Front End Software(Swing)

I used a Visual Basic program running on Win3.1 in the past. After discovering the javax.comm classes, I replaced it with a java/swing UI. I also switched to storing the configuration in an XML file. This allowed me to remove all customisation functions from the UI, at least for the time being.

Screen Design

Features

The program, in its current state, has the following features.

• Increase or decrease the speed of the loco by a single step. Only 14 speed steps are supported. The current speed is displayed.
• Stop the loco.
• Send out packets to the command station in my own format.

Future enhancements

Some features I intend to add as soon as possible are

• A separate UI for supporting service mode is in development.
• Emergency stop button.
• Support for accessory decoders.
• Support for functions like headlights on a loco.
• And the list goes on...

Updated on 15 Jan 2002. Feedback to