Terminating RailControl-server, including stopping all trains
RailControl can be downloaded on the Download-page.
The downloaded archive can be extracted everywhere on the computer.
On Windows the archive has to be extracted in a subdirectory. For example D:\ is not allowed, D:\ModelRailway\ is OK.
Since Debian GNU/Linux 13 “trixie” RailControl is included in Debian. To install, execute in a terminal
sudo apt install railcontrolNote: Debian-specific documentation is located in
the directory /usr/share/doc/railcontrol.
In the extracted archive there is a template of the configuration file (railcontrol.conf.dist). At first start of RailControl it will be copied to railcontrol.conf. Usually it is not needed to change any settings in the config file.
RailControl can be started with a double click on the executable file railcontrol.exe (Windows) respectively railcontrol (other operation systems). To get logging informations from RailControl it is recommended to start RailControl from a console. Also possible is to change the behavior of RailControl with startup arguments.
RailControl should be terminated by entering q+Enter or Ctrl+C in the RailControl-terminal or by using the top left button in the browser.
Important: If the X in the top right of the RailControl-terminal is used some settings are not stored correctly and problems can apear when starting RailControl again.
Entering q+Enter or Ctrl+C in the terminal or using the terminate-button in the browser multiple times will terminate RailControl early. This should only be used if RailControl does not shutdown cleanly.
If RailControl already has started one can connect with a recent Browser. RailControl lists the possible links that can be used in the browser. One of these links can be copied into the browser. Links with localhost, 127.0.0.1 and [::1] only work on the device where RailControl is executed. The other links also work on other devices.
After connecting with the browser, the important functions and configurations can be reached in the menu bar at the top:
These are the functions from left to right:
Terminating RailControl-server, including stopping all trains
Turn on/off current on the track
Stopping all trains immediately (speed zero)
Stopping all trains in automode at the next signal / at end of
street
Putting all trains into automode
Show RailControl in full screen.
CV-Programming. Is only displayed when the control and its API support
it.
On narrow screens the second part of the menu can be made visible.
Configuration of Multiple
Units
RailControl can be started from Windows-Explorer, from a Linux-Explorer or from the command line terminal.
If RailControl is started from the command line there are some options available: –config=ConfigFile Read config file with file name ConfigFile (default ConfigFile: railcontrol.conf)
-d --daemonizeDaemonize RailControl. Implies -s.
--logfile=LogFileWrite a logfile to file LogFile (default LogFile: railcontrol.log). If no logfile is required LogFile has to be empty.
-h --helpShow help with argument descriptions
-s --silentOmit writing to console
To run RailControl correctly, some settings are required.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the setting with
the icon 
:
The language of RailControl can be choosen. All texts will be displayed in this language. Available languages are English, German and Spanish.
The level when actions are logged.
Errors: All serious errors will be logged.
Warnings: Additionally warnings will be logged. Usually a correct execution of RailControl will not be possible any more.
Information: All actions will be logged. This setting is recommended.
Debug: All actions will be logged. Especially if you want to find an error this setting makes sense.
The locomotives can be initialized when starting RailControl. The speed is set to 0 for all locomotives and the functions are set to the last known statuses.
No initialization: The locomotives are not initialized when RailControl is started.
Speed only: The speed of the locomotives is set to 0 when RailControl is started.
Speed and functions: The speed of the locomotives is set to 0 when RailControl is started and the functions are set to the last known states.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Most controls send information about changing feedbacks even if they are not configured by RailControl. RailControl can use this information to automatically configure those feedbacks.
If this option is selected RailControl turns off current and blocks a track if a feedback is activated in a given track but RailControl does not expect a train in this track.
The accessories have to be turned on and after the effective switching turned off again. New accessories can switch within 100ms. Older and inert accessories require 250ms to switch. Some controls handle the switching time itself, so 0ms can be choosen.
when in wrong position: RailControl only sends a switching command to the control center if the accessory item is in the wrong position.
always: RailControl always sends a switching command to the control center, regardless of the position of the accessory item.
In automatic operation RailControl has to choose a route if there are several possibilities. The priority to choose a route can be controlled with different concepts. Routes that are actually used will never be chosen.
Do not care: The chosen route is not important. Usually the first configured route will be chosen.
Random: The route is chosen by random.
Shortest track: The route with the shortest destination track will be chosen.
Longest unused: The route that is not used for the longest time will be chosen.
The number of tracks that will be reserved in automatic operation. If only one route is reserved the train stops at the end of each route.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the controls
with the icon 
:
In the example above there is already a configured control with the name “My Control”.
At the bottom there is a button named “New” to add a new control to the configuration.
Usually there is only one control per model railway layout. For bigger layouts it can make sense to use more then one control, so there is one control for the locomotives, one for the accessories and one for the feedbacks.
Actually RailControl supports the following controls:
To configure an Uhlenbrock Intellibox there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to an Intellibox. At most there can be connected 104 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a Tams MasterControl there has to be selected IP address that was configured on the device. To configure an IP address on the device consult the user’s manual of the MasterControl 2.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a MasterControl 2. At most there can be connected 104 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a Tams MasterControl there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a MasterControl. At most there can be connected 104 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a Tams RedBox there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a RedBox. At most there can be connected 104 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a Fleischmann Twin-Center there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a Twin-Center. At most there can be connected 104 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a Märklin Interface 6050/6051 there has only to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
To configure a CC-Schnitte there has only to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
The new but undocumented connection to a CS2/CS3 with TCP is described here.
There is also an old and documented connection to a Central Station 2/3 with UDP.
At Setup/Configuration/IP there must be entered an IP address and a corresponding netmask. The IP address entered here must be used in the configuration field in RailControl later. IP gateway und DNS server are not used by RailControl, they are only needed for the CS2/CS3 online update.
The name is only used for the user. Especially if there are configured more then one controls it is really needed.
Additionally there has to be configured the IP address of the CS2/CS3:
There is an outgoing connection to the port 15731 of the CS2/CS3 needed. For that usually there is no configuration needed.
The old and documented connection version is UDP. This is described here.
There is a new and undocumented connection verison of the Central Station 2/3 with TCP, which should be prefered.
To use RailControl with a Central Station 2/3 from Märklin with UDP we recommend to use a fix IP address. It is also posible to use DHCP but it is more complex and therefore not explained here.
At Setup/Configuration/IP there must be entered an IP address and a corresponding netmask. The IP address entered here must be used in the configuration field in RailControl later. IP gateway und DNS server are not used by RailControl, they are only needed for the CS2/CS3 online update.
CS2/CS3 has to know how to connect to RailControl. Therefore in the CAN setup theere must be entered broadcast and the IP address of the RailControl server (in this example 192.168.0.99).
The name is only used for the user. Especially if there are configured more then one controls it is really needed.
Additionally there has to be configured the IP address of the CS2/CS3:
A firewall has to pass all data from the RailControl server to the UDP port 15731 of the CS2/CS3. Also all data of the CS2/CS3 has to be allowed from the CS2/CS3 to the RailControl server at UDP port 15730. The first is usually allowed by default, the last has to be allowed in the firewall explicitely. If you have a completely seperated network without internet connection, you can switch off the firewall completely.
RailControl only supports HSI-88-RS232. The USB version is not supported.
To configure a HSI-88 there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a HSI-88. At most there can be connected 62 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
To configure a OpenDCC Z1 there has to be selected the serial port.
Especially under Linux one should consider the page RS-232 to USB converter.
There also has to be configured the number of S88 feedback modules, that are connected to a OpenDCC Z1. At most there can be connected 62 modules with 8 input pins. Modules with 16 input pins have to be configured as two modules.
Because of the principles of the protocol this control does not recognize very short feedback pulses. Therefore it is recommended to use other possibilities for feedbacks to realize an automatic operation.
RailControl supports all Z21 that are allowed to communicate on LAN.
The standard configuration of the Z21 has the IP address 192.168.0.111 set. If the Z21 is operating on the designated router no more settings are needed. In RainControl one has to configure the IP address 192.168.0.111.
Usually there is no special configuration of the firewall needed. If, then a UDP connection to the port 21105 of the Z21 has to be allowed.
Some controls offer a RS-232 connector, also known as serial or COM port. Recent computers usually only offer USB connectors. There are converters available from different manufacturers. We recommend to use converters with a FTDI chip. These chips will also be supported with actual drivers from the next generations of operating systems. Other chips usually do not have this support from the next operating system and one has to buy a new converter together.
There are also controls with an internal RS-232 connector and an integrated converter included. Externally the offer an USB connector. These controls are handled identical to a serial connector with extra converter. Serial ports under Windows (COM-ports)
Under Windows each serial to USB converter gets a fixed COM port. These fixed COM ports usually never change. This means for RailControl that a choosen COM-Port usually never changes and no no further actions are needed.
Under Linux all serial to USB converters get a new name at each startup and/or reconnect oft the device. Usually the first connected device is /dev/ttyUSB0 and will be counted up with the next device. If there are more then one devices connected with a serial to USB converter to a Linux computer, the order can change at startup and/or reconnect. If the name changes, Railcontrol can not find the control or worse communicates with the wrong device. In a Linux-terminal with
ls /dev/ttyUSB*we get the connected converters:
/dev/ttyUSB0 /dev/ttyUSB1The names of the devices regularely swap or one is replaced with /dev/ttyUSB2.
It is possible to add a fixed name or at least a fixed link. Therefore we have to find out some system internal parameters. With
lsusbwe get a list of all connected USB devices. Beside the usually connected devices there are our two converters (ESU Lokprogrammer and CC-Schnitte) connected in our example (line 2 and 6):
Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0408:03ba Quanta Computer, Inc.
Bus 002 Device 021: ID 0403:6001 Future Technology Devices International, Ltd FT232 USB-Serial (UART) IC
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:0020 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 008: ID 0461:4d17 Primax Electronics, Ltd Optical Mouse
Bus 001 Device 007: ID 0403:6001 Future Technology Devices International, Ltd FT232 USB-Serial (UART) IC
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:0020 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hubImportant for us are the IDs. Left to the colon ist the manufacturer ID and right to the colon we find the product ID. Additionally we need the serial number of the devices. We get them with:
udevadm info -a -n /dev/ttyUSB0 | grep '{serial}' | head -n1The result is:
ATTRS{serial}=="FTF3ZDL5"For the second device we have to repeat the procedure and replace /dev/ttyUSB0 with /devttyUSB1.
With the manufacturer ID, product ID and serial number we can advice udev to add a fix link to these devices. Usually in the path /etc/udev/rules.d or sometimes in /etc/udev/rules (note the missing .d) we create a file with the name 99-usb-serial.rules (if it does not exist). As content we add something like this (please replace IDs with them of your converters and controls:
SUBSYSTEM=="tty", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0403", ATTRS{idProduct}=="6001", ATTRS{serial}=="FTF3ZDL5", SYMLINK+="LokProgrammer"
SUBSYSTEM=="tty", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0403", ATTRS{idProduct}=="6001", ATTRS{serial}=="A907FXY2", SYMLINK+="CC-Schnitte"After a reboot of Linux we should see:
$ ls /dev/LokProgrammer /dev/CC-Schnitte
/dev/CC-Schnitte /dev/LokProgrammerRailControl now can use these fix names to communicate with your controls.
Each locomotive on a railway layout has to be configured correctly to be controled by RailControl.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the setting with
the icon 
. Alternatively at the selected
locomotive one can use the icon to
get directly to the settings of that locomotive.
The Name of the locomotive.
If more than one control is configured by RailControl, the control that controls the locomotive has to be selected. Otherwise the selection is not shown at all.
If the control supports more than one digital protocol, the protocol that is used by de locomotive has to be selected.
The digital address that is used by de locomotive has to be entered.
The length of the train in cm. This is used for the automatic operation to decide if a train can enter a route or a destination track.
The propulsion of the train. This is used for the automatic operation to decide if a train can enter a route.
The type of the train. This is used for the automatic operation to decide if a train can enter a route.
Depending of the decoder there can be assigned up to 32 functions to a locomotive. The counting starts always at zero.
RailControl knows two different function types: Permanent function and moment function.
The permanent function can be turned on with one click and can be turned off again with a second click. For lights, running noise, shunting mode and other actions with a long duration this should be selected.
The moment function is activ while pressing the mouse only. This can be used for short actions like horns, uncoupling, voice announcements or a crane controls.
RailControl offers to select one of many symbols on the button.
A push-pull train can run in both directions. In automode RailControl can change the running direction of a push-pull train. If push-pull train is not selected, RailControl will only try to continue the journey of the train in the same running direction.
The maximum speed of the train can entered here. This is important for manual operation. The setting here does not have an effect if the speed is set at the control.Betrieb, jedoch nicht wenn die Geschwindigkeit von der Zentrale aus schneller gestellt wird.
This speed is used by RailControl for normal operation in automode.
The reduced speed is used by RailControl in automode if the first feedback of the route is reached.
The creeping speed is used by RailControl in automode if the second feedback of the route is reached.
RailControl supports multiple units. It is required that all locomotives in a multiple unit have the same speed at the same level. Also all locomotives shall know the absolute driving direction. Märklin Motorola 1 does not support absolute driving direction.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the setting with
the icon . Alternatively at the
selected locomotive one can use the icon to get directly to the settings
of that locomotive.
The Name of the multiple unit.
The length of the train in cm. This is used for the automatic operation to decide if a train can enter a route or a destination track.
The type of the train. This is used for the automatic operation to decide if a train can enter a route.
Depending of the decoders of the locomotives there can be assigned up to 32 functions to a locomotive. The counting starts always at zero.
RailControl knows two different function types: Permanent function and moment function.
The permanent function can be turned on with one click and can be turned off again with a second click. For lights, running noise, shunting mode and other actions with a long duration this should be selected.
The moment function is activ while pressing the mouse only. This can be used for short actions like horns, uncoupling, voice announcements or a crane controls.
RailControl offers to select one of many symbols on the button.
One multiple unit can have configured several locomotives, which then have the same behaviour like the multiple unit.
A push-pull train can run in both directions. In automode RailControl can change the running direction of a push-pull train. If push-pull train is not selected, RailControl will only try to continue the journey of the train in the same running direction.
The maximum speed of the train can entered here. This is important for manual operation. The setting here does not have an effect if the speed is set at the control.Betrieb, jedoch nicht wenn die Geschwindigkeit von der Zentrale aus schneller gestellt wird.
This speed is used by RailControl for normal operation in automode.
The reduced speed is used by RailControl in automode if the first feedback of the route is reached.
The creeping speed is used by RailControl in automode if the second feedback of the route is reached.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the layers with
the icon 
. There one can add, configure
and delete several layers, which then can be selected in the layout.
On the right half of the screen it is possible to configure and display the layout of the model railway. Therefore one can add, configure and operate tracks, switches, signals and feedbacks. For larger layouts it is possible to add and select more than one layer.
With a right mouse click on an empty area on the layout one can add additional elements at this place:
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the tracks with
the icon 
.
On the layout the tracks are very important elements. With the track elements the layout of the model railway can be designed. The tracks are also very important for the automatic operation, because all routs start or end at a track or a signal.
RailControl knows different track types. Further settings can be made depending on the track type selected.
Straight: A simple straight peace of track. It is recommended to use a straight track as start or destination track in a route. Basically every track type is available as start or destination track.
Curve: A peace of track that is 45 degrees rotated.
End / Buffer Stop: Symbolizes the end of a track or a buffer stop.
Bridge: Symbolizes a bridge.
Tunnel (two sides): Symbolizes a tunnel. Both ends of the tunnel are integrated in one element. The empty squares in between can not be used for other elements.
Tunnel (one side): Symbolizes a tunnel. It makes sense to always two of these elements.
Link: Symbolizes a track that continues on another layer.
Crossing left: Symbolizes a simple crossing without switches. One track is straight and the other is rotated 45 degrees to the left.
Crossing right: Symbolizes a simple crossing without switches. One track is straight and the other is rotated 45 degrees to the right.
Crossing symmetric: Symbolizes a simple crossing without switches. One track is rotated 45 degrees to the left and the other is rotated 45 degrees to the right.
Particularly in automatic mode, a track section/block can extend over several physical track sections such as bridges and tunnels. In this case, it makes sense to define a main track and attach the other tracks to it. Such an attached track behaves identically to the main track, i.e. it has the same context menus and the same illumination as the main track.
Every track requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
Straight tracks can show the name of the track. If a track is the source or the destination of a route this is helpful. If a layout is used only for manual operation usually the names are not needed.
This text is displayed as a description in the overview. The displayed name does not have to be unique. If this field is empty, the text that was entered as the name is displayed.
Some track types can be configured to be longer then only one square on the track diagram. The number represents the length in squares of the track.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The elements can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
To each track one can assign feedbacks. The assigned feedbacks reflect the usage of a track. In automode a route can only use feedbacks as destination that are assigned to the destination track.
Signals can be associated to a track. Associated signals will be set to indication stop when a route is released or when under automode “Release when free” is selected and the track is released (all feedbacks are free).
In automatic operation RailControl has to choose a route if there are several possibilities. The priority to choose a route can be controlled with different concepts. Routes that are actually used will never be chosen.
System setting: The setting in General Settings is used.
Do not care: The chosen route is not important. Usually the first configured route will be chosen.
Random: The route is chosen by random.
Shortest track: The route with the shortest destination track will be chosen.
Longest unused: The route that is not used for the longest time will be chosen.
This allows a locomotive to turn the orientation on this track. Therefore a configured route starting in the other direction and the locomotive has to be configured as a push-pull train.
This makes sense at a station where push-pull trains turn its running direction.
A track can be freed if no more related feedbacks are active. So in automode a track can be released before the train reaches its destination feedback but already has left the starting track of the route. This setting is only useful, if a track is completely and continuously observed by feedbacks with contact rails, axlecounters or other methods that reliable detect vehicles on a track.
On the main screen the configuration of the trackgroups can be opened
with the icon 
.
Trackgroups only have an effect in automatoc operation. All tracks of a trackgroup can only be entered from one side. Therefore it is not possible that two trains enter a single line from both sides. But it is possible that two trains can follow each other on the same line.
Every trackgroup requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
The tracks that shall only be used in one direction can be selected here.
Obsolete. Is only shown if there are already signals configured. Will be removed in future versions.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the switches
with the icon 
.
Every switch requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
RailControl knows different switch types:
left: On the tracklayout this is shown as a left turnout switch. This is not neccessary equal on the real layout.
right: On the tracklayout this is shown as a right turnout switch. This is not neccessary equal on the real layout.
threeway: This type represents two switches at the same position. One of the logical ways is not possible in praxis. Railcontro restricts the usage of this forth logical possibility. The selected address is used for the left switch and the following address is used for the the right switch.
Märklin Double Slip Switch left: In contrary to other manufacturers Märklin Double Slip Switches only have one motor.
Märklin Double Slip Switch right: In contrary to other manufacturers Märklin Double Slip Switches only have one motor.
Double crossing switches with two motors have to be configured as two seperate switches. Important is that the physical switch motor on the left is controled by the switch on the right on the layout of RailControl and vise versa.
If more than one control is configured by RailControl, the control that controls the switch has to be selected. Otherwise the selection is not shown at all. If there is only one control configured the field is not visible.
If the control supports more than one digital protocol, the protocol that is used by the switch has to be selected. If the control only supports one protocol the field is not visible.
The digital address that is used by the switch has to be entered.
The accessories have to be turned on and after the effective switching turned off again. New accessories can switch within 100ms. Older and inert accessories require 250ms to switch. Some controls handle the switching time itself, so 0ms can be choosen. Dependent on the accessory type turning off is not needed, especially servo and motordrivers and corresponding decoders do not need it.
If an accessory is connected inverted to the decoder, RailControl can invert them virtually again.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The elements can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the signals with
the icon 
.
Every signal requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
Obsolete. Is only shown if this signal is configured as start or target in a route. Will be removed in future versions.
Please replace this signal in the route by a track and associate this signal to this track (if needed).
RailControl knows different signal types (more are planned):
Simple left: It is a simple signal that only has the two aspects “stop” and “clear”. It is located on the left side of the track.
Simple right: It is a simple signal that only has the two aspects “stop” and “clear”. It is located on the right side of the track.
Swiss dwarf: The dwarf signal from Switzerland has the aspects “stop”, “clear” and “caution”. See also: Swiss railway signaling.
Swiss L main: The main L signal from Switzerland has the aspects “stop”, “clear”, “40 km/h”, “60 km/h”, “90 km/h” y “short clear”. See also: Swiss railway signaling.
German Ks: The Ks signal from German has the aspects “stop”, “clear”, “shunting,”caution”, “dark” and “stop expected”.
Obsolete. Is only shown if this signal is configured as start or target in a route. Will be removed in future versions.
Please replace this signal in the route by a track and associate this signal to this track (if needed).
If more than one control is configured by RailControl, the control that controls the switch has to be selected. Otherwise the selection is not shown at all. If there is only one control configured the field is not visible.
If the control supports more than one digital protocol, the protocol that is used by de signal has to be selected. If the control only supports one protocol the field is not visible.
The digital address that is used by the signal has to be entered. Under “Addresses” the address can be chosen for each aspect. The baseaddress entered here is the lowest possible address that can be chosen.
The accessories have to be turned on and after the effective switching turned off again. New accessories can switch within 100ms. Older and inert accessories require 250ms to switch. Some controls handle the switching time itself, so 0ms can be chosen. Dependent on the signal type turning off is not needed, especially servo and motordrivers and corresponding decoders do not need it.
If a signal is connected inverted to the decoder, RailControl can invert this virtually again.
Dependent of the signal type chosen in “Basic data” the possible aspects of the signals will be shown here. For each aspect an address can be chosen, based on the baseaddress in “Basic data”. The default is to use ascending addresses starting with the baseaddress.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The elements can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
Obsolete. Is only shown if there is already a feedback configured. Will be removed in future versions.
Please replace this signal in the route by a track and associate this signal to this track. Then remove all configured feedbacks here.
Obsolete. Is only shown if this Signal is configured as start or target in a route. Will be removed in future versions.
Please replace this signal in the route by a track and associate this signal to this track.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the accesdories
with the icon 
.
TODO FIGURE (Figure on railcontrol.org seems false, as it shows a switch configuration)
Every accessory requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
If more than one control is configured by RailControl, the control that controls the accessory has to be selected. Otherwise the selection is not shown at all. If there is only one control configured the field is not visible.
If the control supports more than one digital protocol, the protocol that is used by the accessory has to be selected. If the control only supports one protocol the field is not visible.
The digital address that is used by the accessory has to be entered.
The accessories have to be turned on and after the effective switching turned off again. New accessories can switch within 100ms. Older and inert accessories require 250ms to switch. Some controls handle the switching time itself, so 0ms can be choosen. Dependent on the accessory type turning off is not needed, especially servo and motordrivers and corresponding decoders do not need it.
If an accessory is connected inverted to the decoder, RailControl can invert them virtually again.
TODO FIGURE (Figure on railcontrol.org seems false, as it shows a switch postion)
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The elements can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the routes with
the icon 
.
In manual operation routes can be used to change the state of several elements with one click. This can be switches, signals and accessories.
In automatic operation routes are important elements. Trains always run on routes from a start track to a destination track. All elements in between (switches, signals, tracks and accessories) have to be included in tab “At lock”. Then these elements are reserved for the train running on this route. Other trains can not use these elements anymore. When the train on the route has reached its destination track, the start track and all elements are released and can be used by other trains again.
In automatic operation RailControl can also operate elements when the train has reached its destination track (tab “At unlock”).
Every route requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
The elements registered in the tabs “At lock” and “At unlock” must not be operated at the same time. The delay in between has to be selected that the first switch has finished changing bevor the next element starts changing. So only one element requires electrical current at the same time. Magnetic drivers only require few time ( around 100ms), in contrary motor drivers and servos need more time (dependent of model and decoder settings up to 1 second).
Here can be added switches, signals, accessories, tracks and loco functions.
In manual operation, when a route is operated with a mouse click, switches, signals and accessories will be operated according the entered state. Tracks and loco functions have no effect in manual operation.
In automatic operation, when a route is operated by a locomotive, all elements will be reserved that are listed in tab “At lock”. From then on all these elements can not be claimed by another route and the elements can not be operated manually any more. Then all elements are set to the state entered. When the locomotive has reached its destination track all elements are released and can be claimed by another route and can be operated manually again.
Here can be added switches, signals, accessories, tracks and loco functions.
In manual operation, when a route is operated with a mouse click, these elements are not considered.
In automatic operation, when a route is operated by a locomotive and the locomotive has reached its destination track, all the entered elements will be operated according to the state entered.
A route can be visible on the track layout or not. A route that is only used for automatic oparation can be invisible, unless the are not used manually too. Manually operated routes have to be visible, otherwise the can not be executed.
If the visibility of a route is turned off the following fields are not shown.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
If a route should be used in automode this can be selected here.
If the route should not be used in automode the following fields will not be displayed.
A train starts an automatic run always in a start track, which must be selected here. Also there must be selected the direction in which the train leaves the start track.
A train ends an automatic run always in a destination track, which must be selected here. Also there must be selected the direction in which the train arrives the start track.
The speed that the train uses to run on this route. I.e. if there are switches in turnout position that have to be used, a train can run with reduced speed on the route.
If the train reaches this feedback, the speed is reduced, if there is not already prepared a following route. The selection of this feedback is optional.
If the train reaches this feedback, the speed is set to creep speed, if there is not already prepared a following route. The selection of this feedback is optional.
If the train reaches this feedback, the train is stopped, if there is not already prepared a following route. The selection of this feedback is mandatory.
If the train reaches this feedback, RailControl turns off the electric current, if there is not already prepared a following route. The selection of this feedback is mandatory. This feedback is an additional instrument to prevent accidents if a train does not stop at the desired position. The selection of this feedback is optional.
All trains: All trains can use this route.
No push-pull trains: Only push-pull trains are not allowed to use this route.
Push-pull trains only: Only push-pull trains are allowed to use this route.
With this selection can be made restrictions which trains can run on a route or not. For example an electric train must not run on a line that is not electrified or a steam locomotive must not enter an underground track.
With this selection can be made restrictions which train types can run on a route or not. For example passenger trains should enter a passenger station and a cargo train should run to the cargo station.
The minimal train length a train must have to use this route. The train length can be entered in locomotive settings.
The maximal train length a train must have to use this route. The train length can be entered in locomotive settings.
When a train reached its destination track it must wait this time in seconds befor the train can continue on the next route in automode. A value of 0 means that the train can continue its journey immediately.
On the main screen the configuration of the feedbacks can be opened
with the icon 
.
Feedbacks are needed in automatic operation to detect the position of the trains so RailControl can stop them when they reached its destination track.
Every feedback requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
If more than one control that can handle feedbacks is configured by RailControl, the control that has attached the physical feedback has to be selected. Otherwise the selection is not shown at all. If there is only one control configured the field is not visible.
The number that the control knows the physical pin with. Most controls count the pins continuously starting from 1. Some controls have a complex algorithm to calulate the number of the pin. Please consult the documentation of the control and/or of the feedback.
If it is not clear which physical pin has which number, navigate to general settings and turn on “Automatically add unknown feedbacks”. Then RailControl will add physically used feedbacks automatically. Then the feedback will be visible in the feedback layer of the control.
The logic of the feedbacks can be inverted. Usually a closed feedback is recognized as active. If an open feedback represents an occupied track the logic must be inverted.
A feedback can be visible on the track layout or not. If a feedback is acosiated to a track the cumulated state of al feedbacks of that track will be show as color of that track. Therefor a separate display of the status of the feedbach usually does not make sence.
Never the less a feedback will always be shown on the feedback layer of the control.
If the visibility of a feedback is turned off the following fields are not shown.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero.
The layer the element should be visible on.
On the main screen one can open the configuration of the texts with
the icon 
.
Every signal requires a unique name.
The name of the text is also the text that is shown on the layout.
If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be prefixed with a number to make it unique.
The text is limited in width. The width can be set here.
The position of the element in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The position of the element in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero. If an element is bigger then one square the square at the top left is relevant for the counting.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The elements can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
On the main screen open the configuration of counters with the icon
.
Counters are used in automatic operation to limit the number of reserved routes in a track network, in case the routes could deadlock each other.
During the reservation of a route, Counters are either * incremented and decremented during the release or * decremented and incremented during the release by 1.
One Route can influence none or an arbitrary number of Counters. For each Counter the user configures a Maximum value and a Minimum value.
When a Counter has reached its Maximum, respectively Minimum value, a Route gets blocked during its reservation until it is possible to increment, respectivelyu decremend, the value of the Counter.
Every Counter requires a unique name. If there is no name RailControl chooses a name for you and if the name is not unique it will be suffixed with a number to make it unique.
The highest value the Counter may reach. Once the Maximum is reached, the reservation of a Route is blocked which tries to further increment the Counter. The range of value is positive including zero.
The lowest value the Counter may reach. Once the Minimum is reached, the reservation of a Route is blocked which tries to further decrement the Counter. The range of value is negative including zero.
Counters are shown in the overview as a straight track with the current counter value next to it.
The position of the counter in squares from the left of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero.
The position of the counter in squares from the top of the track diagram. Counting starts at zero.
The layer the element should be visible on.
The Counter track can be rotated in steps of 90 degrees.
A train runs always on a route. A route starts and ends on a track. The destination track has to be configured with at least one feedback.
Using signals as start or target in routes is obsolete.