He Finally Resurfaces!

There  has been a lot of talk and guessing about what may have happened to Matt Herman and his brother after the snafu with ESU and this post. Well he has finally resurfaced at 3D Central Trains. There is also a very interesting two hour informative video with him as one of the guest comentators.

Welcome back to the public eye Matt!!

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Importing/Exporting Roster Entries with JMRI

There has recently been a bit of discussion on the various decoder groups.io forums concerning the ability or non-ability of JMRI to import or export roster entries or complete rosters. This is a discussion of what can be done and what cannot be done. We will also briefly talk about the EsuProgrammer and what it can do and can not do.

JMRI File Menu

The File menu contains several different import/export roster operations. See fig 1.

Fig.1 Roster import/export operations

The export operation for a single roster entry will generate an XML file with the default name of the roster ID field followed by .xml. It will allow you to change the name if you wish. The import operation expects to see a previously exported entry or one you have created. You had better be an expert with xml and know the file's required layout before you attempt this. It will be a lot of work (masochist principle applies).

The Export Complete Roster operation will generate a zip file of all the individual roster files. You can see this by generating the export file and examining it with a utility such as 7zip. 

This is the backup file the author puts into the cloud for safe keeping in the event of a catastrophic computer failure. He also keeps a copy on a local thumb drive. Just don't forget to update those backup files in the event of a change to the roster.

JMRI Roster Entries

Individual roster entries also have import/export operations in their File menu. These open to a selection of operations that can be performed on various files including CSV files. See fig 2.

Fig.2 Roster entry export choices

In the event you wish to create a CSV file of a particular type, the key to doing it correctly is to examine an exported file. This will show you the format JMRI is expecting to see on import. Remember also that different decoders export different formats so, just be sure the exported, modified values can be used by the decoder you are importing into.

The last export method by JMRI is accomplished by utilizing a script file that comes with JMRI. It exports a CSV file of the complete roster that allows you to import the roster into a database or spreadsheet. A complete discussion of this process is discussed here. Remember, this process is for external analysis.

ESU

The ESU LokProgrammer has the ability to generate a text file of all CVs for any LokSound decoder. It is even possible to generate a CV file if you don't have the programmer itself. The LokProgrammer software is a free download (as are the sound files) which is all you need to generate the CV file for a particular sound file. There is a complete discussion of the process here.

Could you create one of these files from scratch? Yes, you could but why would you want to do so (if the masochist principle applies, the author will step aside)? To repeat, the software and files are free to download. 

Anytime the human element is introduced in even a mildly complicated process the chances of a less than optimal outcome increase exponentially.

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ESU Releases BLI Steam Adapter Board for Paragon 3/4

From the ESU website:

BLI Adapter for ESU Part #53952

With the help of the BLI Paragon 3/4 (P34) adapter board, HO Scale tender steam locomotives from Broadway Limited (BLI), in which a Paragon 3 or Paragon 4 decoder was factory installed, can finally be equipped with a LokSound 5 decoder without much effort. All you have to do is open the tender, remove the standard Paragon 3 or 4 decoder and install the BLI P34 adapter board. All connections can be made exactly as before: The type and position of all plug connections is exactly like for the factory installed decoder. No soldering work needs to be done. The locomotive tender coupling can also remain. The locomotive itself does not need to be opened. The LokSound 5 decoder can communicate with the electronics built into the locomotive using a serial protocol and directly control all smoke and light functions. An integrated PowerPack ensures uninterrupted operation even on dirty rails.

 

The BLI P34 adapter board requires a LokSound 5 decoder with 21MTC interface. From firmware 5.9.159 this can speak the required protocol instead of SUSI. Appropriate preconfigured sound files will gradually be made available on our website.

There is no mention of an adapter for diesels yet but that should not be long in coming.

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Model Train Stuff Announces Closure

From Mitch Horner of Trains | January 24, 2024

This announcement brings 111 years of operations to a close.

• M.B. Klein, also known as Model Train Stuff, has announced their closure after 111 years in operation. This announcement was released on their website as well as on their social media channels.

  
  Uncertainty has surrounded Model Train Stuff following the closure of Hattons Model Railways, a United Kingdom-based model railways manufacturer and distributor which owned Model Train Stuff. Today’s announcement is an update to said uncertainty.
  
  The announcement posted to Model Train Stuff’s website reads as follows:
  
  “Customer Notice: We regret to inform you that MB Klein Inc. (Model Train Stuff) has now ceased trading.
  
  Thank you for your custom and support over our incredible 111 years of continuous operation.
  
  Our customer service agents are available for a limited period to assist with any final queries.”
  
  Model Train Stuff has stated that they are unable to accept any returns, and recommends customers looking to make a return to contact their product’s manufacturer.
  
  Originally founded in 1913 as a hardware store known as M.B. Klein, the company evolved into a model train distributor operating out of Maryland. They were acquired by Hattons in September of 2023.
  
  The exact date of Hattons closure is not known yet, but an announcement is expected in the coming weeks. A customer FAQ page can be found here.
  
  

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