Train
Server®
Tutorial Overview
KAM has been producing Train Tools® model railroad software since 1991 and
is the leading supplier of DCC software for the model railroad industry. All of
KAM's software is scale independent, internet enabled and
supports all popular command
stations. Train Tools software is a collection of model railroad
programs. Train Tools tutorial is a demo CDROM that includes all of the
KAM Train Tools software and the Microsoft developers kit.
Click above image for more information about Train Tools
Program
All tutorials are shipped with a 21 day full trial license and include the .Net
software developers kit. This is the same CDROM that is shipped without a
license key. If you are a current KAM customer, and wish to get the latest
CDROM, just order the tutorial and use your current serial number.
Train Tools and Train Server Overview
Train Server is a software program (middleware) that handles the day to day
management of the
command station
(KAM currently supports
Label) and
coordinates the information flow between other Train Server applications (KAM,
3rd party, or even your own application). Train Server architecture is a
multi-user architecture that is unique in the model railroad industry in
managing the model railroad communications interface. Typical solutions from
other vendors standalone application-centric programs and do not allow
information to be exchanged between simultaneously running programs on a real
time basis. All Train Tool software products are multi-user (since
the late 90's) and fully support Microsoft Vista multi-user
operating requirements.
Train Server is the only model railroad software program available that manages
distributed clients as well as the model railroad layout. Train Server
programming interfaces are open and allow users to develop their own software
programs that will work in conjunction with KAM written applications. Train
Server uses high level, command station neutral commands, converts them
into vendor specific commands for the command station, and sends the
appropriate real time feedback message (loco speed, and direction, turnout
states, rail occupancy state) to all Train Server connected clients.
Train Server allows multiple programs to run on the same computer (fully meeting
Vista requirements) or on multiple computers on a network, and coordinates
the activity to perform different functions on your railroad. As an example,
you can run Classic Panel and any other Train Server application at the same
time. An example would be to have a person running Classic Panel acting as the
Dispatcher for the layout, and having a group of train operators walking around
the layout with their PDAs running LocoCE, each controlling their own train
according to the signal colors they see on the layout.
All of Train Server applications may run on a TCP/IP network connection. You may
use the local host TCP/IP address (127.0.0.1) on your desktop computer, or
connect to the TCP/IP address of another computer running Train Server. Classic
Panel uses Train Server to manage the model railroad interface and to control
the model railroad layout.
Train Server Distributed Architecture Train Server supports multiple command
stations in the operation of your layout. Train server manages the interface
and controls the information flow to the model railroad command station. This
control flow or dynamic buffering is unique in the model railroad industry.
What this means is that you may mix and match your command stations as you need
to handle the IO functions of the model railroad. Most DCC systems handle
turnouts and locomotive controls. In some cases, users may wish to use a
different hardware interface to handle the signals. Train Server will manage
these interfaces and make the hardware management transparent to the client
applications. In addition, Train Server will optimize the commands that are
sent to the command station for the maximum performance.
Train Server Architecture is the only model railroad architecture that is
designed to allow clients to be connected across a network and share data as
connected clients. Train Server interfaces are open and well documented for
anyone to use. Train Server’s open interface has the widest number of
applications available as compared to any model railroad software – even all of
the open source programs combined. Train Server is the industry standard.
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