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Hawksey

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    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    Hi

    Development is moving ahead, a bit slow at the moment due to other work commitments, but it's getting there.

    Currently digitizing all the stations that have ever existed, all 8883 of them!...never realised there where so many closed stations. I'm sure 80% of them would never be used but

    it's probably quicker to include every one.

     

    I've also done the 2 tone chime so you can select if you want none, two or three chimes.

     

    Probably 2 to 3 weeks until a release if all goes well

    • Like 2
    • Craftsmanship/clever 1

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    10 hours ago, jamespetts said:

    Secondly, again, largely from memory, but also from fragments from the various Youtube videos, the actual pattern of words used in announcements changed over time. From the early 2000s or so, when announcements were automated, a standard pattern emerged (I am not entirely sure of how much regional variation that there has been in the last ~20 years) along the lines of:

     

    "The train now arriving at platform number / [platform no.] / is the / [departure time] / [operator] / service to / [destination] / calling at / [intermediate stops]; / platform / [platform no.] for the / [departure time] / service to / [destination]".

     

    The current version (probably to be renamed 'Train Announcement Generator 2000' when 'Train Announcement Generator BR' gets released) is based on the Atos Anne (2002-present) system.

    The BR version will mostly be based around the KeTech - John Elgar (1989-1996) system.

     

    Though it wont be 100% accurate, I am aiming for 100% atmosphere :)

     

    Loads of info here:

    Generic Station Announcements

     

     

    2 hours ago, Roy Langridge said:

    Probably teaching you to suck eggs, but have you considered pre-loading the sound file as the buttons are selected so that by the time you play the announcement it is all loaded?

     

    (Former software engineer in me coming out).

     

    The hours and mins (84 files) are already pre-loaded, everything else gets called from hard drive when needed. I did try pre-loading everything...worked ok on my 64gb ram pc but a 16gb laptop slowed to a crawl :unsure:

     

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    14 hours ago, Garry D100 said:

    Very interesting.

    Any plans to go down the app route for those of us without windows or mac os?

     

    Thanks

     

    I'm looking into doing a 'cut down' version for Android. Might be few months away by the time I learn the system and get it on the Google Play store.

    No plans for Apple Ios yet.

     

    13 hours ago, Opelsi said:

    As I mentioned previously (amongst a multitude of announcement phrase suggestions)  is it possible to include some kind of interface within the programme to facilitate the use of multiple speakers with interactive options for which ones can be triggered for given sounds. This would allow the announcements to be played in the station and for example, and signal box leaver sounds play elsewhere on the layout.

     

    Well, I had a think and a play...2 channels/outputs is easy, I would just use stereo audio with the effect just on one channel.

    Any more channels would need hardware in the form of a 5.1 (6 channels) or 7.1 (8 channels) surround sound card or usb unit. About £30-£80.

    I'd then have to find a way of directing the audio to the selected channel, announcements to the station, cows to the farm, bells to the church, etc. (that's the difficult bit!!)

    So, yes it's possible and I'll try and add it in a future release.

     

    21 hours ago, cravensdmufan said:

    Maybe try us with a few more just to be certain?

     

    These are the only 3 that sound realistic, the rest of the voices are very robotic.

    I'll generate a few more announcements just to check'

     

    Can anyone remember what kind of intro tune they had in the 70's/80's?? the bit that goes bing-bong on todays ones.

    Was it the same or more like a xylophone? 

    • Thanks 2

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    Hi

    The lag is due to file loading times...the faster your pc/hard drive the less lag you will get, but I will look into making the file size smaller and that should help.

    If enough users ask for platform 0 I'll add it but can't imagine many model railway layouts have a 0?

    The third icon takes you to a screen where you can load up to 10 previously saved announcements.

    Create your announcement on the main screen, hit the save icon (floppy disk next to play button), it can then be loaded in to any slot in the 'departure board' (load icon on left of screen) and played back (play icon on right of screen)

    The demo runs for 7 days after which you'll need to purchase an unlock key

    • Thanks 1

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    3 minutes ago, cravensdmufan said:

    Hi Phil,

     

    Downloaded and unzipped file OK but can't run the app.  Screen comes up "Windows protected your PC".  "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognised app from starting.  Running this app might put your PC at risk".

     

    This is all very strange because I have downloaded many apps before and  running .exe files and zip files have never been a problem.  Think the problem may possibly be at your end.

     

    Vivian

     

    Workaround: When the 'Windows protected your PC' window opens click on the 'More Info' link and then click Run Anyway button.

     

    I think it maybe the package install maker I have used not being trusted by an over cautious windows! 

    The files have been scanned by 9 antivirus programs and are clean.

    I'll look into using a different installer maker

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted · Edited by Hawksey

    11 hours ago, cravensdmufan said:

    Hi tried to download the TAG.Setup.exe,  but message comes up "blocked because it could harm your device".

     

    Hi

    That's probably the SmartScreen Filter on Microsoft Edge stopping you downloading .exe files. You could try a different browser (Chrome?) or try turning off the filter.

    I'll also  upload a zip version for you try. You'll need to 'un-zip' it before installing.

    • Thanks 1

    Train Departure Announcement Generator and Soundscape Software

    in Smaller Suppliers

    Posted

    I'm in the process of making a website for downloads and purchase. The 'Contemporary' version time limited demo can be downloaded from the link in the first post, and can be purchased

    direct from me at a special introductory price of just £20. Contact details are in the settings page of the software.

     

    It should run on a Mac in the windows emulator (Wine?) but I have yet to try that...I'll put it on the list of things to do!

    • Thanks 1

    1950-60’s East London – 00 in 4’x6’

    in Layout topics

    Posted · Edited by Hawksey

    Having a large surplus of set track and a few spare baseboards I’ve started putting together a layout just to see how much can be fitted into a space only slightly bigger than 4’x6’.

    The actual size is 2000x1200mm (6’7” x 3’11”)

    My plan is to include a high level Minories type terminus with a goods yard and turntable, out and back running, twin track continuous running, hidden storage siding(s) and ability to expand to one side into a docks area or fiddle yard.

    I’m hoping to depict a very cramped ex GER East London smoky urban feel full of deep brick lined cuttings, viaducts and industrial sidings.

     

    Lower and upper level track plans:

     

     

     

     

    Lower Plan.jpg

    Upper Plan.jpg

    • Like 3
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