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johnrm174 edited this page Feb 17, 2025 · 10 revisions

model-railway-signalling

A DCC model railway signalling application written in Python, enabling automated and interlocked layout signalling schemes to be designed and configured via the UI without the need to write any code. The application is primarily intended for the Raspberry Pi, but will also run on other platforms (albeit without some of the Raspberry-Pi specific interfacing functions).

  • Enables layout schematics to be created with signals, points, track sections and block instruments.
  • Supports automation of signals based on track occupancy and state of signals on the route ahead.
  • Supports "one touch" configuration of routes (signals and points) with route highlighting.
  • Supports virtual DCC switches on the schematic for the control of other DCC layout accessories.
  • Includes virtual Levers for full signal box simulation (and integration with external physical levers)
  • Supports most types of UK colour light signals, semaphore signals, and ground signals.
  • Interfaces with the Pi-SPROG DCC command station to drive the signals and points out on the layout.
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi GPIO inputs to provide train detection in support of signalling automation.
  • Incorporates MQTT networking to allow multiple signalling applications to be linked for larger layouts.
  • Supports virtual Block Instruments (with networking)for coordinating movements between signal boxes
  • Provides a Public API to support custom layout control interfaces.

Example Screenshot

Configured / pre-installed systems are now available to purchase from: https://www.model-railway-signalling.co.uk/ The website also included a number of user guides that can be downloaded (in PDF format).

My youTube channel also has a number of videos demonstrating the use of the application: https://www.youtube.com/@DCCModelRailwaySignalling

What's new for Release 5.0.0:

Important

Release 5.0.0 is the last release that will support layout files created by Release 4.9.x or earlier. It is therefore crucial that all users upgrade to this release and then update (by loading and saving) all layout files to ensure compatibility going forward - You have been warned!

  • 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.
    • Seperate levers can be assigned to a point's blades and Facing Point Lock (FPL).
    • Seperate levers can be asigned 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.

Example Screenshot2

Bug reports and feedback is welcome and appreciated:

  • What aspects are intuitive? What aspects aren't?
  • What aspects do you particularly like?
  • What aspects particularly irritate you?
  • What new features would you like to see?

email: [email protected] (if reporting bugs then please attach the sig file, application logs and any relevant screenshots)

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