Introduction to JMRI and
CBUS
Howard Watkins
Talk given at East Midlands Area
Group on 24 September 2011
Introduction to JMRI
Java Model Railroad Interface
available for Windows, Mac & Linux. This
presentation concentrates on Windows.
Download JMRI & Java, details are on
www.jmri.org
You then get icons for



DecoderPro
PanelPro
& optionally SoundPro
DecoderPro
Essentially used to aid the setting of CVs
(Configuration Variables) in DCC decoders
sometimes called “programming”, it is
simply putting values into “pigeon holes”
PanelPro
Essentially used to show a track diagram
which can be used to control a model
railway.
Does not have to be DCC
Common Stuff
Firstly you need to setup the connection
preferences whether DPro or PPro.
Options for system “MERG”
Can Have Multiple Connections
You can have multiple connections at the
same time e.g.
Lenz for DCC traction, CBUS for points
CBUS for DCC traction, RFID for train
detection
Can Have Multiple Icons
Suppose we require
different preferences
(connections/layouts)
at different times
we can have multiple
icons.
How do we do this?
How to have multiple icons
Make a copy of the icon
and rename it.
Right Click and go to
“Properties”
Add a “Preferences File”
at the end of the target
e.g. “CBUS_Simulation”.
start this copied icon.
Select the appropriate
preferences.
Restart the application.
Important to remember
All outputs from JMRI are called “turnouts”
whatever they do. They are held in a
“Turnout Table”.
All inputs to JMRI are called “sensors”
whatever they do. They are held in a
“Sensor Table”.
CBUS turnouts are MT...(think MERG),
sensors are MS...
Let’s create some Turnouts.
Do NOT add
“MT”, it is added
automatically.
“+” = ON event
258 = node
E1 = event 1
User Name is
user choice.
What node number to use?
Remember CBUS is event driven & JMRI
“turnouts” are JMRI outputs.
So no point [!] using the node number of the
point motor module (CANACC4 or 4).
Instead use the node number of the producer
(CANACE3 or ACE8C) whose events have
already been learnt by the point motor driver.
Or use a new node number and then teach the
point motor driver.
Simple Demonstration
Now we can use “Layout Editor” and can
change the points on screen, and connect
to CBUS. (Demo)
Pentre Road Fiddle Yard
Here is a real example from a club layout.
This includes sensors & routes.
(Investigate)
Exhibition Display Cabinet
JMRI+RFID+DCC block detection+CBUS
DecoderPro
Different abilities according to the Decoder
DecoderPro
Here is a “4 Function” decoder - Digitrax
Series 3 DH163
DecoderPro