Computer Software for DCC

Slawman

Slawman

Deckline
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Hi All,

I am looking into software for DCC control. I am interfacing through a Massoth Dimax 800z. So far I have tried the Freiwald bronze package and the track setup is very clunky. What options should I consider? Are there new systems out there that will work on my iPad?
 
I've never regretted going with Rocrail. I would contend it has more functionality than you will ever need, although the documentation is a bit variable. It runs on PC, Mac OS, Linux and Raspberry Pi and supports most command stations including Massoth Dimax. It is mostly free but there is an optional €12 annual subscription. There is an iPad client; you need to pay the subscription for that, but you can try it for free. See here: http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php
 
Thanks Gents, I am trialling the Freiwald s/w now. I will have a look at the others and let you know what I think.
 
I have gone with the Freiwald s/w (Bronze). I found the documentation to be easier to understand which is a very important consideration for me. There looks like more capability that I could ever really need with Silver and Gold versions so once i learn a system I am not going to need to change in future. I also appreciate the higher resolution GUI and how easily you can build up a dashboard. Plenty of learning still on this front.
 
Slawman said:
I have gone with the Freiwald s/w (Bronze).
Click to expand...

Hi Slawman.
I am currently doing some R&D for a friend, we started with TrainController Bronze for the first trials, I was happy and impressed but when I mentioned some of the Bronze limitations my friend said then we go Silver. So far so good, like you I am still learning quite a bit. I can see some features in the Gold version that would be nice but for now the Silver is quite OK
The thing that I really liked was the amount of information in the Freiwald forums and the amount of video assistance on YouTube.

Take care
Regards Martin
 
Hi Martin, I am having a great time with it. I just need a lot more blocks on my layout to get the automation really firing. I am very happy so far with what the software can do. The only thing so far I can see that the Bronze won't do is fully calibrate scale speed, I am sure there is a lot more, I am on a steep learning curve....
 
What sensing method are you using? I am trying to work out if I can use reeds or current detection (I have both right now).

I guess the more precise calibration in the Silver will be part of the greater control precision. I may end up needing to do that as well, I have long trains and a small track....
 
I am using mainly reed switches but I also have some Lenz BM3 modules I picked up cheap from a previous project and was able to rig them up to use as a current detectors. I have also used NCE BD20 block detectors. Reed switches are the easiest to implement as no need to cut any tracks to create blocks. I am using the current devices mainly in spurs.
I also have some longer trains than block sections so I am currently working through setting certain conditions for operations of blocks and points where possible. Part of the R&D for my friend Simon but also for my curiosities.
The TC Silver allows quite precise stopping locations which I find can slip up if too many things are going on at once. I find that running more than 2 schedules at a time may cause issues
 
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