Closed mstevetodd closed 1 year ago
Pete suggested I add a switch to enable Track Manager settings. New WIP screenshot:
Couple of thoughts,
When creating DC tracks we're starting a new type of technology and a way of thinking. We have kicked around ideas of what to call these sections of track/blocks/districts. and how to identify them from A -H.
We thought it would be best to try and use a term 'District' to describe the section of track vs Block. Because we don't know how their current layout 'Block' is wired i.e. common ground or separate insulated tracks. So we don't want them thinking in terms of Analogue Blocks. They Must be Dual Insulated to operate TrackManager.
Second, When creating ROSTER for DC Cabs internal function keys don't operate and are labels only. So for Analogue engines I create only one F0 key labeled "DC" which shows on WiFi app throttles as DC. This helps distinguish Analog engines on a throttle from DCC engines.
I also use this for DCC Motor & Lights Only Engines and use the first two labels as "Light"/DCC") to distinguish it as a DCC motor only decoder but with a light function.
In a mixed DC & DCC environment it becomes very easy and clear to know what engine type I have loaded in the throttle.
Regarding the Set Track mode on the EX-Installer. Consider posting on the right side that it defaults to A MAIN and B PROG.
And if they are setting them to DC in the Installer will it default to no address i.e. blank0 or will they individually set the District/Track address here also?
Or will it just default to Track A DC 1 and Track B DC 2. ?
@Kcsmith0708 I updated the suggestion and screenshots in the issue description to match what my (WIP) EX-Installer changes are doing now. Similar to you, I set a single function label to blank (since ED shows (currently) its defaults if you have zero FKeys defined) I also replaced BLOCK with TRACK. TRACK A/B matches the output of the motor shield, I feel that DISTRICT gets us a bit too far into the "usage", which we can't control. The actual address is hardcoded to 1 or 2 to match the track, not a loco.
Problem/idea statement
With the Devel version, the software supports several options for each track output: MAIN, PROG, DC, DCX, Off, Booster It would be great if this was exposed to the user through the install wizard. If DC is selected, I'd also like to see a ROSTER() entry generated so the DC option shows clearly in throttle apps. Suggestion, when both are set to DC or DCX:
Alternatives or workarounds
Add this code to myAutomation.h manually, requiring the user to be a programmer and handle file naming, programming syntax, etc. Many devs underestimate how difficult it is for non-devs to get case, quoting, commas, parenthesis, etc. exactly correct.
Additional context
Here's what ED looks like with the DC options I used above.