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….--- Simple $35 Computer Running JMRI for the Train Room ---
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On the previous page I mentioned using a $35 Raspberry Pi computer running JMRI as a dedicated train room computer to run trains with, program decoders and the many more things that JMRI is capable of. For more about the capabilities of JMRI please visit their web site ( HERE ). All you need is the Pi computer, a USB 5 volt power supply, a keyboard & mouse and a monitor. Having those you have a nice inexpensive dedicated train room computer running JMRI.
An inexpensive micro SD card that plugs into the Pi holds the Pi's operating system and JMRI and other software. You can go online to Steve Todd's web site and download an image file for the micro SD card that plugs into the Raspberry Pi. The image file contains the Pi's operating system and also JMRI. The image file bypasses you having to go through the steps of loading an operating system on the Pi and having to also install JMRI onto the Pi. Thanks to Steve for providing the image file.
Once you have loaded that image file onto the card you plug the card into the card slot on the Pi computer. Turn it on. In about 30 seconds you will see JRMI on the screen and you can use it to program decoders with Decoder Pro or run trains or connect your smart phone as a wireless throttle. Nice and simple.
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What follows is an overview of how the Raspberry Pi and JMRI works with DCC++ using an Arduino or another DCC Command Station.
Above is a typical setup using the Raspberry Pi running JMRI. Here it is connected to an Arduino Uno and Motor Shield running DCC++ but you could substitute another commercial Command Station running DCC. For more information on Command Stations that JMRI works with ( CLICK HERE ).
Above the DCC Command Station is to the left and the Raspberry Pi computer is to the right. The Pi is basically a normal computer. It does run a different operating system vs. a Windows or Apple based computer but with the image file on the SD card that will make no difference to you.
The Pi comes with four USB ports, a HDMI monitor port that can also work with a traditional VGA monitor as show above. You want to get at the minimum a Pi 3 that has WiFi or a later version of Pi so that you can run wireless smart phone throttles. If you don't currently have a Pi get the newest version as they are all $35.
What else do you need:
The Pi connects to the DCC Command Station with a simple USB type A/B cable.
Use a wired or wireless combination of keyboard and mouse using the USB ports (you probably have these laying around).
Connect either a HDMI monitor directly or a VGA monitor using the inexpensive HDMI to VGA adapter (again you probably have a spare monitor already or can find a used one cheap).
The Pi is powered by a 5 volt supply that plugs in next to the HDMI port.
I used what is shown above but there are other 5 volt power supplies for the Pi from numerous online sources.
Another view of the connections, in this case the Pi is connected to an Arduino/Motor Shield combination running DCC++ but you would connect to a commercial DCC Command Station the same way. If the Command Station doesn't have a USB input port check to see if that is an option for the Command Station. To work with a Command Station you need the port. For more information on Command Stations that JMRI works with ( CLICK HERE ).
Once the Pi is connected to the monitor and you power it up you will see the above screen after about 30 seconds. The first time you power up it is good to see that JMRI is setup to connect to your DCC Command Station. This is a simple thing to do. Just follow the next couple screen shots.
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If you are using the SD card with the pre-installed image file and your Command Station is running DCC++ you should not have to change the Serial Port. If you are using a different Command Station chances are you will have to identify the COM Port you should be using. Check the documentation for the Command Station for that information.
After going to the “Connections” screen go to the “Defaults Screen” and check that you see the right Command Station there. In the case above it is DCC++. Make sure at this point that all of the 'circle boxes' are checked and check them if they aren't.
With the simple cable connections and the pre-loaded image card you should be up and running with JMRI in very little time and not much expense.
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