Note: The links on the left side of this page and the other Model CT-3 pages will take you to detailed information about the new coffee table's design and construction.

“Train-Brain” software from CTI Electronics is used to control all aspects of the layout in Coffee Table #3. The software is configured on a Duo Processor T8300 2.4GHz Toshiba touch screen Tablet PC running Windows Vista. The Tablet communicates with the CTI hardware via CTI's USB Bridge.

User Interface

The CTI software allows the user to build dynamic interactive virtual control panels that display all of the layout functions including such things as train and trolley location, speed and direction; status of scenery lights and operating scenery, turnout direction, etc. On-screen controls give the user complete command of the layout at all times. Detailed information about the control panel will be added later.

Program Design Objectives

There are two primary objectives for the layout's controlling program:

The first objective is to provide the ability to run the layout either manually or automatically. For the CT-3 layout that involves implementing a manual mode of operation and a random program mode of operation. A third mode—fixed program mode—was considered; however there are no plans to implement it. In my opinion, a well-designed random program will be more interesting to watch than a fixed program that repeats the same sequence of instructions forever.
The second objective was to prevent accidental (or deliberate) train derailments. In particular, it must not be possible—in either mode of operation—to change the setting of a turnout while the train is passing over it, and it must not be possible to run the train over a turnout that is thrown the wrong way. It also must not be possible to rear-end train equipment that has accidentally uncoupled from the engine.

Program Overview

Software development is just beginning. The only program that is presently running is a simple program that routes one train randomly through the layout in the westbound direction with no station stops or speed variations. The present code also runs the trolley with fixed timing along the trolley track. The train and trolley are aware of each other, and the program includes code that prevents collisions at the crossover that is shared by the train and trolley.

Detailed information about the program code will be added later.

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