About the technology we use:
North Shore Railway Modellers Association (NSRMA) Blue Mountains layout has been designed and developed to take advantage of existing and emerging technologies to enhance the members operations and provide on-going operational development opportunities.
The layout uses DCC as the basis, utilising NCE system equipment. The NCE equipment is augmented by the use of a Raspberry Pi computer running applications including JMRI, WiThrottle and WiFi to provide members with access to and control of the trains. Certain non DCC equipped components are made DCC capable by the use of Arduino microcontrollers.
Operators can use Smart phones to run their trains – both iPhones using the WiThrottle application or Android phones using the Engine Driver application are supported. Traditional control using NCE handheld devices (tethered or radio) is also available. This means that operators are not tied to operating their trains from inside the layout; they can walk around the outside and follow the progress of their trains.
Operators connect to the system using smart phones first access the system by connection to the private WiFi, then to the Raspberry Pi computer which acts the server. Once configured, these operations occur automatically when the operator comes into the vicinity of the layout.
Once connected an operator can access a pre-configured locomotive roster, search for their locomotive by a unique identifier and upon selecting that locomotive be provided with a view and access to all of their locomotive’s “functions” available. Provision for multiple heading (consisting of locomotives) is also catered for, which is important as a trip over the Blue Mountains often requires multiple locomotives to scale the grades encountered.
Each operator can then select a route upon which they intend the train to travel. Blue Mountains’ has over 100 points and X-overs so individual point selection to get from A to B is cumbersome. By using the pre-defined routes available and visible from their smart phones the operator can select their current location and the next location they want to get to with one touch of the phone and all of the points and x-overs on that route will change to allow the operation to proceed. It is also possible to select location to location via alternate paths i.e. via refuges or sidings instead of the main lines.
To allow for the wide range of routes that can be used, using their smart phones the operators are able to filter the available routes to their particular requirements to simplify their route selections.
The layout is configured into multiple DCC sections to avoid an electrical problem in one area affecting other areas. To provide quick detection, “track shorted” indicators are visible such that operators can see if their train is causing or affected by an electrical issue. This assists operators in understanding their need to comply with the electrical aspects of operation.
Signalling is being added to the layout and some instances are already in place. All of the signals will be activated / cleared by train detection systems such as block sensors, point direction detection or train location sensors. The signalling will eventually be integrated into JMRI Panel Pro to provide on smart phone visibility of the signal aspects helping operators run their train prototypically and safely.
Control Panels are being introduced. Panels mounted in the more complex operating areas are being added to allow localised activation and visual indication of routes and functions such a un-couplers; this will particularly aid in shunting, double heading and turntable operations.
When NSRMA adopted this approach to leverage technology, it was not sure if it would be widely adopted by the members. NSRMA has found that over 95% of the active members now successfully operate their trains using their smart phones as their preferred means – so quite a success and an indicator that further technology advancements should be pursued.