This week started out on the Pi front (how odd!) trying to sort out the previously mentioned problem. After a number of nights trolling through the online forums I couldn't lock down an obvious answer. So Thursday night I loaded the SD card with the previous distro on it to compare the configuration files with those on the latest distro version. The only thing I could find that was different was a commented out line in the earlier version of the interfaces config file which shouldn't have really mattered. But when I replicated it on the latest version, it made the Pi broadcast its IP address automatically rather than having to manually bring the interface up. Go figure!
So happy with the draft howto document, I have uploaded it to the JMRI Yahoo forum for review and comment. I already have some replies which is great to see.
To prove that it does work, I hooked it up to Illavearf this afternoon and ran some railmotors via smartphone! I even went outside of the shed to see the distance the signal would go. About 10 meters but this was through the metal of the shed. Good for my purposes.
I also ordered some OO scale locos from the UK last night. Both fairly unique therefore they interested me. A BR Sentinel steam shunter and a stock standard BR Class 08 but black with wasp stripes which was quite rare. I've been looking for some shunters for Illavearf and these will do.
So this week I'll probably look at starting the NSWGR 73 class decoder conversions, or at least plan it as I reckon it might be a tad fiddly!
Since the last post I have been progressing through the Pi build document slower than expected as I have been running into some problems which I think are possibly to do with the latest version of the Raspbian distro but I can't be 100% positive on that just yet. The basic functionality is there. JMRI installs fine. Just a problem with the program that runs the Access Point functionality. Just researching possible causes and corrective actions and trying them out each night when I have some free time. Last night I decided that I wasn't getting to far with answers, so I might go back a distro version and do some comparisons with that one.
The Zimo sound decoder and 'cube' speaker arrived on Monday so now I can progress that little project when I get a chance.
That's it for this week. More Pi to come!
This week the Pi took a backseat due to home networking problems. Hopefully this week I can progress the finalisation of the Howto document.
So with the downtime on the Pi I started researching decoder options for the Auscision 73 class. I started with Mr Mackie's instructions, then looked at a Youtube video of a Loksound install. I then stumbled on the Zimo MX645 sound decoder out of Austria. It has the ability to operate 10 output functions along with sound. The default sound project is a number of steam profiles and one diesel, based on a German V12 diesel hydraulic engine. As the 73 was a V8 DH and there is no exact recording of the Cat D379 engine, it's probably as good as you will get without being a rivet counter (which I am not). Also the mini 8x12x8mm speaker is supposedly very good for its size. With the dimensions being slightly smaller than the Loksound decoder and standard oval speaker, I am hoping I can position it without too much internal modifications. And they are reasonably priced from Orient Express models in South Oz. So I think I will go down this path and give it a go. The mods to the light boards' SMD LEDs are supposedly a right royal mongrel due to their size, but lets give it a go!
Other than the abovem I've been thinking of how I want to proceed with the rejigging of Illavearf's control. I'll keep the points DCC controlled, but have the accessories MERG controlled. But the big decision will be whether to have two small or one big mimic panel/s for standalone operation, or utilise the Pi's JMRI install and setup PanelPro on a computer terminal. Decisions, decisions!
So this week as mentioned will be hopefully documenting the Pi install, ordering the Zimo decoder and speaker, and pondering the panel issue.
This week has been a bit of a mixed bag. At night usually for an hour before Le Tour coverage begins, I have been sanity checking my How to document against a new SD card install for the Pi and finding some improvements along the way as well as some troublesome issues. One of these being the Ethernet connection to the PC. I think I might have to try and see of via the laptop is any better or a problem with the Pi distro.
Monday I was walking past Aurora Trains in town during lunch not expecting them to be open on Monday, when they were. Stocktaking but also allowing sales. As I wasn't expecting to be in town most of the week, I purchased a couple of Bachmann 00 scale wagons for the sons to give me as birthday presents for me this weekend. I also couldn't go past a SDS Models HO scale 10000 gallon Tulloch (NSW) fuel tanker in Golden Fleece livery. 1960s era but looks really nice. I showed PK and he was impressed so much he purchased the Total fuel livery version on Friday!
The Auscision 73 class arrived on Monday as well. Now researching the various options for chipping it (motor only or sound, not sure as yet!)
Saturday was a running arvo at Mr Mackie's. Enjoyable but a few hiccups as usual.
Today was my birthday so I spent the majority of the day up at the In-laws for a BBQ lunch and drinkies. Damn my father-in-law and his very drinkable scotch whiskey (Glenlivet)! It was so very smooth! (I don't think the nip sizes were standard size!).
This week I hope to sort out the issue with the Pi so I can move along with this. More watching Le Tour and playing a little game I do called 'spot the train'. So far a high speed intercity, a regional passenger, and a freight train pulled by electric engine.
