Hello All,

I need advice with expanding my layout control structure -- specifically, implementing LocoNet between two computers.

Current setup:
- ESU ECoS + Booster
- Train Controller v.10 Gold (RR&Co)
- MFX and LokSound decoders (i.e., MFX and DCC protocols are used on the layout)

On my layout, a large steam & diesel maintenance/service yard is currently managed by an operator using an ESU Mobile Control II handheld or a tablet/smartphone running +SmartHand (a RR&Co add-on). All turnouts in the yard are controlled via a control panel with toggle switches and LEDs indicating turnout position. This control panel is linked to RR&Co via s88 feedback so that all status changes (thrown turnouts) are reported to RR&Co and this status is automatically updated in the software.

I have recently replaced the physical control panel with a second computer (touch screen). This computer is dedicated for control of the yard. I have installed the RR&Co +Net option, which permits both computers of having full control of the layout in a peer-to-peer configuration. I can now control everything on the layout from one computer or the other. Of course, I will contract the capability of full layout control on the second computer to only manage the yard, but that is the easy part.

Where I need guidance is with the following: With the ECoS there is no "layout network" where data is passes between the two computers. Each computer running the +Net RR&Co software is stand-alone and can control anything/everything with no synchronization between the two computers (i.e., synchronizing status of turnouts, signals, routes, block occupancy, etc.). For this to happen, I think I need to setup a LocoNet network...

If my assumption is correct, then I need advice on how to do this. I don't think that I need an ESU L.Net converter because my ECoS only contains locomotive data and nothing else. Even all my feedback sensors (s88) are handled via the Littfinski Daten Technik [LDT] HSI-88-USB device. I need to synchronize the two computers running the +Net RR&Co layout control software.

How do I implement a LocoNet solution between the two computers?

Many thanks in advance,
Andry

Maybe an ESU forum can help or a Train Controller forum.. You would need somebody here who has the same setup as yourself but give it time and somebody might pick up the thread.

Hello David,

Thank you for the suggestion. Because this issue deals with many "components", I tried this forum because it's not dedicated to one system but is more general in nature. Hoping that someone might have interesting suggestions or tried these combos -- or parts of these combos -- in his/her approach.

Cheers,

Hi, I am not knowledgeable on the traincontroller software, a quick but of searching suggests this is possible perhaps with what they call "Establishing a Virtual Digital System Bus with +Net/D™"



ref https://www.freiwald.com...ftware/UsersGuideNet.pdf

This perhaps sounds like what you want to do?

Hi Andry,

oh! That seems terribly unfortunate. Have you enquired as to why? The cost and perhaps reduced complexity of the license is surely cheaper overall than implementing a LocoNet solution?

my two cents; like Jean, I'm a rocrail user... I'm sure you've invested a lot into the existing solution... but as mentioned the interoperability (server + n clients) comes out of the box with rocrail.

I would think you'd be able to use rocrail server on your main machine and then a rocrail client on each machine and achieve the same outcome as you are trying for here. It would certainly not cost you any money to try out the potential of it if you wish

Andry,

Yes, like i said you may have invested a lot into the current solution and that certainly sounds like the case so another software is not the option.

I can't suggest anything about making a loconet however it does sound like your way forward. If it were me I'd want to take the lazy option and enquire as to the potential availability of the +Net/D option in my particular market.

Cheers