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Some more thinking on a few things.
Well for start the control system. I have one DVR member intensly interested in making his own control system. But all he will achieve will be his own version of the CMRI and DCC. The member is very cluey, but hasn't got far. Nothing physical to show, after 2 years. I am wondering if he should be better to work on the small areas , and assist in the installation of the technology. In other words help make a CMRI, and help install the DCC system, Thus I achieve what I need at the time I need it. It is the old build/design it yourself, or just use a proven system. |
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On to further thoughs. This has come about because of a series of four articles by Bruce Chubb in MOdel Railroader jan-apr 2004. These "super MiniNodes" sound very interesting indeed. Does the control system have to be centralised, or can it be distributed ? That's what I'm showing in the above diagram. A Centralised system invlolves alot of wires comming back to literally one spot. A distributed system spreads the load around the railway, using those mini nodes on the serial network. Both system rely on the computer to drive the system, these mini nodes are not seperate computers working by themselves. This further influnces me, since I have a computer for the project anyhow. I also think, like Bruce describes in his series that concentrated area lead themself to the CMRI full implimentation. Remember I am planning a CTC PC and a cab simulator. both units will be physically upstairs. That means I will have to run cables upstairs. The iuntention is to reduce the amount of wores heading up. One way is of course to network some PC's. THis is a serious option, in having the PC in the train room to control the DCC & serial mini nodes. Then there would be one upstairs driving the Cab. Another would drive the CTC panel (though if they could be combined to use one PC that would save resources.) T would also mean I can develop on my normal PC and control the network. One idea that can result out of this is a virtual CTC PC. While the CTC PC handles the trian on the real layout, a virtual CTC running on say my normal PC could represent mainline off stage. For instance CTC panel sends a train off the layout into staging. But the signal appears on the virtual CTC as that computer simulates more of the railway. Similarly a physical train cannot come out of stageing until it is passed through the virtual territory and handed to the CTC panel. Another delevelopment is the interest to help. Many a person has expressed a desire to help. This is turning me into more of a workplace manager, where I do not do all the work, but manage work for others to do. It is a weird feeling as you have to look after them, and ensure there is something for all to do - I haven't achieved that with the few work bees I have had. I even have people not currently in my orbit of friends wanting to help. Do I refuse them , or will I gain more friends ? That's all for now. |
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Page written & maintained by David Head.david@nmit.vic.edu.au