Locoanalyse
PC Configuration Program

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New - support added for LocoBuffer USB in Windows XP and above. Select "Locobuffer" and baud rate "57600" for a LocoBuffer USB. The com port used by the USB driver will appear in the list box. If in doubt, use the "usbview" program supplied with the LocoBuffer to find the right COM port.

 

Locoanalyse is a free program to configure products from CML Electronics. It can be downloaded from this page. It is a PC program designed to capture the settings for complex LocoNet products, and to download the settings through LocoNet. This means that from making changes to the configuartion of a board to testing the new settings live on the layout takes around 20 seconds and no rewiring, programming tracks etc.

Locoanalyse has sections for the following functions:

  • Establishing a LocoNet connection;

  • Collecting board configuration, and saving & loading to/from disk;

  • Editing board settings in a "user friendly" way;

    • each board type has its own set of "screens" with information presented appropriately;
    • The program can also generate a text description of the programming, for documenting the settings on the layout.
    • see screenshots below

  • Programming boards;

    • This is done directly through LocoNet. it can be done "live" and requires no rewiring etc.

  • Generating & viewing LocoNet message traffic, for debugging. 

 

Programming the SIGM10/SIGM20

Determining and programming the signal logic is not difficult, but does require thought (and a well drawn track plan helps!). It is necessary to know beforehand which block detectors will make each signal go red, and under what other conditions signals will need to go red. For example a signal on a main line will need to go red if a point from a siding onto the main line  is set to let a train from the siding proceed.

Programming of the signal logic is ideally carried out via a PC: simply enter into the PC the details of the block detectors for each signal and the point states that must make signals go red, and the PC will download the programming through LocoNet. Screens available for the SIGM10 include:

  • Define the overall board settings, addresses etc;

  • Edit the settings for up to 10 signals;

    • Set signal type;
    • set model type (i.e. how the LEDs are wired);
    • set the logic that controls the signal state;
    • Identify the "next signal" along the line.

  • Edit the settings for the three reverse running zones:

    • Set the logic that changes the runnign direction (either W-E or E-W);
    • Set logic that "freezes" the running direction.

A screenshot from the signal editor:

 

Connection to LocoNet

Locoanalyse requires a connection to a live LocoNet to operate. This can be:

  • The newest LocoBuffer USB. This is an excellent interface and works well.

  • The LocoBuffer is a product that was developed initially by John Jabour to solve a number of problems with PC connections via the MS100. The LocoBuffer operates with absolute reliablioty even on the very heaviest loadings, and we reocmmend it for any layout. They can be obtained from RR-CirKits or their distributors. Locoanalyse requires LocoBuffer software version 1.5 or above.

  • Using an MS100. This is Digitrax's PC connection product; it is simple and low cost. However the PC cannot guarantee to meet LocoNet's timing demands; consequently we do not recommend an MS100 for use of a complex, loaded LocoNet installation. The MS100 works fine with light loading.

  •  

Downloading

Locoanalyse install is a PC application that will run on Windows 95/98/ME or NT/Windows 2000/XP. It's setup program is currently around 5 megabytes. Download here.

Support

In the first instance, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions. Please note that free support will be provided for the function of the software only. Advice on (for example) signalling configuration and determining signal logic will not be provided free of charge: these are layout specific and require user involvement.

Stefan Trachsler has written an excellent "LocoNet Checker" program that identified and reports devices present on LocoNet. This program supports the SIGM10/SIGM20 and can be found here.

©CML Electronics Limited 2008
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