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Automated computer dispatcher program MRH forum help
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Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade
Sitting on my back porch having nightly libation while listening to my railroad scanner on my Ipad of RR action in the Jacksonville, FL area and had an idea (a rare thing!). For solo operations it would be neat if I had a way to use a radio interfacing with a computer program (PC, Ipad,whatever) that ran an automated program to imitate a live dispatcher. Maybe something like this: (Me on radio) "Dispatch this is train 123 South bound holding at Hoovertown awaiting your instructions."............(Computer Dispatcher) "Train 123 proceed to Makers Mark, take the siding there and advise when you arrive." (Me) Repeat the instructions to the computer dispatcher and head to Makers Mark siding. Of course the trains / cars/ work would need to be set up to work properly with the computer dispatcher. Want some extra fun? - add some randomness to the computer program dispatcher on what it told you to do! OK - I had the idea....... Now you guys flesh it out and figure how to make it work. With voice recognition and all of the brain power out there I'm sure we can come up with something!!!

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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David Husman dave1905 MRH Author 9,887 posts
David Husman dave1905

Automated dispatching

Automated dispatching that actually dispatches (can dynamically plan to different situations and can proactively route trains) is amazingly difficult to do.  For example it was estimated that using a method that evaluate possible dispatching options on a real class 1 railroad would take about 100 years per planning cycle using typical main frame computers.  Granted a model railroad would have fewer options and wouldn't have to take a lot of things into account (hours of service, track patrols, etc), but it would not be a trivial excercise.  Simulators can handle one "human"  operated train but it controls the other trains.  Add in several human operators and it way more complex.

Dave Husman

Visit my website :  https://wnbranch.com/

Blog index:  Dave Husman Blog Index
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Not that smart of dispatcher

Dave, thanks for your input. I wasn't thinking of an artificial intelligence type program , but one that followed what the operator would normally do but introduced "another person" for the solo operator. So let's say I would normally go to A, then B, Then C and then D locations. The computer program would just introduce some hold / timing variables to the experience. So, we've heard why it can't be done so let's hear if it can be done!

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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John C H Active Member 38 posts
John C H

Yes and it is free

Rick

Time to start investigating JMRI. With the proper feedback from your layout, sensors etc, JMRI is perfectly capable of what you want to do.

I am in the process of eventually doing just what you are thinking. The computer, through JMRI, will auto-run one or two trains while I am at a location doing a switcher operation. I will be able to have trains hold at a location so that I could then manually take over to drop and pickup cars then send it on its way under automatic function.

With JMRI, the potential is endless.

 

John Houghton

Collingwood, ON

 Canada 
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Stoker Regular poster 224 posts
Stoker

CATrain

There is something called CATrain. It can control your layout with your PC. I heard about this on a Railroad Tycoon site. The program looks like Atari graphics, but it does actually work. It involves handmaking PCB control circuits and such, so it is not for the casual MRR guy.

 

 
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Now the juices are flowing!

Thanks for the ideas. I'm not really looking to automate the running of the layout, but only have a computerized "parter" to interact with during operating. I could use JMRI to randomize the running of my doodlebug.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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robteed Frequent poster 865 posts
robteed

JMRI

Hi Rick,

I think JMRI is your starting point. Using a script you could have Soundpro play a prerecorded sound at any point in your run. It could be a timed event or triggered with sensors. I think it would be pretty easy to achieve. I encourage you to look into JMRI and post your results on MRH.

 

Rob Teed

Railyard Productions

http://www.youtube.com/user/dreambuilders48808?feature=mhee

http://www.modelrailroadtech.com

http://railyardproductions.com
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David Husman dave1905 MRH Author 9,887 posts
David Husman dave1905

Solo operation

If you are the only one on the railroad all you need is A to Z, skip A to B, B to C, C to D, etc.

Dave Husman

Visit my website :  https://wnbranch.com/

Blog index:  Dave Husman Blog Index
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robteed Frequent poster 865 posts
robteed

Check this out

Rob Teed

Railyard Productions

http://www.youtube.com/user/dreambuilders48808?feature=mhee

http://www.modelrailroadtech.com

http://railyardproductions.com
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