35. December 2008 - Latest Digital Control addition
Posted: 29 Dec 2008, 12:39
The layout, remember has been wired for a dual control system - both analogue (see part 12) and Digital (see Part 20) to enable either type of loco to be operated on the layout.
However, since the digital controls were put in, a further advanced digital option became available, and this was therefore installed at the start of the month.
Called the Commander this unit actually is a mini PC both automating and simplifying further (!) digital operation.
The photo below shows the base unit, looking deceptively simple. Both round knobs on either side are control knobs (throttle etc) while the centre "knob" is actually a joystick control (similar to the keyboard button on a laptop) to enable ease in moving the cursor on the touch sensitive screen around.
Around the screen can be seen a whole series of depressions - along the top and left and right sides - these are finger locator's used to accurately select the relevant portion of the touch sensitive screen along the edge. I.e. you place your finger in the depression and then slide it down on to the screen into the right section. Given the high number of areas on the screen, this is a usefully aid.
More on the functions of the Commander in the the next part.
However, since the digital controls were put in, a further advanced digital option became available, and this was therefore installed at the start of the month.
Called the Commander this unit actually is a mini PC both automating and simplifying further (!) digital operation.
The photo below shows the base unit, looking deceptively simple. Both round knobs on either side are control knobs (throttle etc) while the centre "knob" is actually a joystick control (similar to the keyboard button on a laptop) to enable ease in moving the cursor on the touch sensitive screen around.
Around the screen can be seen a whole series of depressions - along the top and left and right sides - these are finger locator's used to accurately select the relevant portion of the touch sensitive screen along the edge. I.e. you place your finger in the depression and then slide it down on to the screen into the right section. Given the high number of areas on the screen, this is a usefully aid.
More on the functions of the Commander in the the next part.