. This is taken from the operational CTC panel on my computer. Feedback occurs from Tortoises and we have the little side levers to allow DS to restrict turnout control by crews and ambitious yardmasters.

This is made for use with "Panel Pro" which is part of Decoder Pro the JMRI computer interface that can work with Digitrax and other DCC systems. I am using the Digitrax Signaling system with SE8C and BDL 162's which is quite simple to install.

The Panel itself is a .GIF made from exporting from the original MS Visio document. It was tricky to get the correct size for my LCD screen. The levers were morphed in Photoshop from some other levers There are actually 3 levers and which one shows up depends on the switch state as determined by the XML and show up based upon clicking. Same with Red and Yellow indicator "LED's. Switch numbers are odd and signal numbers even as per convention. We will add additional signal "LED"s soon.

The signal dept has begun to wire up the SE8C and BDL boards in anticipation of adding true CTC signaling...Details

Signal wiring and mounting using magnetic strips and pin connectors with Terminal Mounting Strips (digitrax TMSK)

Communications:

We are using FRS radio's for communications between road crews and dispatcher. Since the dispatcher lives 600 miles north, I have figured out a way to transmit the voice over IP connection on hte internet so the road crew can talk with DS using FRS radios and headsets and the DS uses IM voice. More on this later. Email me for details.