Release 5.0.0

New Features in Release 5.0.0:

• Major update of documentation to cover new application features
• Full documentation is now packaged with the application (Menubar => Help => Docs)
• Example layout files are now packaged with the application (Menubar => File => Examples)
• New 'Signalbox Levers' feature - enables you to achieve a fully prototypical simulation of a signalbox:
  • Levers can be added to the schematic and 'connected' to the signals and points they control.
  • Separate levers can be assigned to a point's blades and Facing Point Lock (FPL).
  • Separate levers can be assigned to each signal 'route' (i.e. semaphore signal arm or colour light signal route).
  • Full interlocking is preserved, with a clear indication on the Signalbox lever as to the state of the interlocking.
• Keyboard 'keycode' events can be mapped to Signalbox Levers:
  • Enables easy integration with physical levers (such as the DCC Concepts S lever) via readily available keyboard encoders.
  • Interlocking can either be preserved (recommended) or disabled (if you want the signals/points to reflect the state of the physical levers).
  • Options are provide to display pop-up warnings if the user switches an external lever is switched whilst the lever is locked.
• Schematic Object bulk renumbering utility:
  • An easy way to consolidate your Signal, Point and Signalbox Lever numbering
  • Most other schematic object types can also be renumbered as required
• Improvements to the operation of Momentary DCC Switches:
  • DCC Commands can now be specified for both the 'press' and 'release' events
  • A fixed 'release delay' can now be specified to 'hold' the momentary switch on
• New SPROG DCC Address Mode settings option - to cater for the 'DCC Address offsets of 4' issue sometimes experienced when transitioning from one DCC System to another (where the NMRA specification has been interpreted differently by different DCC system manufacturers/suppliers)
• The 'Reset Layout' function now preserves track occupancy and incorporates a user-configurable switching delay so point and signal changes can now be sequenced (to avoid overloading the DCC accessory bus on larger layouts which may require a large number of points and/or signals to be reset back to their default states).
• Improved display of Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD warnings) - subsequent warnings are now added to the existing pop-up window (rather than appearing in a new pop-up). This can now be left open without affecting the normal operation of the application.
• GPIO sensor events (e.g. 'signal passed', 'sensor passed' etc) are now only processed in Run Mode.
• Bugfix to Block Instruments sound file selection (due to breaking change in 'importlib' package).
• Bugfix to the display of validation messages in the 'settings' windows on Apply/OK.

Other 'under the hood' changes:

• Major refactoring of sub-packages to improve overall package structure
• Major refactoring of common UI elements to improve supportability going forward
• Review and update of system tests to increase overall code coverage