XtrkCAD - JMRI conversion utility

What is JMRI?

JMRI is a suite of tools for model railroad computer control. Written in Java, JMRI can be used on different platforms and, being licensed under GNU General Public License, it is free. You can use the application programs included in JMRI to easily program DCC decoders and to control your layout through a wide choice of DCC Command Stations and interfaces. You may even modify the programs to suit your needs or use the JMRI API as a starting point to develop your own solution. Additional information is available on the JMRI Web Site∞.

Layout control with JMRI

The PanelPro™∞ application, included in JMRI, can display a scheme of the layout on the computer screen, showing the status of turnouts, signals and tracks. Occupied tracks are shown in different colors and turnouts and signals can be operated by clicking on their icons. Operations can be automated by means of the embedded logic or using scripts. For detailed information please visit the PanelPro™ Web Page∞.
Even if PanelPro™∞ provides the facility to create and edit the scheme, either using libraries of icons (Panel Editor), either drawing it with mouse-strokes (Layout Editor), importing the design created with XTrkCAD is a quick alternative to set up the scheme, especially if a faithful scaled representation is desired.

Using XtrkCadReader

The program XtrkCadReader reads XTC files created by XtrkCAD and converts them to XML files that JMRI can read. The program and detailed instructions for its use can be freely downloaded from the XtrkCadReader Web Page∞. During the conversion, the program tries to replace track elements found in the XTC file with those available in JMRI Layout Editor and optionally breaks down the layout into different blocks, in accordance with the position of Block Gaps defined in XtrkCAD or of turnouts.

Reading the XML file with JMRI

The XML file produced by XtrkCadReader can be read with PanelPro™∞, or JmriDemo programs (both included in JMRI), by selecting the Load panels option in the Panels menu. The file is open in edit mode and can be modified by selecting and dragging the various track elements or their end points, as explained in the Layout Editor∞ Web Page.

Completing the panel

Creating a visual representation of the layout is only the first step to build a control panel. Once you are satisfied with the scheme and its blocks subdivision, you must:

• Link turnouts with their physical interface;
• Link blocks with occupancy sensors;
• Place on the panel signals and other details;
• Specify the logic controlling the aspect of signals and/or position of turnouts;
• Develop, if you wish, scripts to implement more complex automation actions.

Providing guidance in the above steps is beyond the purpose of this Web page. For detailed explanations please refer to the JMRI Layout Editor∞ Web Page.

Examples

XtrkCad layout scheme (from Arnold Rapido Gleisanlagen 2, pages 89-91)

JMRI panel obtained with XtrkCadReader, shown in edit mode

Small circles mark the center of track elements, green squares mark connected end point and red squares unconnected ones. Hidden tracks are shown as thin lines.

XtrkCad layout scheme using Code 80 Atlas N track

JMRI panel obtained with XtrkCadReader, shown in operations mode

Occupied blocks are shown in red.