jterryc

A-TRACK Version 4.4.348 has now been released – and is still FREE ! · Works with all types of NCE system – connects automatically to any interfaced system · Runs under any version of Windows from Windows XP to Windows 11 on any PC · No need to be a computer expert · Helps you organise your roster of DCC-equipped locomotives on your railroad · Program and back-up all of your locomotive and accessory (turnout) decoders · Fully documented with an interactive Tutorial and the relevant Help page available at any time at the press of a key · Control all of your layout turnouts via a click on on-screen mimic diagrams with live display of turnout positions and block occupancy on the layout using NCE Auxiliary Input Units (AIUs) connected via the Cab Bus · Finds the best route (if available), involving fewest turnouts, between specified start, mid and end points, and lets you set that route with a single mouse-click This Release · Primarily a fix of major and minor bugs reported by users, together with support for the new version of the NCE USB Interface (used with Power Cab systems) · Editing of Mimic diagrams has been improved and speeded up - Mimics defined previously are automatically updated to include the new features whenever they are subsequently loaded · Mimic diagrams now allow you to include turnouts which are manually operated (rather than via a DCC decoder), provided the turnouts are fitted with an electrical switch to indicate their current position (via an AIU) to A-Track · Full support is now provided for the NCE Light-It and Illuminator lighting decoders used in Loco, Accessory, or Signal modes, including an Operate function with a graphical interface for signal aspect selection and setting of all LED brightness levels Please Note : To forestall the inevitable comments . . . A-Track is not trying to compete with JMRI Decoder Pro or Panel Pro software – it is simply available as an alternative for owners of NCE DCC systems with a Windows computer. As in all aspects of model railroading, there are lots of different ways of achieving the same results, using similar products from a range of sources. It only costs you a little time to try A-Track – and you might even like it! But, at the end of the day, like all other tools or techniques, your choice of computer software to assist in your model railroading activities is down to your own personal preferences. Further details from http://www.a-train-systems.co.uk/atrack, with download options described at http://www.a-train-systems.co.uk/getatrack Download your copy and give it a try !

Just spotted this topic so, as and when you can get hold of an NCE USB Interface, you might like to have a look at A-Track as an alternative to JMRI Decoder Pro. A-Track has been in development almost as long as Decoder Pro and is, (in my opinion, as the developer) somewhat easier to get to grips with - everything is fully documented and help on any aspect is available immediately as you are running the program - you don't have to be online to the Internet. A-Track runs under any version of Windows and will do everything you want to read your decoders, store everything as text files on your PC, and let you print it out fully formatted. Have a look at the website if you are interested.

A-Track is wholly my own development from its beginnings around 2004 up until now. Although I have quite a number of users in the UK, A-Track has mainly been aimed at the USA where there are the largest numbers of NCE users. A-Track interfaces to all varieties of NCE system and, although you can run your layout completely from the A-Track screen, it is intended mainly as an easier way to program your loco decoders compared to doing it one CV value at a time via your Power Cab, and provide a way of backing up all decoder and command station settings. The facilities available have been greatly expanded over time, particularly in handling accessory decoders, so that you can operate all turnouts (points) from the computer screen using a mimic diagram of your layout. Using block occupancy detectors you can also see the location of your locos and rolling stock on the mimic diagram. Everything is fully documented, and the page of the manual relevant to what you are currently doing with A-Track can be called up with a couple of clicks on the Help menu. Have a look at the documentation at https://www.a-train-systems.co.uk/download.htm for further details. Thanks for your interest.

A-Track runs on any Windows desktop or notebook to complement and expand the capabilities of your NCE Power Pro, Power Cab, Smart Booster or DCC Twin system, and to assist you in running your roster of locomotives. A-Track allows you to store full details of all of your locomotives and of any stationary (turnout) decoders, with their DCC configuration parameters, as well as all Command Station settings for all types of NCE system, in a readily-accessible format on a personal computer – but without requiring you to be any kind of computer expert. Continuous monitoring of locomotive allocation, speed, direction and main functions, and of turnout positions on the layout using NCE Auxiliary Input Units (AIUs) is available on-screen. It recently came to light that the A-Train Systems website e-mail facility had not been working reliably for at least the past year so that, during 2022, if you have tried to register as a user of A-Track, to send a Support Request or just use the Contact page, and have not received a response, please accept my apologies. A new, secure e-mail system has now been installed and is fully operational so that, if you are still interested in A-Track or, as a user, are having any problems with the software, please get in touch and I will be happy to provide prompt (and free) assistance or advice. If you haven't come across A-Track before, then have a look at the summary of features on the website at https://www.a-train-systems.co.uk/atrack, together with details of other DCC accessories. And . . . to forestall the inevitable comments . . . A-Track is not trying to compete with JMRI Decoder Pro or Panel Pro software – it is simply available as an alternative for owners of NCE DCC systems with a Windows computer. As in all aspects of model railroading, there are lots of different ways of achieving the same results, using similar products from a range of sources. It only costs you a little time to try A-Track – and you might even like it! But, at the end of the day, like all other tools or techniques, your choice of computer software to assist in your model railroading activities is down to your own personal preferences. A-Track_Your-DCC-Buddy_16.pdf