Hi Bob, This is a grand set of step by step tutorials, I am a newbie to iTrain for controlling my layout and this is a real smooth way to learn all of its highly capabable functions, thank you.
Video #5 is now published. It covers creating a new switchboard layout and operating turnouts manually using the switchboard. Note: in the video I use the APPLY button to save the changes before exiting. You can also use the SAVE button to do the same thing, with the added benefit that it also saves the changes to the .tcdz file, so it is perhaps a safer method than the APPLY button. I also tried to experiment with various different types of mouse cursor to make it easier to follow the mouse movements, but the other cursors were worse!! So I will stay with the one shown.
Thank Bob for all these videos on itrain, I am such a complete newbie, that I have not even laid track yet. I did not want to lay track and then learn I should have done something else first. My question to you is, if I buy itrain now and then start to build my track an I specify my layout size in itrain first so I don’t design outside of my physical space. I.e keep it all within 2.44mitres and 1.2mitres.
@@adrianjoss1 yes, that’s fine. I am doing the same. I haven’t physically built my main layout yet (too busy creating tutorials!! :)) The switchboard layout diagram does not need to be an exact copy of your physical layout. It is just a representation of it. Even the block lengths don’t need to be exact to begin with. You can always change the block lengths later when the physical layout has been built.
@@adrianjoss1 Yes, that is fine. I have done the same. I haven't built my main physical layout yet, either (too busy making tutorials!!). The layout drawing that you create on the switchboard in iTrain does not have to perfectly match your physical layout - it just needs to be a simplified representation of it. Even the physical lengths of the blocks (track) do not have to be perfect measurements of the physical layout. You can alter the block lengths later when you know exactly what they are.
Hi Bob, I just watched your first 5 video's and i'm very impressed, I want to upgrade my layout later in year with main station Sheffield Midland, but cost maybe an issue I use DCCEX and being a member of MERG I can get kits which I think will keep cost down a bit but I beleive there flag ship Cbus doesnt work with iTrain but I dont think that will be an issue if I can get Current sensors and Arduino and PCA9685 to work for points ... Regards John
Hi John, Yes that is correct, iTrain does not currently interface with Cbus. If you like using the Arduino, have you concidered the Acromora solutions?
Hi Bob! Thanks for the comment on my video the other day! I've been watching these since - very useful. Would love to see a video on the hardware set up too!
Hi Richard. Nice to see you on the channel. Yes, l'd like to do a video on the hardware set up. I will see what I can do once I've finished the tutorials.
The next video, hopefully published this weekend, will be a follow-on about the Switchboard editor. Then the video after that will start talking about blocks and automation, so hopefully published a week from this Saturday.
I might see if I can include it in one of the next few videos about Aspect Accessories. Otherwise, make a post on the iTrain forum. It will be easier to answer it there.
Hi Bob. Have spent the last 3 days enthralled by your excellent videos. I'm new to computer control so watching you explain is fantastic. Before you go much further in the tutorials may I ask you demonstrate how to wire block detection, point motors and signals etc. and how you program itrain to recognise the individual board and then individual blocks/points/lights etc. as this is all a mystery to me. Mel from Australia
Hi Mel. Welcome to you down under. I have a sister in Adelaide. Glad you are enjoying the tutorials. Yes, automation can suck you in and add a completely new dimension to things. You've made an interesting request, but there are already 26 tutorials published, so when you say "before you go much further..." perhaps that milestone has been passed. Demonstrating how to wire block detection, point motors and signals, etc, really depends on which DCC equipment you are using. Is your current layout DC or DCC? If it's DCC what Command Station are you using? If you can start with providing this information, I may then be able to better answer your request, but ultimately, I am committed on a path of completing the iTrain tutorials, so will not be producing any wiring tutorials in the near future. There are a lot of videos on TH-cam which show how to wire up different brands of DCC equipment, and each manufacturer has their own documentation to show how their equipment should be wired. But, if you can tell me which DCC Command Station you have, I may be able to give you some pointers (and maybe even send you a wiring diagram). As you are new to computer control, my strong advice would be to build a small test layout, similar to the one shown in the tutorials - just a basic oval with some sidings. Or find a section in your existing layout that forms a similar oval with sidings, and that you can isolate from the rest of the layout. Keep things simple and basic to begin with, and then build up your skills step by step, similar to the way that the tutorials have have evolved. The biggest mistake you could make is to jump right in with a complex layout and expect everything to work - it won't, and finding problems in a complex system will just lead to frustrations.
Bob What a fantastic reply, thank you. I live in Adelaide but cannot say I have ever met your sister!!!!! I have no layout! I got into DCC 18yrs ago but had to give it all away due to personal circumstances! But I still wish to start again. Having watched endless Railway videos it is somewhat confusing watching various people provide their own take, and equipment preferences. Charlie Bishop’s videos, using Digitrax, provide such clarity but even some of his older techniques/videos and equipment choices are now outdated, given technology advances, which is why I’m looking at what’s available and why today. I most certainly am looking at a small “Test Layout” to learn the theory and wire so I understand the basics. Your Itrain videos are so logical and show, in my opinion, how user friendly this system is, even to a computer dinosaur like me. Cobalt point motors (appear more flexible than the tortoise I had previously) and a very cheap Digitrax control system appear the way to go to start with, appreciating there are various and maybe cheaper options for pwr distribution/block detection/ signal control but it is the understanding of how to control these devices and program the individual components I wish to master on my starter layout using computer control. I’m up to date with your tutorials, and sent my request at re watching video 5 as you asked if anyone was interested in seeing the mechanics, but still request you show how to import control boards etc into Itrains and how these are controlled on a real layout and not just in the “Dummy mode”. This would give me a much clearer concept of what I am attempting to achieve from the outset. Once again many thanks for your response and as a new subscriber look forward, a lot, to watching what comes in the future Mel
Yes, I understand the need, Mel, and I was a little surprised that there wasn't any takers for a video about this. Hence, we moved on. I think the reason is because the wiring side is so dependant on the system that you opt to go for. Once, the iTrain tutorials are completed I would still like to produce a tutorial about the hardware, but if I do, it will be based on the Digikeijs range, just because it is what I know, and there are a lot of users of Digikeijs stuff in the UK. It is fairly state of the art, has an attractive price point, and is well supported by suppliers such as James at DCCTRAINAUTOMATION. From iTrains point of view, the set up of the hardware is fairly straightforward. You set up the Command Station, as per tutorial #3, except you would select your Command Station from the Type list instead of the DR5000 that I show in the tutorial. From then on, it's more or less just a case of selecting the same interface from the drop down menus when you set up your feedbacks and turnouts, etc. This is covered in the tutorials. There is no "importing of control boards etc into iTrain." As long as your command station is supported by iTrain, iTrain sorts out the communications with your accessory controllers and feedback controllers via the command station. I have no experience of using Digitrax, so I wouldn't be able offer any advise on that system. Others on the iTrain forum would though, so it would be worth making a post there if you need more help.
Hi Bob so far so good but I have a 3 way point and two double slips have you done a video on how to set them up in Switchboard? and if so what number is it? Thanks Derek
Hi Derek. Actually, no I haven't made a video about this. I will add it to the list of things to do, but it probably won't be this year. So, in the meantime, either search the forum and read the posts there, or open a new question. There are plently of people that will help you. Make sure you attach your layout file to your post. You will get the best responses if you attach your layout file, no matter how incomplete it is.
Hi Bob. Really enjoying the videos. Like many I have found them extremely useful. However, I have a problem with turnouts. After setting them up I tested them and found the turnout on the track does not reflect what Itrain is displaying. Do you or others no why?
Hi Phillip Glad you are enjoying the tutorials. To resolve your problem, go into the Switchboard editor, double-click on the turnout in question, then change the "Initial State" setting so that it matches the state of the turnout when the layout is powered on. Hopefully, that will fix it.
Hi Bob, I did a simple design of my layout with 8 switches, 6 of them work correctly, and 2 work reversed to the other six. Any idea, please? I use ITrain 5 and I love it. Thanks for your tutorials!
Sorry for the late reply, I have only just seen this. Is this now resolved? The best place to get a response is on the iTrain forum. You will need to attach your .tcdz layout file so we can see what is going on.
Hi Bob. You say in video 5 that I can send you message if I need to see how I connect and configure the hardware for turnout's on a test layout, I use Selectrix LokControl 2000 and Central Control 66800. Please Allan
Hi Allan, My comment in the video was about sending me a comment if you would like me to make a video about how to hook up the DigiKeijs equipment that I was using in the test layout. I do not have any experience of using the Selextrix equipment, but it is supported by iTrain. If you have questions about using your Selectrix equipment with iTrain, place a post on the iTrain forum. I am sure there will be other people who will be able to help you.
If you decide to upgrade to iTrain 5 (which I would recommend) then you MUST install iTrain 4.1.16 which is a free upgrade for all iTrain v4 licenced users. If you fo not install that upgrade then you will not be able to open your layout in V5. I also recommend that yoi install iTrain 4.1.16 even if you do not wish to upgrade as it contains many bug fixes and several enhancements over the version that you are presently running.
Hi I am thinking of automating my layout, I use digitrax dcs240 command station and dcc concepts accessory decoders to control the points. Do I need loconet accessory decoders to automate them in Itrain or can they be controlled through the command station as I do now? Thanks
Hi Robert, The DCS240 and the DCC Concepts accessory decoders will be fine to get you started. Just use a USB cable to connect between a PC and the DCS240. That will allow iTrain to talk to the DCS240 and operate the turnouts. This will allow you to either set the turnouts manually by clicking on the turnouts within iTrain, or allow you to set Track Routes within iTrain which will set a series of turnouts at a click of a button. Track routes will allow you to set certain turnouts to form a route, and then drive the train manually either using iTrains' throttle or your own throttle. So you will need to drive the trains manually, but iTrain will operate the turnouts. If you want to fully automate the control of the trains themselves, you will need to add feedback sensors to the layout. That can be done later. To use the DCS240 within iTrain, you will need to apply for the free 30 day trial license or purchase the iTrain license. This is due to a licensing requirement from Digitrax (i think they are the only manufacture that does this). The free trial license gives you access to everything in iTrain, including support for Digitrax. The ordinary demo license does not support Digitrax controllers and has other limitations in its use. So, apply for the trial license if you have not already done so.
@@bobfuller Thanks very much to your quick reply. This is very helpful. Glad I don't have to replace my accessory decoders, I just need to get some feedback sensors. Your videos are very useful and clear to understand, looking forward to trying this out now! Thanks again
Ive started to follow this iTrain series and I’m finding it very helpful, thank you I have encountered 1 problem which I can’t seem to solve. That is I have one turn out that throws the wrong way and isn’t therefore synchronised with iTrain. I’m sure its something simple but how do I solve this problem.
Hi Ian - Try the following. Right-click on the turnout in the main window, and click on Properties in the menu. In the Turnout Properties window, select the State Mapping tab. Right-click on the Straight or Branch and select swap outputs.
@@bobfuller that’s worked fine. It’s been driving me mad all afternoon. One other thing. I’m using the 2 months trial software and it’s worked fine off line following your series. I then built a small test track and again all went well. I’m now on to my main layout which has directly powered electro frog turnouts I’ve wired these into my feedback unit but I’m not sure how to handle this on iTrain’s. Can you point me in the right direction please.
@@ianhinde8870 it sounds like you are making very good progress. It is very difficult to answer your question via the TH-cam comments, here. We really need to see your layout file. So, please post your question on the iTrain forum and attach your layout file (.tcdz file) to your post. See page 189 of the manual for more info on how to do this. We should then be able to help you.
Moin Bob!
Thank again for another good Video. Lesson 5 done! 😊
Cheers Emma
Hi Bob, This is a grand set of step by step tutorials, I am a newbie to iTrain for controlling my layout and this is a real smooth way to learn all of its highly capabable functions, thank you.
Thank you. More to come in the new year. I'm taking a break over Christmas.
Hi Bob. Thanks for the excellent tutorials on Itrain. Would love to see a video on installing the hardware.
Video #5 is now published. It covers creating a new switchboard layout and operating turnouts manually using the switchboard.
Note: in the video I use the APPLY button to save the changes before exiting. You can also use the SAVE button to do the same thing, with the added benefit that it also saves the changes to the .tcdz file, so it is perhaps a safer method than the APPLY button.
I also tried to experiment with various different types of mouse cursor to make it easier to follow the mouse movements, but the other cursors were worse!! So I will stay with the one shown.
Thank Bob for all these videos on itrain, I am such a complete newbie, that I have not even laid track yet. I did not want to lay track and then learn I should have done something else first. My question to you is, if I buy itrain now and then start to build my track an I specify my layout size in itrain first so I don’t design outside of my physical space. I.e keep it all within 2.44mitres and 1.2mitres.
@@adrianjoss1 yes, that’s fine. I am doing the same. I haven’t physically built my main layout yet (too busy creating tutorials!! :))
The switchboard layout diagram does not need to be an exact copy of your physical layout. It is just a representation of it. Even the block lengths don’t need to be exact to begin with. You can always change the block lengths later when the physical layout has been built.
@@adrianjoss1 Yes, that is fine. I have done the same. I haven't built my main physical layout yet, either (too busy making tutorials!!). The layout drawing that you create on the switchboard in iTrain does not have to perfectly match your physical layout - it just needs to be a simplified representation of it. Even the physical lengths of the blocks (track) do not have to be perfect measurements of the physical layout. You can alter the block lengths later when you know exactly what they are.
Great Videos just what I need . I have just purchased a DR 5000 And am planning a Shuttle Layout You are doing great work. Thanks .
Awesome, thank you!
Another excellent video. Very succinct and easy to follow. Congrats.
Much appreciated!
Brilliant. Thank you for these I'm learning iTrain at the moment and these videos are a real help. Thank you
Great to hear!
Thank you for these videos, very useful, looking forward to the next ones
Glad you like them!
Hi Bob, I just watched your first 5 video's and i'm very impressed, I want to upgrade my layout later in year with main station Sheffield Midland, but cost maybe an issue I use DCCEX and being a member of MERG I can get kits which I think will keep cost down a bit but I beleive there flag ship Cbus doesnt work with iTrain but I dont think that will be an issue if I can get Current sensors and Arduino and PCA9685 to work for points ... Regards John
Hi John, Yes that is correct, iTrain does not currently interface with Cbus. If you like using the Arduino, have you concidered the Acromora solutions?
Really helpful, thank you Bob for creating this series! 👍
No worries!
Thanks for this Bob. Much appreciated. Keith
Hi Bob! Thanks for the comment on my video the other day! I've been watching these since - very useful. Would love to see a video on the hardware set up too!
Hi Richard. Nice to see you on the channel. Yes, l'd like to do a video on the hardware set up. I will see what I can do once I've finished the tutorials.
Looking forward to the video on blocks and automation as this is my next challenge.
The next video, hopefully published this weekend, will be a follow-on about the Switchboard editor. Then the video after that will start talking about blocks and automation, so hopefully published a week from this Saturday.
Could you demonstrate the properties input for a double slip crossing
I might see if I can include it in one of the next few videos about Aspect Accessories. Otherwise, make a post on the iTrain forum. It will be easier to answer it there.
Hi Bob. Have spent the last 3 days enthralled by your excellent videos. I'm new to computer control so watching you explain is fantastic. Before you go much further in the tutorials may I ask you demonstrate how to wire block detection, point motors and signals etc. and how you program itrain to recognise the individual board and then individual blocks/points/lights etc. as this is all a mystery to me. Mel from Australia
Hi Mel. Welcome to you down under. I have a sister in Adelaide. Glad you are enjoying the tutorials.
Yes, automation can suck you in and add a completely new dimension to things. You've made an interesting request, but there are already 26 tutorials published, so when you say "before you go much further..." perhaps that milestone has been passed.
Demonstrating how to wire block detection, point motors and signals, etc, really depends on which DCC equipment you are using.
Is your current layout DC or DCC?
If it's DCC what Command Station are you using?
If you can start with providing this information, I may then be able to better answer your request, but ultimately, I am committed on a path of completing the iTrain tutorials, so will not be producing any wiring tutorials in the near future.
There are a lot of videos on TH-cam which show how to wire up different brands of DCC equipment, and each manufacturer has their own documentation to show how their equipment should be wired. But, if you can tell me which DCC Command Station you have, I may be able to give you some pointers (and maybe even send you a wiring diagram).
As you are new to computer control, my strong advice would be to build a small test layout, similar to the one shown in the tutorials - just a basic oval with some sidings. Or find a section in your existing layout that forms a similar oval with sidings, and that you can isolate from the rest of the layout. Keep things simple and basic to begin with, and then build up your skills step by step, similar to the way that the tutorials have have evolved. The biggest mistake you could make is to jump right in with a complex layout and expect everything to work - it won't, and finding problems in a complex system will just lead to frustrations.
Bob
What a fantastic reply, thank you. I live in Adelaide but cannot say I have ever met your sister!!!!!
I have no layout! I got into DCC 18yrs ago but had to give it all away due to personal circumstances! But I still wish to start again. Having watched endless Railway videos it is somewhat confusing watching various people provide their own take, and equipment preferences.
Charlie Bishop’s videos, using Digitrax, provide such clarity but even some of his older techniques/videos and equipment choices are now outdated, given technology advances, which is why I’m looking at what’s available and why today.
I most certainly am looking at a small “Test Layout” to learn the theory and wire so I understand the basics.
Your Itrain videos are so logical and show, in my opinion, how user friendly this system is, even to a computer dinosaur like me.
Cobalt point motors (appear more flexible than the tortoise I had previously) and a very cheap Digitrax control system appear the way to go to start with, appreciating there are various and maybe cheaper options for pwr distribution/block detection/ signal control but it is the understanding of how to control these devices and program the individual components I wish to master on my starter layout using computer control.
I’m up to date with your tutorials, and sent my request at re watching video 5 as you asked if anyone was interested in seeing the mechanics, but still request you show how to import control boards etc into Itrains and how these are controlled on a real layout and not just in the “Dummy mode”. This would give me a much clearer concept of what I am attempting to achieve from the outset.
Once again many thanks for your response and as a new subscriber look forward, a lot, to watching what comes in the future
Mel
Yes, I understand the need, Mel, and I was a little surprised that there wasn't any takers for a video about this. Hence, we moved on. I think the reason is because the wiring side is so dependant on the system that you opt to go for.
Once, the iTrain tutorials are completed I would still like to produce a tutorial about the hardware, but if I do, it will be based on the Digikeijs range, just because it is what I know, and there are a lot of users of Digikeijs stuff in the UK. It is fairly state of the art, has an attractive price point, and is well supported by suppliers such as James at DCCTRAINAUTOMATION.
From iTrains point of view, the set up of the hardware is fairly straightforward. You set up the Command Station, as per tutorial #3, except you would select your Command Station from the Type list instead of the DR5000 that I show in the tutorial. From then on, it's more or less just a case of selecting the same interface from the drop down menus when you set up your feedbacks and turnouts, etc. This is covered in the tutorials. There is no "importing of control boards etc into iTrain." As long as your command station is supported by iTrain, iTrain sorts out the communications with your accessory controllers and feedback controllers via the command station.
I have no experience of using Digitrax, so I wouldn't be able offer any advise on that system. Others on the iTrain forum would though, so it would be worth making a post there if you need more help.
Hi Bob so far so good but I have a 3 way point and two double slips have you done a video on how to set them up in Switchboard? and if so what number is it? Thanks Derek
Hi Derek. Actually, no I haven't made a video about this. I will add it to the list of things to do, but it probably won't be this year. So, in the meantime, either search the forum and read the posts there, or open a new question. There are plently of people that will help you. Make sure you attach your layout file to your post. You will get the best responses if you attach your layout file, no matter how incomplete it is.
Hi Bob.
Really enjoying the videos. Like many I have found them extremely useful. However, I have a problem with turnouts. After setting them up I tested them and found the turnout on the track does not reflect what Itrain is displaying. Do you or others no why?
Hi Phillip
Glad you are enjoying the tutorials. To resolve your problem, go into the Switchboard editor, double-click on the turnout in question, then change the "Initial State" setting so that it matches the state of the turnout when the layout is powered on. Hopefully, that will fix it.
Hi Bob, I did a simple design of my layout with 8 switches, 6 of them work correctly, and 2 work reversed to the other six. Any idea, please? I use ITrain 5 and I love it. Thanks for your tutorials!
Sorry for the late reply, I have only just seen this. Is this now resolved? The best place to get a response is on the iTrain forum. You will need to attach your .tcdz layout file so we can see what is going on.
Hi Bob.
You say in video 5 that I can send you message if I need to see how I connect and configure the hardware for turnout's on a test layout, I use Selectrix LokControl 2000 and Central Control 66800.
Please
Allan
Hi Allan,
My comment in the video was about sending me a comment if you would like me to make a video about how to hook up the DigiKeijs equipment that I was using in the test layout. I do not have any experience of using the Selextrix equipment, but it is supported by iTrain. If you have questions about using your Selectrix equipment with iTrain, place a post on the iTrain forum. I am sure there will be other people who will be able to help you.
Hi Bob did you do a video on making your Test Track? The Physical one?
Thanks so much for these excellent videos
Steve
No, I only received 2-3 requests. But I may be doing so in a new tutorial series coming later. But it will be a few months.
@@bobfuller I’ve just received a YD 6016LN-CS and YD8116 🙂
Good.
Thanks
could you tell me what vershion of itrain you are using i vershion 4.1.0 thanks derek
Version 5.0.4
If you decide to upgrade to iTrain 5 (which I would recommend) then you MUST install iTrain 4.1.16 which is a free upgrade for all iTrain v4 licenced users. If you fo not install that upgrade then you will not be able to open your layout in V5. I also recommend that yoi install iTrain 4.1.16 even if you do not wish to upgrade as it contains many bug fixes and several enhancements over the version that you are presently running.
Hi I am thinking of automating my layout, I use digitrax dcs240 command station and dcc concepts accessory decoders to control the points. Do I need loconet accessory decoders to automate them in Itrain or can they be controlled through the command station as I do now? Thanks
Hi Robert,
The DCS240 and the DCC Concepts accessory decoders will be fine to get you started. Just use a USB cable to connect between a PC and the DCS240. That will allow iTrain to talk to the DCS240 and operate the turnouts. This will allow you to either set the turnouts manually by clicking on the turnouts within iTrain, or allow you to set Track Routes within iTrain which will set a series of turnouts at a click of a button. Track routes will allow you to set certain turnouts to form a route, and then drive the train manually either using iTrains' throttle or your own throttle.
So you will need to drive the trains manually, but iTrain will operate the turnouts.
If you want to fully automate the control of the trains themselves, you will need to add feedback sensors to the layout. That can be done later.
To use the DCS240 within iTrain, you will need to apply for the free 30 day trial license or purchase the iTrain license. This is due to a licensing requirement from Digitrax (i think they are the only manufacture that does this). The free trial license gives you access to everything in iTrain, including support for Digitrax. The ordinary demo license does not support Digitrax controllers and has other limitations in its use. So, apply for the trial license if you have not already done so.
@@bobfuller Thanks very much to your quick reply. This is very helpful. Glad I don't have to replace my accessory decoders, I just need to get some feedback sensors. Your videos are very useful and clear to understand, looking forward to trying this out now! Thanks again
Ive started to follow this iTrain series and I’m finding it very helpful, thank you
I have encountered 1 problem which I can’t seem to solve.
That is I have one turn out that throws the wrong way and isn’t therefore synchronised with iTrain. I’m sure its something simple but how do I solve this problem.
Hi Ian - Try the following. Right-click on the turnout in the main window, and click on Properties in the menu. In the Turnout Properties window, select the State Mapping tab. Right-click on the Straight or Branch and select swap outputs.
@@bobfuller that’s worked fine. It’s been driving me mad all afternoon.
One other thing. I’m using the 2 months trial software and it’s worked fine off line following your series. I then built a small test track and again all went well. I’m now on to my main layout which has directly powered electro frog turnouts I’ve wired these into my feedback unit but I’m not sure how to handle this on iTrain’s. Can you point me in the right direction please.
@@ianhinde8870 it sounds like you are making very good progress. It is very difficult to answer your question via the TH-cam comments, here. We really need to see your layout file. So, please post your question on the iTrain forum and attach your layout file (.tcdz file) to your post. See page 189 of the manual for more info on how to do this. We should then be able to help you.