Layout Commander
Layout Commander supports the KAM
XML programming interface standard and uses the Train Server® interface.
All of KAM’s
software runs on Microsoft operating systems,
Win CE (PC2002-03, Mobile 5.x), Win 200x, Windows XP, Vista 32/64 and .NET servers using any major model railroad Digital
Command Station. Layout Commander software runs on
your local system to access Train server. Train server controls your
command station and your model railroad layout. The figure below
shows a basic configuration of a typical model railroad setup. KAM
software is designed to control and operate your
layout.
Layout commander is an
application that runs on your desktop or laptop PC. The
desktop or laptop PC is connected to a layout using a command station interface. The interface is
usally a serial interface or USB device.
Layout Commander® software is an
easy to use graphical command and control package for model
railroads.
Layout Commander is designed from
the model railroaders perspective. Layout Commander provides the following :
- Integrated track editor in the
applications
- Two step execution process for
ease of control.
- Fully configurable track elements
with windows multimedia support
- Block and event
detection
- Drag ‘n drop route planning
without scripting
- Locomotive configuration and
control
- Automatic operation and timetable
modes
- Supports KAM’s Train
Server interface and NMRA Proposed Programming
API
Layout Commander is a client
application using KAM’s Train Server interface. This allows multiple computer clients to operate the railroad on a
computer network.
Integrated
track editor
Layout Commander features an
integrated track editor that allows the user to make changes on the
layout, then run the layout against the command station or an
emulation interface.
The track editor
features all of the necessary editing tools for layout creation. The editor provides the user with
the ability to change the
layout to meet the user’s visual display requirements. All features are configurable: track
elements size, color and size of the layout grid
Two step operation proces
Layout commander is
designed for ease of use.
After the first session, the software saves the
configurations.This allows
the user to have a simpler operating session for all future operations.The user’s layout is automatically
loaded along with the configuration of the Train Server interface. All the user needs to do is to
load the locomotives on the layout or have selected the dispatcher panel
to display the layout states and enable the switch control. This two step process makes it
easy to use and run the layout.
Configurable
track elements
All track elements are
configurable during the track editing mode. You can configure switches and
sensors and layout track diagrams. Layout Commander supports all of the
Microsoft multimedia extensions. Layout Commander is also a client of the
Train Server interface. This allows the user to add adtional applications
(or third party utilities) to enhance the operation of the railroad
Sensors are track
elements that provide feedback to the program that shows state or
occupancy of thetrack section.
Layout Commander
has integrated this feature into the windows multimedia environment by
allowing the user to specify multimedia events on entry, mid point and
exiting a sensor.With this
capability, the user can have additional operation control to fine tune
the locomotive’s speed characteristics when a sensor is
triggered.
Block
and event detection
Layout Commander
supports two types of block detection; block occupancy and event
triggers.The software allows
the user to pick the detection mode(or combination) that make sense for
the layout.This could be
by assigining an entry trigger and an exit trigger, or assigning a section
of track using an occupancy trigger.
Train server can
handle both detection modes and supply the correct information to Layout
Commander client.
Drag
‘n drop route planning without scripting
Automatic train operation is simple in the software. There is no scripting required. Automatic train operation is
clean, simple and easy to use. During the editor phase, the user drops a
programing element on the layout. Once the programming element is added, all that is needed is to
bring up the graphical route map and define the routes. The sensor and switch integration
is automatic in this environment.
Locomotive
Configuration and Control
Layout command has
two operation modes, as a CTC dispatcher panel (with no locomotives) and
as a fully integrated layout controller with train control supported.
Layout commander
presents a standard control interface to the user. The selection of the decoder type,
in conjunction with the command station allows both block/non-blocked and
DCC/non-DCC locomotives to be controlled.
Automatic
operation and timetable modes
Automatic operation
is just an extension of the drag ‘n drop programming model. The only difference is how the
programmer mode is initially set up.
KAM has extended this to include timetable operation base
(including fast clock) so you can run your layout on a schedule. These features allow you to run
the layout on an automatic mode, or in conjunction with a manual
operation.The key aspect is to provide the user with the
flexibility to
control the layout in the manner that you wish it to operate.
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